Suicide ends transgender lives too
Feministing
19 November 2009


http://www.feministing.com/archives/018985.html


The focus of Transgender Day of Remembrance is on those killed by others because of anti-trans fear and hatred. However, it is worth noting that too many trans folks lose their lives to suicide as well. The number of trans folks who have attempted suicide ranges from about 30 percent to over 50 percent in studies. One study found that 83 percent of trans folks have considered suicide. According to another study:

    the risk factors associated with attempted suicide among transgender people were younger age (under 25), depression or a history of substance abuse, forced sex, and gender-based victimization and discrimination (Clements-Nolle, Marx, & Katz, 2006).

For the vigil / memorial in Toronto, the calling of names of the victims, was followed with the calling out of names, by survivors, of those in our community who had taken their own lives.... there were so many.. and each voice calling out was the announcement of yet another loss to our community.... to each of their friends, families, loved ones.    It is so hard to hear of our peers taking their own lives,  and it is really difficult to comprehend what we go through in our daily lives, to be who we are.... reach out, find your support, use your support... please.