Something We Forgot.

Leehlah Alcorn, do you know that name? That is a name that I am sure that most of the US, and the world are very familiar with. If, you don't know the story of Leehlah Alcorn. I'd say you've been living under a rock. Otherwise, I'm about to give you a downer ending with an opinion that isn't too popular. I want to say it, because I'm let down by both society and my community.

Leehlah Alcorn roughly about a Month ago: Committed suicide. Yeah, remember growing up and you where told:

"Committing Suicide is a cowards way out."

If you are Trans*, and throw yourself out in front of traffic. You get your picture plastered on the news, and made into a martyr. That's the message we've been given.

Why do you get made into a Martyr? Only, because it was asked. Seriously, read the suicide note. She literally asked that we do just this.

My retort is this: I live in Cincinnati, and I literally am watching my community gather around a dead trans* white girl. When we have had worse issues with being Trans* here. I've personally be harassed by a group of people before in Walnut Hills. It's terrifying!

Have you heard of Tiffany Edwards? Probably not. She wasn't youth, and she wasn't white. Tiffany Edwards was an amazing Trans* woman of colour. Who despite what the world thought of her, wanted to live and be trans*. If you are black, trans*, and get your life taken from you. You don't get made into what Leehlah Alcorn is: A martyr.

Also, the people who are throwing this in our faces. They are quite possibly the worse trans* activist I'd have touch such an issue. The leader of this vigil, decided the day before the vigil to create a group on Facebook. She left it open, and proceeded to add almost every trans* individual in Cincinnati. I was lucky enough to be spared by this outing. A few of my friends; Not so. We have learned about a few trans* people who are stealth. Yet, now they are not. We haven't had an apology about this action. Nor do I think such a novice at trans* activism would admit a wrong doing.

The vigil was far from friendly or a safe space. We couldn't even mourn our dead in peace. We where invited to hear "Iris" by GooGoo Dolls for our opening of ceremonies...

So, let's both understand this is a cliché. As well as, you brought people to a memorial over suicide to hear you butcher a song about Suicide. Why didn't they just open up with "Diamond Smiles" by The Boomtown Rats? It leaves the guesswork out of what the song is about.

"She went up the stairs. Stood upon her vanity chair. Tied her lament belt around the chandelier, and went out kicking in the perfumed air."

I wonder how many Trans* people realised the amount of cameras in this space? We are one of the most revered communities in the world. Yet, we are just going to place not only trans* youth under the age of 18 in front of cameras; almost every trans* individual in the city of Cincinnati. Visibility is one thing, but when you mourn the dead. It should be together in solace. Not made to be a national event.

This "Affirmation Ritual" that took place. Which was led by a Trans* pastor. Not that I am against a Trans* pastor. Being someone who has a bad history with religion. As many Trans* people do. She made us participate. Literally told us: "If you don't talk. I'll keep on talking." Excuse me, but you forced us into a religious ceremony? How dare you muddle my beliefs!

The truest victims in all of this are the friends of Leehlah. Whom are being exploited. Only, they are so young they do not understand what they are into. Another victim: The driver of the truck that hit Leehlah has to live with what happened.

The main point of my debacle is this: How many trans* youth and trans* folks die yearly?

Large numbers around the world.

Furthermore, how many struggles do my brother's and sister's face daily?

Hate crimes against LGBTQPIA members are high, but majority of these are trans* hate crimes. Further: majority of Trans* hate crimes are against female identifying folks. Yet, a white trans* youth who throws themselves in front of a truck. Gets way more attention.

I do mourn her as well. She is a life that shouldn't have been lost. Yet, our respect for such a loss is little from kosher. I'm dreading the impact made by the people spearheading the initiative, because their lack of ability to address key issues. I'm sad to call myself part of the Trans* community in Cincinnati.

On a final note: what has happened because of her death is good. National debates are being held on trans* rights. This is major. What does suck? The way she is portrayed. It's not kosher.