Remembering Miles Phipps
A Letter From Iowan Gordie Felger
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Urbandale resident Miles Phipps died by suicide on November 4. Miles came out to his family as transgender earlier this year. He was 15 years old.
Iowa writers Laura Belin and Robert Leonard said our duty as citizens under the current administration is to document the atrocities. That’s what I’m doing here. Documenting a needless atrocity.
Iowa Safe Schools shared an email on Transgender Day of Remembrance (Nov. 20) honoring Miles’ life. The email lists Miles’ many interests: photography; animals; skateboarding; concert-going; biking; singing; writing and playing music. Above all, Miles believed in being his true self.
Some will say Miles ended his life because he regretted transitioning. That he was confused. That he was mentally disturbed.
According to Ashley Campbell, Miles’ mother, her son experienced depression due to bullying. Bullying happens when we tolerate it. When we do nothing to stop it. Bullying thrives when so-called “leaders” dehumanize trans people and try to erase them from existence. When small-minded people scapegoat anyone different from themselves for society’s problems.
The email goes on to describe the unbearable pressure Miles and other trans youth experience.
“Unlike many stories we hear about transgender youth, Miles’ life was full of love and support. His family affirmed him, protected him, fought for him … His life was still shaped by the reality too many transgender young people face: a climate of hostility created by those in positions of power who treat humanity as optional. Even for the most loved and supported young people, it can become too heavy to carry.”
Miles and I never met. If we had, I would have welcomed him with acceptance, dignity, and friendship. Miles’ humanity was not optional. His life was not disposable.
Gordie Felger
Hiawatha, Iowa
This originally appeared on Felger’s Substack, wtfiowa.substack.com.
Letters From Iowans is a part of the Iowa Writers’ Collaborative. We encourage you, our subscribers, to share your perspective in this column. To make your voice heard, use this form to send us your essay:
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Ignorance is dangerous. So sorry there is so much ignorance and danger on this subject in the 21st century. My sympathies to all who are affected.
My prayers are that someday, we come to see each person we meet as a uniquely beautiful person who is beloved by their creator.