Trans Teen Suicide Petitions

In the suicide note she left on Tumblr, trans* teen Leelah Alcorn said she wanted her death to "mean something." Though it should never take the tragic death of a 17-year-old to make people sit up and notice, her suicide has stirred many into action on social media to raise awareness about problems facing young trans* people.

At press time, 55,000 people had signed a Change.org petition to use Leelah's chosen name on her headstone instead of her birth name, Joshua. Created by fellow Ohio resident Stacy Syphax, the petition addresses Alcorn's mother, Carla L. Alcorn and asks to "have the correct name of Leelah Alcorn placed on her headstone in true remembrance."

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Alcorn's Tumblr note, which was auto-published after she walked in front of an oncoming truck three miles from her home in Kings Mill, Ohio, recounts how her parents reacted when she came out as trans*. They took her to Christian therapists, removed her from school, and cut her off from her friends. This has led to another group, called Justice for Leelah, to post a petition (with 139,000 signatures and counting) asking President Obama and congress to enact a law banning so-called "Conversion Therapy." They're also calling for donations in Leelah's name to the Transgender Human Rights Institute.

Meanwhile, Leelah's death has inspired an "It Gets Better"-style hashtag on Twitter, #RealLifeTransAdult, in which members of the trans* community have been sharing stories of their struggles and triumphs. Click ahead to see some examples. Here's hoping other struggling teens find hope amid the sadness.

If you're a trans teen and you can't imagine your life going forward, I'm 31 years old and I work in a bookstore. I'm a #RealLiveTransAdult
— Red Durkin (@RedIsDead) December 30, 2014

Your average trans father of three, starting this year grateful for my life, my family and the beautiful folks tweeting #RealLiveTransAdult
— Ben Doyle (@notburt) January 1, 2015

Since my New Yrs resolution is to better embrace my Gender Identity, I'll come out about it now. I'm a #RealLiveTransAdult. There. I said it
— Iris Flowers (@Discerning_I) January 1, 2015

I'm a comedian living openly and honestly. But more important than that, I'm happy for the first time in years. #RealLiveTransAdult
— Jaye McBride (@jayemcbride) January 1, 2015

27 years old, punlished comic book writer, editor at Planet Transgender. Finally finding happiness. Surviving. xx #RealLiveTransAdult
— Amy Walker (@Amazing_Amy_W) January 1, 2015

Any trans* teen is welcome to contact me. I've survived and been through it all. Here to listen if needed. #RealLiveTransAdult
— Marcy Cook (@marcyjcook) December 30, 2014

When I came out 12 yrs ago, no idea if I'd make it, let alone make it in sports. Now I'm happily married & work at ESPN. #RealLiveTransAdult
— Christina Kahrl (@ChristinaKahrl) December 30, 2014

I'm a #RealLiveTransAdult, 26, PoC, disabled, just married, a writer. You don't have to be able or white to be happy while trans.
— Lev Mirov (@thelionmachine) December 30, 2014

Trans life may seem impossible, but I’m 31, a software engineer at Tumblr, a marathon runner, married, and totally a #RealLiveTransAdult
— Amelia Gapin (@EntirelyAmelia) December 30, 2014

I was a lonely kid, but now I'm a #RealLiveTransAdult w/ amazing trans friends who love me even when I don't love me. We're waiting for you.
— Riley MacLeod (@rcmacleod) December 30, 2014

I am a #RealLiveTransAdult and here is my story. http://t.co/GdzxRvqyxj
— 鍾紹琪 (Cecilia Chung) (@cecilia_c_chung) January 1, 2015

Everyone here is a #RealLiveTransAdult. Last night we celebrated our survival, together @LauraJaneGrace @angelicaross pic.twitter.com/8N9Va8ioPh
— Jen Richards (@SmartAssJen) January 1, 2015

“I pledge allegiance to the flag of the United States of America…,” the crowd recites — the last step of an often complicated and long journey. The

Growing up in the South Bronx, Claudia De la Cruz had a lot of questions. The daughter of working-class immigrants from the Dominican Republic — her fath

“You looked like you were drowning in the whiteness, girl.” This astute observation came from my new co-worker, a fellow Black girl, who I had only kno

Thousands Petition To Put Trans* Teen Leelah Alcorn’s Chosen Name On Headstone

Thousands Petition To Put Trans* Teen Leelah Alcorn’s Chosen Name On Headstone

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