Highway sign erected to commemorate trans teen Leelah Alcorn
The sign marks the site where the trans teen died by suicide.
17-year-old Leelah posted a heartbreaking suicide note on Tumblr, citing her parent’s refusal to accept her trans status.
She also called for better education and awareness, before taking her own life by stepping in front of a truck.
Her death also sparked a huge debate regarding conversion therapy – which she had been subjected to in the past.
Leelah’s parents subsequently objected to using her female name on her headstone, and had her suicide note removed from Tumblr.
The venue for the teen’s funeral was changed at last minute, as the Northeast Church of Christ in Cincinnati cited “threats” against the Alcorn family.
Her friends were also banned from the event – Abby Jones said she was told by Carla and Don Alcorn not to attend the service because she shared photos of her friend following her death.
However, her many supporters have joined forces with the state’s Adopt-a-Highway program to commemorate the teen.
The sign reads ‘In memory of Leelah Alcorn’ along the highway where her body was found.
The sign was placed in time for International Transgender Day of Remembrance – which this year was dedicated the 217 members of the trans community who have lost their lives in the past year.
The group said they had placed the sign with the hope of “bringing to light the issues faced by transgender people and so that these tragedies can be brought to an end.”
“We are keeping her memory alive by adopting and maintaining the stretch of highway where she lost her life,” the Facebook page for the sign says.
Others who have commemorated Leelah following her death include Transparent writer Jill Soloway – who dedicated the show’s Golden Globe win to the teen.
“This award is dedicated to Leelah Alcorn and transgender people who died too young.”
“This award is dedicated to the memory of Leelah Alcorn … And I just want to thank you for coming out,” Soloway continued.
“Maybe we’ll teach the world something about authenticity, and truth, and love…. to love.”
