Ash Haffner died last Thursday in a similar way to Leelah Alcorn. His Mum struggled to use the preferred pronoun.
http://www.gaystarnews.com/article/transgender-boy-16-commits-suicide-after-years-bullying020315
He left a message
http://www.gaystarnews.com/article/transgender-boy-16-commits-suicide-after-years-bullying020315
He left a message
Please be WHO YOU ARE... Do it for yourself. Do it for your happiness. That's what matters in YOUR life. You don't need approval on who you are. Don't let people or society change who you are just because they're not satisfied with your image
What was interesting also were the comments which followed this sad announcement. Many had empathy with his Mum. They also knew how hard it was to come to terms with this change in their child. This struggle is nothing compared to the turmoil and anguish felt by Ash; however, it is society that needs to change. WE need to understand that this isn't a choice, this is their life. We need to come to terms with this and affirm them, accept them. It what parents do best, it's what society needs to do.