On Dec. 28, 2014, 17-year-old transgender teen Leelah Alcorn stepped in front of a semi-trailer, dying instantly. On Feb. 15, 15-year-old transgender teen Zander Mahaffey took his own life as well. Both teens posted very similar suicide notes on their Tumblr blogs before committing the act. Leelah and Zander both claimed their parents were non-supportive and abusive in regards to their gender. Since their unfortunate passing, the hashtags #HerNameWasLeelah and #HisNameWasZander have trended on social media, alongside suicide hotline numbers in efforts to prevent further deaths.
However, these two deaths are no shock to the transgender community. Suicide is very common in transgender individuals due to society's look on trans people. If you don't know or are unsure of someone's preferred gender, politely ask what pronouns they prefer. Avoid backhanded compliments, such as, "You look just like a real man/woman!" or, "I would've never guessed you're trans, you're so pretty/handsome!" Also, under no circumstance, no matter how curious you are, ask about a trans person's genitals or how they have sex. Trans people are real people with real feelings and emotions, so think before you speak, as it may be unintentionally hurtful.
- Kat Van Nort
However, these two deaths are no shock to the transgender community. Suicide is very common in transgender individuals due to society's look on trans people. If you don't know or are unsure of someone's preferred gender, politely ask what pronouns they prefer. Avoid backhanded compliments, such as, "You look just like a real man/woman!" or, "I would've never guessed you're trans, you're so pretty/handsome!" Also, under no circumstance, no matter how curious you are, ask about a trans person's genitals or how they have sex. Trans people are real people with real feelings and emotions, so think before you speak, as it may be unintentionally hurtful.
- Kat Van Nort