Teen Who Killed Self Laid To Rest Twice As Parents Couldn't Agree On His Coming-Out Name

A transgender boy, who killed self, was given two funerals by his parents, who couldn't reach a consensus on what name should be put on the headstone.

The 15-year-old from Perth, Australia, died in hospital on March 4, following a suicide bid,
reports Perth Now.

Since his estranged parents couldn't agree on the name to be used on the headstone, they took the matter to the Family Court. While his father wanted the boy's '"dead name" (the name he used before coming out as a transgender), his mother wanted the name he adopted after transitioning to be on the headstone.

The boy's mom vowed to take the matter to the Supreme Court as she believed her son "would hate" to have the wrong name on his memorial.

“He (the father) wanted all the ashes (interred together) and (his son’s birth) name on the plaque,” she told The West Australian (paywall). “I would agree to have (the birth name) in brackets but his (chosen name) first,” she added.

The mother added that the boy fought for his identity and was distraught over the name his new school would use for his email.

However, his death certificate will have his "dead name" since it had not been legally changed. The Australian law stipulates that children can't change their names without the consent of both parents. And, if one parent doesn't consent, the issue will go to the Family Court.

Eventually, the parents agreed to split up the ashes to conduct two separate funerals for the boy. Hundreds turned up to the funeral conducted by his mother, including strangers, to bid him adieu.

The 15-year-old boy was diagnosed with a borderline personality disorder a year ago, but his mom was unaware of it. He also ran away from his home and had stopped taking antidepressant medication. The teen was also referred to Perth’s Gender Diversity Service, a service for children battling gender issues.

"He needed more supervision than what he was getting," she said. “Risk-taking is part of BPD... if I had just known about the diagnosis ... he was only 14.”

He was described by his friends as “a good and caring friend who always listened” and an “amazing artist who was great at drawing, painting, and make-up.”