Kyle Scanlon (Photo: Laura Spaldin)
THE GUERRILLA ANGEL REPORT — Sadly, I have to report that Toronto trans leader Kyle Scanlon took his own life. There’s really no way to whitewash the news here. With suicide in the trans community being what it is, this is not unexpected nor will be the last time I’ll be writing about a high profile trans suicide.
Reporting suicide in the trans community is a double edged sword — nobody in the community wants to read about it, yet awareness of it is absolutely vital to reversing conditions. Most trans suicides already go unreported in trans media, never mind mainstream media, so when a high profile trans person takes his life, bringing it to everyone’s attention is the right thing to do.
Reports indicates Scanlon suffered long-term chronic depression. His friends described him as gifted and selfless. Scanlon worked on behalf of the trans community for 10 years at the 519 Church Street Community Centre.
Alaina Hardie, a freind of Scalon: “Kyle knew what needed to be done when it came to social justice, and he did it. . . .He didn’t seek accolades, and was happy to be either right on the front line or helping quietly in the background, with really no thought given to being recognised. He was selfless to an extent you rarely see. He just wanted to get the work done.”
More: Canada: Toronto trans community pays tribute to leader who killed himself – PinkNews.co.uk.
Kyle Scanlon (Photo: Laura Spaldin)
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Filed under: Transgender, Transsexual, Trans, 519 Church Street Community Centre, Alaina Hardie, depression, Kyle Scanlon, suicide, toronto
I have such a hard time understanding these tragedies.
Someone like this, clearly with other people that cared about him, sees no other option but to take his own life!?!?! How can we let these people know that they ARE loved, that they ARE part of a community and that there ARE options?????
Very sad.
I’ve been there. Tried. Still think of it too often. We lose great leaders. We burn them out and toss them aside.
And… what Debby said.
Sending love and light to his family of blood and his family of heart.
Sometimes it doesn’t matter how surrounded you are by love and respect etc. Sometimes it just can’t get in. I know of many places and people to which Kyle could have turned, but it just wasn’t going to happen. I know because I was one of them. He’s left a hole in many hearts.
Love prayer and blessings to all impacted by this very sad situation. So much love to all of the people out there feeling a lack of options, alone or isolated, please know that the world is a better place with you in it. Kyle Scanlon will be missed. Thank you Kyle for all that you did to make this world a better place.
Kyle was the best. I miss you Kyle. R.I.P
Hello ! this article is very well written. God Bless you and rest in peace Kyle Scanlon. Prayers and positive healing thoughts go out to the trans community and all who knew and loved Kyle.
Thank you.
Peace and Love, my friend
Thank you for writing this article. By reporting Kyle’s death you are in fact continuing his work by getting the facts out there for everyone to acknowledge. I agree with Janet K. Sometimes there are no answers for those of us left behind…only questions. Kyle was a long-time close friend whom I’ll miss so very much. RIP
Thank you!
I thank you for reporting this. I knew this gentleman personally from having met him at the 519. It is very important that trans people talk about the issue of suicide more often and more openly. We already know too well what happens when we do not.
[...] Last July we were reminded again suicide can happen to the best of us when prominent Canadian trans activist Kyle Scanlon took his life. http://lexiecannes.wordpress.com/2012/07/12/toronto-canada-trans-community-leader-kyle-scanlon-dies/… [...]
[...] Last July we were reminded again suicide can happen to the best of us when prominent Canadian trans activist Kyle Scanlon took his life. http://lexiecannes.wordpress.com/2012/07/12/toronto-canada-trans-community-leader-kyle-scanlon-dies/… [...]