In a tragic incident, Serenity Birdsong, a young LGBTQ+ student at Middle Tennessee State University (MTSU), reportedly died on October 28, 2024. Following the death of the MTSU student, MT Lambda, the LGBTQIA+ student association, and several other campus organizations have organized a memorial in honor of Birdsong, who served as MT Lambda’s Vice President.
Trigger warning: This article mentions su*cide. Reader discretion is advised.
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According to multiple reports, Serenity Birdsong took her own life at the James E. Walker Library on Monday. In a statement posted to Instagram, MT Lambda, a student organization serving the LGBTQ+ community, urged anyone struggling to reach out to the community.
MT Lambda also confirmed their vice president Birdsong took her own life. In a statement, they said:
"Yesterday afternoon, MT Lambda and the queer community as a whole lost an amazing individual, friend, and organizer to su*cide. Her name was Serenity Birdsong."
They added:
“Serenity was more than an officer to us, many of us considered Serenity our friend, and her ability to light up a room, paired with her wholesome demeanor made her welcome anywhere, but especially in Lambda where we are burdened by the darkness of existing in a world so often cruel to us and it is this darkness that snuffed out Serenity’s life.”
Serenity Birdsong GoFundMe raises over $16,900 from over 400 donors
A GoFundMe organised by friends to render financial assistance to Serenity Birdsong's partner revealed the young student had no close family other than the chosen family which included friends. The fundraiser said Birdsong’s partner Delanie Dempsey, was reeling with the emotional and financial turmoil of losing her partner in sudden and tragic circumstances. The fundraiser added:
“Our goal is to raise $20,000.00 to help with her short-term expenses such as rent, groceries, transportation, and counselling. Every Contribution, no matter the size, will make a difference. Thank you for helping our friend at this heartbreaking time.”
The fundraiser initiated on October 29 has raised over $16,900 in less than a day. Over 400 people contributed to the fundraiser and supported Birdsong’s grieving partner.
In the wake of the tragedy, MTSU President McPhee released a statement via Facebook condoling the death of the student Serenity Birdsong. The president said the university would reopen on Wednesday, October 30, and urged students grappling with the loss to seek help. A vigil will reportedly be held on October 30 at 6 p.m. in front of the James E. Walker Library.
Note: The National Su*cide Prevention Lifeline provides 24/7 service to anyone in emotional distress. If you are struggling please call or text 988 or chat at 988lifeline.org.
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