Transgender teen's death calls for action: #tellusatoday

Leelah Alcorn, a transgender teen, committed suicide Dec. 28. Her death prompted a petition to ban therapy discouraging teens from changing their gender identity. It has nearly 300,000 supporters. Comments from Facebook are edited for clarity and grammar:

It is hard when you're different and even your family has a problem with it, but it is not worth taking your life. You grow from it, move on and find a place in this world.Once you do that, you will be happy.

Taking your life is taking away your only chance of happiness.

— Daniel Soule

Having transgender thoughts is a sign of mental illness. Anyone who thinks that way needs help.

— Marcus M. Long

We must love and support all of our dear children, as they must listen to their own voices and be who they are.

— Bobbi Olliver

We asked our Twitter followers what kind of support transgender teens need and whether conversion therapy should be banned. Comments are edited for clarity and grammar:

Give acceptance and understanding. Better education is needed. Conversion therapy shouldn't be used. Embrace each other's differences.

— @mccartyk83

How on Earth would someone want to change who they are? This is crazy. I think these teens need Jesus.

— @Ahboykwem

Whatever support family, friends or their church wants to give. This is not a school or government issue!

— @cfc72d2f7f9544d

For more of the conversation, follow @USATOpinion or #tellusatoday on Twitter.