Hard choice

[twistedrayn]

I have Been working on a story idea for my first story. Its going great so far but I am approaching an element that could be a touchy subject. It's a transexual story and the character has been going through hell. Both verbal and physical causing him to not only think about suicide but actually makes an attempt. His actual friends save him and also help him come to grips with his feelings and situation.

The suicide element has me concerned that when I submit it. The possibility of rejection may be high due to that element but I know is a possibility in the transition.

Any advice on how to approach this element would be lovely

 

[LeandraNyx]

Deleted

 

[twistedrayn]

It's his lowest point she comes out of the meeting. With a family member and gets beaten up gets home and looks in the mirror at what happened and calls his girlfriend apologizes on on her voice mail and takes some sleeping pills she finds him her calls paramedics and cleans him up the event is seven through the girlfriends pov mostly

 

[LadyMireille]

If you are worrying about getting your story rejected, I don't think that would happen, unless the suicide attempt was somehow romanticized.

If you are worrying about viewer ratings, maybe give an author's note in the beginning and note that there is a scene with a suicide attempt, and that if that will bother some people they may not want to proceed. At least that would give warning and anyone who would immediately click 1 star because they don't like it, will hopefully not read on.

As a reader, I like the author's note when there is something out of category in the story. For example, in erotic coupling, I am not expecting a story that ends up primarily a lesbian story or the woman ends up falling in love with a man who can turn into a unicorn. I am perfectly comfortable with all kinds of sexuality, but that kind of story doesn't do it for me, and it is annoying when I get halfway though a story and find those things out.

Good luck!

 

[ElectricBlue]

The suicide element has me concerned that when I submit it. The possibility of rejection may be high due to that element but I know is a possibility in the transition.

Any advice on how to approach this element would be lovely

I think the issue here might be more the potential impact on readers than getting it through the site editor. Self harm and suicide is heavily documented as being a major risk and concern for the well-being of trans sexual / trans gender people - I think writers have a responsibility to their subject matter and to know what they are doing when they explore triggering subject matter.

But you know this already, as you are asking the question, and from what you have indicated, you will be writing with empathy and compassion.

I had this exact same conversation just two hours ago in the context of a potential theme in my latest work - in my case, eating disorders. I decided no, it's not needed for my overall story arc, so why go there.

But in your case, it seems far more central to your story. At the least, perhaps a trigger warning?

There is a school of thought that says we shouldn't nanny-state people or hold their hands, but in known high risk communities, I think there is a responsibility towards the potential reader base. People will then argue that we're all adults here - but we have no way of knowing how old our readers really are.

 

[LadyMireille]

I think the issue here might be more the potential impact on readers than getting it through the site editor. Self harm and suicide is heavily documented as being a major risk and concern for the well-being of trans sexual / trans gender people - I think writers have a responsibility to their subject matter and to know what they are doing when they explore triggering subject matter.

But you know this already, as you are asking the question, and from what you have indicated, you will be writing with empathy and compassion.

I had this exact same conversation just two hours ago in the context of a potential theme in my latest work - in my case, eating disorders. I decided no, it's not needed for my overall story arc, so why go there.

But in your case, it seems far more central to your story. At the least, perhaps a trigger warning?

There is a school of thought that says we shouldn't nanny-state people or hold their hands, but in known high risk communities, I think there is a responsibility towards the potential reader base. People will then argue that we're all adults here - but we have no way of knowing how old our readers really are.

Yes. That risk is very true. I have several LGBT friends who have gone through it. That was why I suggested the warning, too, though you said it better.

 

[twistedrayn]

I have to thank you all alot. You have got me thinking about the options on the path to still hit that rock bottom for him. where he could come out of it stronger with it or with out using it. The recovery from the injuries could be harder it doesn't seem like there is only one way through this town now on this road of life for him.

 

[ElectricBlue]

I have to thank you all alot. You have got me thinking about the options on the path to still hit that rock bottom for him. where he could come out of it stronger with it or with out using it. The recovery from the injuries could be harder it doesn't seem like there is only one way through this town now on this road of life for him.

It's a tough call - if you lessened the suicidal tendency and substituted say, cutting, you still have the trigger risk, but you shift it elsewhere on the spectrum.

It's a delicate balance, but if you get it right it can be very very powerful. My Rope and Veil series looks at a relationship with a woman who is paraplegic. It's the hardest thing I've ever written, but when you get long letters of thanks from people in exactly that situation, it's very moving. If you are writing from personal experience or knowledge, you'll figure it out, I'm sure.

 

[Kantarii]

Your story idea is something that I can relate to. I've been in that situation as a transvestite myself, depressed and to the point I shut the entire world out. Love and life meant nothing to me at that point. The thing to remember is the suicidal thoughts are lingering feelings and aren't just a one time thought. The attempt to take one's life doesn't always happen on the first attempt nor is it always successful. Some want to be "caught" and use the attempt as a "scream for help". The ones that are truly suicidal will try to avoid anyone catching and stoping them from committing the act. Oh, and it isn't easy to reach out and get though to someone that has reached the point of thinking death is a better option than living.
Kant