As many of you observed Transgender Day of Remembrance yesterday, you may have noticed that among those who were mourned was a child.Ashlynn Conner, a 10 year-old from Ridge Farm, Illinios, took her own life on Friday, November 11th. Ashlynn had been experiencing teasing and bullying for two years, being called "pretty boy" (after cutting her hair short), "slut," "ugly," and "fat." When she went to teachers for help, they told her stop tattling.
This is scary, disturbing, angering, saddening, and much more. Let us not forget that gender-violence and harassment affects children deeply.
I am at a loss of words of wisdom or comfort. I am hoping that by reminding those of us who work and play with children to remain caring and compassionate, that a little bit of the culture that supports harassment, bullying and violence will be weakened.
In solidarity.
