Gentle persons, it is my sad duty to let you know our friend, the former LGTBQ+ Center Executive Director, Director of TREES, recent author of her memoir The Road to Me: A Transgender Journey, and good friend to our community has passed away.
Meghan was last seen Sunday and found in her home this morning. Foul play is not believed to have played any part in her passing but at this time I do not have any details as to the cause of death. When we learn of funeral or memorial plans being made public, I will pass them along to you all.
On a personal note (Doug speaking), I have known and loved Meghans for many years. I have marveled at her sly wit, her intelligence, her love of ours, and her biological family, and her bravery. Meghan has been a shining beacon for the Michiana trans community. She had put herself out there in the public's eye on many, many occasions. She spoke to the local media and at various conferences and gatherings.
If any of you attended any of the Pride events in past years, Meghan was there, always there.
You may not have known this, but Meghan was a beloved substitute teacher in the South Bend Community School system. On those many occasions when she was before a classroom, young children asked her if she was a man dressed as a woman. She freely spoke of her life in terms that young children might understand. When the LaPorte community made a big stink about Meghan corrupting the lives of our young children, they admonished the SBCSC for hiring her. South Bend School Corp told them to mind their own business.
You may remember that Meghan stood her own (privately very shaken) when the proud boys tried to disrupt her children's reading event at the Tutt Library Branch. We learned then that ugliness has found its place in our community.
Earlier this summer, the men's group met at Meghan's TREES (Transgender Resource, Education & Enrichment Services), a beautiful center and haven for our trans community. If you had not been there, you have missed experiencing a great educational and inviting center for all that walked through the doors. The center reflects on Meghan in ways that go beyond her character alone.
Meghan, you will be sorely missed. Even in her passing, I am reminded of Hillary Clinton's slogan, "Nevertheless, she persisted." She certainly will in my memories of her.
If any of you have any fond recollections you would like to share of Meghan, please feel free to share them in the best way you can.
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