Note: If you or any of your loved ones are struggling with suicidal thoughts, you can always reach out to the 988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline by calling 988. They are available 24/7 by phone or online chat.
Senator Karen Berg lost her trans son to suicide just two months ago, on December 16, 2022. He was 24. Now she's begging others to listen as she works to advocate for trans rights and hopefully prevent the needless deaths of other trans children, like her own.
According to Today, Berg said on the Kentucky state Senate floor, "These are children with self-feelings that require ongoing protection and promotion. If you don’t recognize them, these are the children that have trouble fitting in — the ones who are just a little different than their peers, the ones who historically we have allowed to be bullied."
In an interview with Today, Berg shared why she decided to speak out, even though she was aware the anti-trans bill would pass.
"My child is dead, but I have parents from all over the Commonwealth and literally all over the country coming up to me, writing to me, calling me — look, these children exist. These children have all always existed. They're just asking for a space to be. If I can't use my own life learnings to protect other people, then what am I doing here? What's my purpose?"
She added, "I cannot bring my child back. But I can help other families. I can."
Watch her speech:
