Transgender’s Suicide Note: “My Death Needs To Mean Something” — Does It?

Let's get right to the point -- this is a tragedy.

Every part of it.

I read Leelah's (formerly Josh) note and I totally get every word of it -- except when she says "My death needs to mean something."

No.  Your LIFE needs to mean something.

I'm not going to get into the 'suicide is selfish' or 'it's the easy way out' debate.  But, in my opinion, the worst part of this tragedy is that the product that Leelah hoped for in death will be so much less meaningful than it would have been if she had seen it out in life.

I'm really heartbroken by this whole situation.  It takes me back to a note that I read from a mother's perspective after her gay son, whom she and his father had basically disowned, had died, indirectly as a result of their religious-based non-approval.

All that mother wanted was for her gay son to be alive.

Maybe Leelah's death will have the same impact on her parents.  But that doesn't fix the world.

Or maybe it could.

RIP Leelah

If you or a young person you know is LGBT and thinking about suicide, please call The Trevor Lifeline at 1-866-488-7386, or the Trans Lifeline at 1-877-565-8860. For adults over 24, call the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline at 1-800-273-8255.

Also Read: ‘If I Have Gay Children’ — This Pastor’s Post Brought Tears to My Eyes