Blake’s Blessing

Blake Brockington blessed us.

In the face of bigotry, transphobia, racism and ignorance, Blake blessed us by standing for the right to be fully human.

When Blake was crowned the first transgender homecoming king at his Charlotte, North Carolina high school, Blake blessed us with hope that the world was changing, becoming more accepting and more loving.

Now we know the cost.

At the age of 18 Blake is dead. Early reports say he died Monday from suicide.

But some say he died from hate.

You see, even though Blake blessed us with his free spirit, and advocated for others to be free, some in return cursed him.

The Internet exploded in the aftermath of his new title as homecoming king.

Hate poured in, like the worst oil spill in history, gushing toxins into the ocean of Mother Earth.

Blake said, “Really hateful things were said on the Internet. It was hard. I saw how narrow-minded the world really is.”

Blake blessed us by being open-minded and using his Internet visibility to be an advocate.

Where did hate get its killing power so as to overcome the life force of such an inspiring 18 year old?

Is there anything more insidious in this world than hate?

How could we allow such a lethal societal attitude to destroy such a blessed child of God?

What can we do to help prevent suicide among trans teens, especially those of color, who are among the highest percentage of suicide victims?

These are the questions that Christians must carry with the cross into Good Friday.

If you are a trans or gender-nonconforming person considering suicide, Trans Lifeline can be reached at 877-565-8860. LGBT youth (ages 24 and younger) can reach the Trevor Project Lifeline at 1-866-488-7386.

The National Suicide Prevention Lifeline at 1-800-273-8255 can also be reached 24 hours a day by people of all ages and identities.