Written by Laura, photograph courtesy of Juley Le
Leelah Alcorn was a transgender teenager who committed suicide on December 29th, 2014. She experienced a complete lack of support about her gender identity her entire life. In her suicide note, she asked for change.
The Leelah Project is taking note of her request. The project is an organisation by trans people, for trans people. Their about page gives a clear idea of their mission, which is to give to those in need. The Leelah Project asks for “unwanted clothes, unused make-up, accessories, toiletries, and other miscellaneous items” for trans people that cannot get access to them or cannot afford them.
Since I’m really into the New Year and starting fresh, I was doing a closet sweep anyway when I heard about this project. I have a bunch of clothes that have been sitting at the back of my closet, neglected, so what could I do that is possibly better than helping out other girls in need? I also asked my step-sister to give me any clothes she no longer wanted so we could box them up and ship them off.
A lot of people in my area take their unwanted clothes to the Salvation Army, which unfortunately is known to be anti-LGBTQA. So instead, here’s a wonderful alternative! I am giving away a few things and encouraging my friends to do so as well, and you should too! Spread the word. Your old clothes may become an article of self-expression for someone else who really needs them.
You can mail your clothes, accessories or makeup to the Leelah Project’s mailing address: 985 Kendall Dr. Ste. A - 234, San Bernardino, CA 92407. If you don’t have any clothes to give away, but want to help otherwise, the Leelah Project also accepts monetary donations and has an Amazon Wishlist. The Leelah Project has grown significantly in a short time, and has raised 12,957 USD, but it needs donations to continue to do its wonderful work. Help out in anyway that you can.