Todd Ransom took his own life on July 19th, 2010. It is a tragic loss and he will be missed by his friends, his family, and his community. Dozens and dozens of people went to the Utah State Capitol to remember Todd. In the past 3 weeks there have been 3 suicides of gay people in Utah.
I have lost a cousin and an uncle to suicide. I have had friends who have attempted suicide. There is so much sadness that is surrounded with suicide. Please, if you are gay, lesbian, transgender, bisexual or queer and are thinking of suicide please visit the Trevor Project website or call them at 866-4-U-TREVOR (866-488-7386). You are not alone and there is someone there that can help. There are people and groups locally that would be there for support such as the Pride Center, the Utah AIDS Foundation and others. Call me or email me as well.
I would like to share a few photographs from today’s candlelight vigil. I want to thank Eric Ethington of Pride in Utah for organizing the tribute.
Candlelight Vigil held at the Utah State Capitol
Candlelight Vigil held at the Utah State Capitol
Candlelight Vigil held at the Utah State Capitol
Candlelight Vigil held at the Utah State Capitol
Candlelight Vigil held at the Utah State Capitol
Candlelight Vigil held at the Utah State Capitol
Candlelight Vigil held at the Utah State Capitol
Candlelight Vigil held at the Utah State Capitol
Candlelight Vigil held at the Utah State Capitol
Candlelight Vigil held at the Utah State Capitol
Candlelight Vigil held at the Utah State Capitol
Candlelight Vigil held at the Utah State Capitol
Candlelight Vigil held at the Utah State Capitol
Candlelight Vigil held at the Utah State Capitol
Candlelight Vigil held at the Utah State Capitol
I have been raised in the LDS church my entire life and still am part of that religion, although I do have a lot harder of a time staying as strong as I once was in it. Even though I am not among those anywhere and everywhere that are lesbian, gay, bi, transgendered, etc… I don’t believe in hatred toward anyone who is the least bit different from the normal. What the hell is normal anyway? I think people especially in Utah, need to just grow up and butt the hell out! Just because someone is gay doesn’t mean you will “catch” it! I say if your gay, good for you for daring to “live out loud”! Screw everyone else!
Todd is my aunts brother, and even though I never met him I feel pain over the loss of his life. I know that he was a great person like she is. I want to thank you for taking pictures of the candlelight vigil, I wish I could have been apart of it to help show my support. Once again thank you for sharing the pictures.