Transgender boy, 16, commits suicide after years of bullying

[KamaAina]

http://www.gaystarnews.com/article/transgender-boy-16-commits-suicide-after-years-bullying020315

A 16-year-old transgender boy from North Carolina has taken his life after enduring years of bullying.

Ash Haffner stepped into oncoming traffic near his home in Indian Trail on Thursday (26 February) night.

His mother, April Quick, found the body. She said the suicide was a result of years of bullying, which became worse when he decided to transition and asked to be referred to as 'he.'

Quick said she supported her son's decision but continued to use the pronoun 'she.'

[Mike Nelson]

1. So sad...

...I thought there was progress in accepting all gender Ids. As long as our children act like this, there is much progress yet to be made.

[RKP5637]

2. Another one for the disgusting haters in this country to pin on their label. The wrong

people are dying!!!

[HappyMe]

3. That's very sad.

Why the hell can't people just live and let live.

Mom didn't sound like she was helping much by using "she" instead of "he".

[bluesbassman]

4. Breaks my heart that years of bullying led to the end of this child's life.

Just for trying to live true to himself. RIP ash.

[Jefferson23]

5. Haffner also left a note on his iPad that read:

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.'

A memorial was held Friday night outside Porter Ridge High School, where Haffner was a student.

He is the fourth transgender teen to commit suicide in the US this year.

Zander Mahaffey, a 15-year-old trans boy from Georgia, and Maryland trans girl Melonie Rose, 19, also took their lives last month.

[Dont call me Shirley]

6. Ash...

[One_Life_To_Give]

7. While tragic

While tragic years back their suicides (particularly the reason for it) was covered up. Atleast today as sad as it is, people are becoming aware of how deep the pain is for such people. Hopefully it won't be long till I no longer will find/hear a childs last words were; I can't control how I must live, but can atleast control how I die.

[seveneyes]

8. "stepped into oncoming traffic near his home"

The person that was forced to cause death with their vehicle is also a victim. Trauma should never be forced on any innocent persons.

[Downwinder]

9. Until assisted suicide is allowed people will be forced into assisting.

If assistance is allowed, it provides an opportunity for intervention.

[KamaAina]

12. Excuse me?

No one I know of is advocating assisted suicide except for terminally ill patients. Being transgender (bodily dysphoria) is hardly terminal.

[damnedifIknow]

10. What a boring and miserable existence if everyone were the same

[NuclearDem]

11. RIP Ash.