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Leelah Alcorn’s parents banned her best friend from her funeral

Jan 14 2015
Written by Joseph McCormick

The best friend of trans teen Leelah Alcorn who killed herself last month, has spoken out to say she was banned from attending the funeral.

17-year-old Alcorn from Ohio posted a heartbrekaing suicide note on Tumblr, citing her parent’s refusal to accept her trans status, and calling for better education and awareness, before taking her own life by stepping in front of a truck.

Despite the death, her mother Carla Alcorn continued to refuse to use female pronouns, saying: “We don’t support that”.

According to Abby Jones, who posted the images of Alcorn which went viral after her suicide, said she was banned from attending the 2 January funeral by Alcorn’s Christian parents.

Jones said she was banned by Carla and Don Alcorn from attending the service because she shared the photo.

“Her mom called and blamed [Abby] for everything that got posted online, even though Leelah’s page was public,” Jones’ mother, Danielle Pieper-Jones, told the Daily Mail.

“My daughter just wanted to say goodbye to her best friend. They did not allow her to go to the funeral… had no right to call and harass my daughter.”

The venue for Alcorn’s funeral was changed at last minute, as the Northeast Church of Christ in Cincinnati cited “threats” against the Alcorn family.

Amazon’s ‘Transparent’ won Best Television Series at the Golden Globes at the weekend, and the show’s writer took to the stage to dedicate the honour to Alcorn.

Soloway said: “This award is dedicated to Leelah Alcorn and transgender people who died too young.”

“This award is dedicated to the memory of Leelah Alcorn … And I just want to thank you for coming out,” Soloway continued.

“Maybe we’ll teach the world something about authenticity, and truth, and love…. to love.”