Several gather in downtown Evansville to remember transgender teen who committed suicide

EVANSVILLE, IN (WFIE) - You have probably seen the story about Leelah Alcorn on social media. The 17-year-old, born a male, was transgender and committed suicide in December.

She left behind a note saying, 'My death needs to mean something.'

Several gathered in downtown Evansville Tuesday evening to remember Leelah and raise awareness of the struggle these teens go through.

One of them, Alex Kessler, who is a transgender resident of Evansville, shared his story. He told others there are options for help.

He also stressed that the community needs to be aware that it plays a large role in helping gay, bi, and transgender youth "fit in" to society.

"A lot of them can't be themselves," he said. "It took me a longtime to realize that. They repress it, they're scared to come out, and they don't have support. Support is huge. If you don't have that support, then you kind of feel along and the more you feel alone the more depression and all of that stuff sets in and then people do, they feel like there's no way out and they commit suicide."

Leelah's note ended with, 'Fix society, please.'

Those in attendance Tuesday night vowed to help do just that.

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