May Peleg Approves of You

This story contains potentially triggering subjects, including suicide, homophobia, physical violence, and misgendering.

In 2015, an exceptional trial took place in Jerusalem. The body of transgender activist and beloved community leader May Peleg was held in police custody. May’s request was that her ashes be divided in two: one half scattered into the sea, the other at the roots of an Illawarra Flame tree, a fiery red tree with both male and female blossoms. Meanwhile, her mother petitioned the courts, intending to ignore May’s wishes and bury her in a traditional way, under the male name given to her at birth. This is a story inspired by her life and her legacy.

If you or someone you know is suicidal, please call the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline at 800-273-TALK (8255) or message the Crisis Text Line at 741741. You can also call the Trevor Project’s free confidential suicide prevention service for LGBTQ youth at 1-866-488-7386. These programs provide free, confidential support 24/7.

Writers: Rachel Chaya Zisser & Samantha Newton

Journalist: Naomi Zeveloff

Voices: Muriel Naim & Roey Victoria Heifetz

Audio and Original Music: Kyle Feehan

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