Skylar Marcus Lee
November 28, 1998 - September 28, 2015

"Happy birthday, Skylar, what should have been your 19th. You would have been a prime number this year. Except you're even forever. I wish you were here."

"I'm 1881 days older than you now. Turning 22 years of age next Thursday. I don't know why I'm saying this. It's not like you're here. I miss you. Do you remember when we were younger I told you magic was real? You thought I was lying. I didn't mean magic that way though with cool flames and stuff. I meant it in the magic of all the cute things around even when awful things were happening to us. I don't know if magic is real anymore now."

"I miss you so much. This world sucks."

"Hey. I know. Why? I don't know. I don't know anymore. Life is blurring. I wrote something. It was about you. It's public now. A book. With other stories. You're dead dead. I hope. Since the world has crumbled faster than the cinder blocks of garlic bread remains from that last Christmas with you. You were so mad at me. I made cookies. They also failed. You were not amused at all. It was still a good last Christmas. Honestly I don't know. Why. Really I found it on the walk. I just have to get to it."

"I'm 21 years now. I had cheesecake on my birth date. I'm now 1577 days older than you. Should have been only 1150 days. I know, I know, numbers. That's 3 years, 1 month, 23 days. I hope to everything that you're dead dead, like you know, dead. Since the world has gone a bit depressing in ways I'm glad you don't have to see. I don't even know why I still write on this thing. Happy Birthday, Skylar. At least what would have been 18 years."

"Hey Skylar, its been half a year. You're still forever 16 years 10 months. I'll be reaching half of my year next week. Life has been quite strange. You're not there and I dearly hope you're not. I hope it's blackness and that's it, just like how we both wanted it to be. You're no longer vulnerable and unsafe. You're okay. Laughter dances on death's lips. I hope yours was beautiful. Remember when I burned the garlic bread loafs from Target into charcoal? Food poisoning every week when I'd try to learn how to cook? I miss that."

"Hey Skylar, your birthday coupon you printed with our photo on it is still with me but I used it with you today, kind of? We had chocolate mousse cheesecake, I got you Ferrero Rocher chocolates. I drank hot apple cider. I couldn't take you to Boston today because I got sick. Hope you don't mind it was a tad bit bland of a day. Quiet days like today are needed. Golly me I printed nearly 100 photos of you recently but they weren't of you and they weren't of me, either. The one's we had together. I took some photos today of us but they aren't the same. It's all I have of you though and so I'm grateful for that. Those 15 years we had together before I left I'll always love. Happy birthday dearest Skylar, happy almost 17 years forever 16 years and 10 months to you."

"It'll be your birthday soon. I will be sure to light a candle that night so that you may see your way back to your friends and family (same difference to you, right? :)). I hope you are finally at peace, Skylar. Your soul was a gift to us all and I am so grateful to have known you no matter how short that time seemed. I love you and happy birthday."

"My deepest condolences to Skylar's parents, brother and friends. While our community has lost the years of contribution he could have realized as the talented and precious person he was, those who loved him seized every opportunity they could to help him stay in this world, but could not prevail upon the darkness he harbored. For them this is hardest of all, the eclipsing of the power of their love. May they know in their hearts that their love does matter, that Skylar was loved by his parents and so many others and that this love carries on even as he has physically left this world. "

"I didn't have a chance to know Skylar. I wish I could meet you and give my ear to your story. Sorry, Skylar. You will be missed. Rest in peace. "

"Hey Skylar, do you remember that birthday coupon that you gave me two years ago so I could do whatever I wanted with you? I want to redeem it with you right now and eat waffles on my birthday together. I want shitty pasta and Hot Pockets with you so badly on Christmas Day as we'd drag dad along to Walgreens because we forgot to get food. Now that I think more on it I think you did that on purpose to continue the tradition because you knew I wouldn't remember. All of those times I was so alone and I wouldn't do anything but miss school but you'd still go. When you came back you'd just lie down next to me and I'd complain there was enough space for the two of us but you'd just hold me and just hug me. I never would have made it through all of these years without you being there right next to me no matter what. I was your older sibling. Why was I your kid? I was always your kid though, you'd tell me that yourself all the time. I miss you so much. I love you so much. You're the first and probably only person I'll ever tell that to. I still don't understand it but I think I do now, at least for you only that is. Please eat waffles with me again and lets doodle together."

"Skylar, you were the first person to come up and talk to me when I had nobody else. You took the time to get to know me like no one else ever had. I've always looked up to you, how much passion and drive you had in whatever you did, your wonderful sense of humor, your adorably contagious laugh. You've inspired too many people to ever count. I'll always remember all our walks home, our baking adventures, playing with our dogs, the laughs, the tears. I'll always remember how we became friends - we'd walk home every day, and we'd name off random foods to each other until we got home. I can't thank you enough for taking the time to ease me into conversation, I was a shy person and quite difficult to talk with. But, eventually, those food names changed to small talk, and to deeper conversations, and we only grew closer after that point. From walking home in snowstorms, to pushing each other into snowbanks, to buying endless bags of candy and playing video games, to last-minute 3am studying for our sophomore year chemistry finals and bringing me coffee in the morning, waiting outside my classroom and greeting me with a warm hug and smile. To the only person who understood my terrible and sarcastic humor. Your sympathy and kindness are things I'll never forget, as well as how you taught me about patience and friendship. You took pride in whatever you did, and that inspired many to do the same. You made me feel comfortable with who I was when nobody else had, you always made sure I was okay and did everything you could to make me happy. I have lost a close friend, a brother, my other half. Rest in power and peace, dear friend."

"My sincerest sympathies. I only learned of this sad news via a friend's blog post in honor of Skylar (I have an account with that blogging service). Rest in peace, Skylar. "

"Be in peace, Skylar. I met you when you were on a soccer team with my daughter, and we had the pleasure of giving you rides to some of the games. The video you produced for the Cherokee Middle School progression ceremony was terrific. Your laughter and smile will always be remembered, and I will always be grateful my daughter had the chance to meet you and be friends with you. You are a very brave young man and a champion for your peers. I'm so sorry we let you down as a society, Skylar. You had such an impact already at such a young age, it would have been amazing to witness further accomplishments. You are truly loved."

"Your eyes glowed when you laughed. I loved that laugh. You laughed when I fell during our group solo during dance. I'm sorry I can't do such graceful turns as you! You also laughed when I crashed into the pole while I was driving to Yonim. You were on the ground laughing, holding your chest as you do. You told me my driving was worse than yours I remember when I had boy troubles, you'd stay up all night with me, and we would insult him, whoever he was at the time. I remember your angry voice at me when I'd go back to that guy. But you knew it's what I wanted. But when he'd break my heart again, you'd tell me to get over it and do my physics homework so you could copy it before you had to go to class. I laughed when you laid on top of me, crushing me into a gym floor. You drew inappropriate things on my back with the tips of your fingers, and when I'd turn and look at you with a strange expression, you'd fall over with laughter on the floor next to me. The same thing happened in a hotel room in Chicago, but when you fell off of me, you fell onto the floor, and woke up the people sleeping a floor below us. Jill got mad at us. We just laughed. I remember when you got the red vest to wear during a dance performance. You looked at us and said, "Why would Janelle get the red oriental vest for the ONE Asian guy?!" and Anna looked at you and told you you looked like you were going to work in a dumpling shop. Then, I pulled out my phone and called you, and ordered some chicken dumplings with some soup. You flipped me off and laughed, and I can't get the sound out of my head. I remember when Janelle didn't have a good boy's costume so she dressed you up like a rabbi. We told you you looked like you were having your bar mitzvah and you said, "I'm fucking ASIAN!!!" Sky, I could share all the memories I have with you, and it still wouldn't do you justice. You were the most caring man I've ever met. Just remember that I love you. Just remember the memories. And I'll remember the laughs, tears, lifts, kicks, falls, talks, your hair, your eyes, your attitude, your voice, your experience, your abilities, your dreams, your fears, your beauty. Sky, I'll remember your laugh. I'll remember you. I miss you. I love you. Always. "

"I did not have the privilege of meeting Skylar, but I did know Serena as a young girl. She lived across the street from my family. Here is what I remember: Serena was quiet, kind and generous. She was curious and brilliant. She loved her family very much and was very proud of her Korean heritage. She would bring special Korean treats to share with my kids. She loved walking to Michael's Frozen Custard with her family. Her parents were kind and hardworking. Serena was very proud of her mother's ballroom dancing abilities and once took us to see her perform. Her face was so bright with pride and love. Her grandmother was always home with her. They adored each other. Every day, her grandmother was outside watching for Serena and Hope to walk home from school ...every day. They laughed together all the time. They loved walking, gardening, and picking raspberries on the bike path. Serena loved to read. When she was in 3rd grade or so she started reading Moby Dick. One of her teachers told her it was too advanced, but she read it anyway. Once Serena told me her dream was to be a professional soccer player. Serena's family moved away before she began transitioning to Skylar. I would have loved to have met Skylar. It is no surprise that he was such an activist. His heart was so big. We are deeply sorry for your loss. "

"So sorry for your loss. What a beautiful person Skylar was. We, as a society need to become much more tolerant of those who may be different than us. "

"I did not know you but I know the pain of losing a son to depression....My heart aches for you and your family. Cherish the memories. Deepest sympathy...."

"My favorite memory of Skylar is when she was exploring some rocks, and how they break apart, while striking them with my hatchet. With the sharpened edge! She was camping at the time with me and my daughter, Tenley. That memory makes me laugh every time!"

"Dear Skylar You had the beauty of angels and the insight of saints within you. May you now live in joy without the burdens you carried.You will be missed on this earth for you showed us a message of acceptance. May we always remember that light."

"https://www.nami.org/suicideawarenessmonth/hp This link is here because, as Skyler said in that last post on Tumblr, when trans and queer kids complete suicide, there can be a chain reaction. THeY did not want that. (I did not know Skyler, so I am working around the binary pronouns.) I am indebted to Skyler's life's work and to Skylar's communities for championing racial and LGBTIQ Justice. My heart goes out to Skyler's family, the Korean Community, and the LGBITQQAAs in Skyler's life. I wish you peace and healing. ~Cole"

"While I didn't have the pleasure of meeting Skylar, his connection with students at Cherokee Middle School touched my daughter. She remembers him with tenderness saying, "He was so awesome." I'm so sorry for our collective loss and for the sadness his family feels. In his brief life, he touched so many. "

"I will always miss you. Our pain is eternal but so is our love. I love you Skylar. And to his family. My love extends to you as well...."

"Your light will forever burn in the hearts and minds of those who knew you, experienced your joy, your sweetness, your kindness, your generous heart. May your family be comforted by those who also know and love you. May your spirit be at peace, flying free."

"i am deeply sad that such an amazing person is taken form the world too soon. i meet skylar at Gsafe this last year and he was so kind and outgoing. he was one of the few people i talked to that day and im glad i did. rest is power my dear friend. "

"What a beautiful kind hearted person. You are loved and so dearly missed. "

"I would have liked to have met you through my sweet niece who shared the stage with you from time to time at Proud Theater. May your family be blessed and comforted, may your spirit song sing loud and free, and may all those seeking comfort turn to a friend, sibling, parent, aunt, uncle, stranger and find their hope renewed. "

"I only knew a Kindergartner named Serena in my son's class with a big sister named Hope in my daughter's 2nd grade class. I am so saddened I never had the opportunity to meet Skylar! I wish peace to all that have a range of emotions going through their minds and bodies right now. Let's do everything we can to love and accept each other exactly as we are and get support and help to those suffering with mental illness."

"You were always so kind. Your kindness was infectious. I remember one day at work a kid didn't have enough money to pay for what he wanted. I was a little crabby that day and wasn't going to just give it to the kid. You ran and got money to pay for the cup of soda the kid wanted. Your kindness that day touched me and likely that kid. And you never even thought much of it. You will be dearly missed at McDonalds and were always loved and accepted there. You were part of my McDonalds family. And will be greatly missed. I hope you found peace. "

"I remember the coffee dates, the walks home, the late night adventures, the nerf wars, the orchestra classes, the field trips, the running in gym class, the laughter, the tears. I remember you and I'll never forget. You'll always be my muffin and I'll always be your Rhino.."

"Skylar, When we met, you introduced yourself as Serena beginning of this spring. You may just be my two-blocks away neighbor who I exchanged numbers for the sole reason of playing with your sweet little dog, Nugget. However, those two or three moments we shared in the lawn made me realize how great of a person you were. You did not hesitate once to give a stranger your number when I asked nor when I called you to step out of your house. I will always hug your grandma whenever I see her walking Nugget from now. Rest in peace, Skylar!"

"Dear Skylar, what a loss to the world that you are no longer in it. The beauty inside you radiated. You did great and beautiful works in Proud Theater. You will be greatly missed. My deepest condolences to your brother, mother and father."

"Bless you Skylar. I did not know you, but my son was in choir with you. I wish you peace and wish your family peace and love. May your friends, classmates and family carry on your activism. You will never ever be forgotten. Shine bright young soul. Blessings"

"Skylar I did not have the benefit of knowing you in person but my brother did and you will be missed by all. Rest in Power, Skylar. You are a name not a hashtag"

"May the long time sun shine upon you All love surround you And the pure light within you Guide your way on. "

"I met you at Pride Parade. I remember you as an amazing soul who will be missed. Rest In Power, my friend."

"It's fitting I light a candle for you, Skylar. I met you on June 18 at a vigil your dear friend CH and I were having on the Capital Square. I so enjoyed our conversation around candles that nigth and then seeing you from time to time, following your FB posts and your successes in theatre, dance and LGBTQ activism. How lucky I was to have crossed paths with you..but, you're gone too soon. I will never forget you."

"I did not know you, or your pain, but your friend Lexi is ensuring that the world learns of your bright light, and the impact you had on many. I am so very sorry that this world did not completely embrace you; I can only hope that we can learn, change and support lights like yours. You made a difference to many."

"Skylar, I don't know you but my daughter does. I have heard a lot of great things about you. I watched your Youtube videos last night and felt your pain, happiness and confusion towards the world. I pray for your family to heal and to forgive you, you didn't do this to hurt anyone rather you were hurting so much. This brings me so much pain. Until we meet. "

"He was friends with my daughter Leah, and came over to our house several times. I always enjoyed having him. It breaks my heart. I wish his family peace."

"I met Skylar once at one of his performances. I am so sorry for everyone's loss. Rest in Power. "

"He had a smile that lit up a room. His heart was so big and he cared so much about others and wanted to help everyone. It breaks my heart to know he was so full of sadness. I will love and miss you always."

"rest in power"

"I had the pleasure of meeting Skylar a couple of times. He was a good friend to my son. I'm so sad he's gone and pray for peace and healing for his family and close friends. "

"I am so sorry to hear about this. I hope Skylar's friends have the support they need to get through this difficult time and are staying safe. The world does not need any more tragedies. "

"I didn't know Skylar well but at GSA conferences he was like the energizer bunny. I loved to see his smile and genuine enjoyment in everything he was doing. Everybody loved Skylar and his advocacy work helped so many. Skylar will be missed but his passion, love, and understanding will live forever in the hearts of all those who new him. "

"RIP Skylar Lee"

"I did not personally know this young man but my heart breaks for all those he leaves behind. Madison will miss you."

"Skylar touched so many hearts in the West GSA and made a lot of people feel safe and happy. "

"We miss you, Skylar, and your leadership. Thank you for all you've given to us. *May his memory live on and continue to inspire*"