There's still more, I'm sure. On one level it would be appropriate for the family to be left alone in this genuinely tragic situation. On another, though, given what a national drama this became, it would be appropriate for an investigative reporter to dig properly into the story. (E.g., how did the activists latch on to it?)
I attempted suicide when I was 17, and these stories always get to me. The way the media presents the suicides of LGBT/gender non-conforming youth does a lot of damage to kids at risk for suicide by inaccurately conflating identity with suicide risk. I think it makes us look at identity before assessing any of the symptoms or risk factors, and a lot of at-risk kids will get missed. It also puts us at risk of pathologizing otherwise healthy kids who are just trying on identity characteristics (or just different styles of clothing) as a form of self-exploration.
My suicide attempt was not at all identity-based (and you can make an argument that no suicide is directly related to personal identity characteristics.) But I think if my attempt had happened now, instead of over a decade ago, a lot of my symptoms would have gone unnoticed, or my parents would have struggled to get me appropriate care, because I didn't fall under the LGBTQ umbrella.
Thank you. I get very frustrated with supposedly competent journalists writing poor copy. Journalists are supposed to research and vet information, not just throw unsubstantiated claims out there. It gives ammunition to others.
This article is really dismissive of the fact that queer people ARE in constant danger from violent bigots, especially in hard red states like Oklahoma. While I am all for honest journalism and real news, this kind of feels like victim blaming to me. How could constant bullying and villanization by political leaders in their home state NOT be a contributing factor to their suicide?
It might be, but much of the initial reporting appears to have jumped to conclusions instead of getting facts from all sides. Facts that are quite pertinent.
Thank you for attempting to get at the truth of this tragic story which has been so misrepresented in the media.
Thanks. I knew there was way more to the story and have just been waiting for more information.
There's still more, I'm sure. On one level it would be appropriate for the family to be left alone in this genuinely tragic situation. On another, though, given what a national drama this became, it would be appropriate for an investigative reporter to dig properly into the story. (E.g., how did the activists latch on to it?)
That's one of the most tragic elements of the story: The family's voice has absolutely been crushed under the entire media circus.
I attempted suicide when I was 17, and these stories always get to me. The way the media presents the suicides of LGBT/gender non-conforming youth does a lot of damage to kids at risk for suicide by inaccurately conflating identity with suicide risk. I think it makes us look at identity before assessing any of the symptoms or risk factors, and a lot of at-risk kids will get missed. It also puts us at risk of pathologizing otherwise healthy kids who are just trying on identity characteristics (or just different styles of clothing) as a form of self-exploration.
My suicide attempt was not at all identity-based (and you can make an argument that no suicide is directly related to personal identity characteristics.) But I think if my attempt had happened now, instead of over a decade ago, a lot of my symptoms would have gone unnoticed, or my parents would have struggled to get me appropriate care, because I didn't fall under the LGBTQ umbrella.
So sorry, Kathleen! glad you're okay!
16 years ago. I'm glad I'm here.
As a parent of two teens I really appreciate all this indepth investigations.
Thank you. I get very frustrated with supposedly competent journalists writing poor copy. Journalists are supposed to research and vet information, not just throw unsubstantiated claims out there. It gives ammunition to others.
This article is really dismissive of the fact that queer people ARE in constant danger from violent bigots, especially in hard red states like Oklahoma. While I am all for honest journalism and real news, this kind of feels like victim blaming to me. How could constant bullying and villanization by political leaders in their home state NOT be a contributing factor to their suicide?
It might be, but much of the initial reporting appears to have jumped to conclusions instead of getting facts from all sides. Facts that are quite pertinent.