Today at Camp Wild Heart, we’re going to talk about everyone’s favorite topic: suicide.

Naturally, this is not a conversation that is super common which is why we feel it’s even more essential to talk about, especially as it relates to—and impacts—trans people.

The reality is that no one is protected from it—people of all walks of life and of all genders experience suicidal thoughts. However, trans people seem to be more vulnerable to it—not because of their transgender identity but because of being marginalized and oppressed in society. They are rejected by people who are supposed to love them unconditionally. That kind of emotional experience leads one to feeling like life isn’t worth living.

Since transness isn't the root of suicidal ideation, but rather it's more about the way that trans people are treated in our society, this episode is going to focus more on what it means and looks like to be suicidal as opposed to being a trans person who's suicidal.

Instead of talking to a parent as we typically do, in this episode, I’m having an extended conversation with Jess. Jess always wanted to be a boy scout and comes prepared as a guest camp counselor here to journey through all of the adventures and self discovery at Camp Wild Heart.

Though afraid of the dark, Jess is not afraid to go to dark places with young people and their families to find some hope and reason for staying alive. When not at Camp Wild Heart, they utilized their training in social work and nerdy gender studies degree to help gender diverse youth and adults navigate and explore their identities and identify ways to feel affirmed.

Jess also brings their fierce and tender heart into parenting their two year old and loving on the various members of their relationship constellation. They come to Camp Wild Heart with almost 10 years of experience working with youth and families.

Check out the full episode to hear about:

• Jess’ experience with depression and chronic suicidal thoughts—and how that influences their work
• How Jess can intuitively know if someone is more at risk of suicidal ideation
• What parents can be on the lookout for in their kids and how to parse out if something is due to teenage angst or something deeper
• Why getting curious is key to supporting and affirming trans kids

Find out more about Mackenzie Dunham:

• wildheartsociety.org
• Wild Heart Society on Facebook
• Wild Heart Society on Instagram

Additional resources:

• Trans Lifeline 877-565-8860
• The Trevor Project 866-488-7386
• Affirmative Therapy for Transgender Communities
• PFLAG
• The Atlantic: Suicide Memes Might Actually Be Therapeutic