Hi. It's still not Ivan, but I'd like to make a post anyway. It's a bit more serious than usual. I've seen nobody in the LIOMOQAI communities talking about it, and I'd like to bring attention to it.
Today, a popular trans and disabled user on tumblr—@transfaguette (AKA Ansel), to be specific—was found dead. He killed himself back in May. This isn't an allegation; it was stated on his blog (link). From what I've gathered, he killed himself mainly due to the cruelty of capitalism (link) and not having enough support or resources.
I am upset. Not at him, of course. I respect his decision. No, I am upset with the world. I am upset that another trans and disabled person is dead. Most of all, I am upset that he had to turn to suicide in the first place, because it didn't have to be that way. Regardless, someone in the trans community is dead. Someone in the disabled community is dead.
Us trans people, we keep dying. Us disabled people, we keep dying. I am mad that the world can drive us to this. More than that, though, I'm sorry we have to go through this. I'm so sorry that this feels like the only way people can find peace. I am also sorry that the world is so cruel that we keep disappearing or being murdered.
Don't forget him. Don't forget him, or any of the countless trans and disabled people who are killing themselves, going missing, or being murdered.
Ansel's sister has listed the numbers of the Suicide Hotline and Trevor Lifeline in her post (link); I would like to further add anti-carceral hotlines (link) for those who can't afford the police being called on them. If someone you know is struggling, please offer a shoulder, too.
Rest in peace, Ansel. Rest in peace as well to all of the other trans and/or disabled people who are struggling, dying, or going missing. You shouldn't have to suffer this way. I hope you find peace. I hope we find peace.