Hundreds gather at vigil after Ohio transgender teen's death

Cincinnati (AP) — Hundreds of people have gathered in the memory of a 17-year-old transgender girl following her apparent suicide in southwest Ohio.

Leelah Alcorn was struck and killed by a truck while on foot on Interstate 71 the morning of Dec. 28. Ohio authorities are still investigating.

A post on Tumblr attributed to Alcorn mentioned plans for suicide, and expressed despair and pessimism. Accounts of the death have prompted appeals from activists for more understanding and acceptance of young people who convey that they are transgender.

WLWT-TV reports hundreds of supporters held a candlelight vigil Saturday evening at Kings High School in suburban Cincinnati, which Alcorn had attended.

Another vigil was scheduled Sunday in Toledo, with vigils also planned in Cincinnati and Dayton later this month.

___

Information from: WLWT-TV, Cincinnati, OH.

Copyright 2015 The Associated Press. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed.

The Gayly – January 4, 2015 @ 1pm