“To Leelah and my fellow trans youth who have to and had to deal with abusive and or unsupportive family: I won’t tell you that it gets better, because I would be lying. Things do change, however – as time goes on, you have more opportunities to make a supporting family, to transition, to build a community.
The self-hate that we’re taught doesn’t just go away, but as you go through life and actively fight back against those voices, they occur less frequently. Leelah, I’m sorry that you didn’t and will never get the chance to watch things change. Your name will not be forgotten.”
Read the full letter at cincinnati.com
Resources for youth:
The Trevor Project – Provides 24/7, judgment-free, support services by trained counselors for youth in crisis. The Trevor Lifeline: (866) 488-7386
GSA Network – A national organization with an active presence in the bay area, that works to empower youth activists to fight homophobia and transphobia in schools. They hold annual conferences, activist camps, sponsor Queer Youth Advocacy Day, and have created many resources for students and GSA’s.
Gender Spectrum – Gender Spectrum provides education, training and support to help create a gender sensitive and inclusive environment for children of all ages.