Live and Learn | October 13th, 2024
Rynn Willgohs
January 25, 1972-October 8, 2024
Rynn Azerial Willgohs, age 52, of Vantaa, Finland, died by suicide on October 8, 2024.
Rynn became her true-self March 31, 2020. She immediately became a vocal and involved activist in the Fargo-Moorhead community and beyond. She was an avid supporter of informed care. Rynn held positions on boards and panels that advocated for transgender rights and access to healthcare. She founded TRANSport, “a nonprofit organization dedicated to transporting at-risk transgender individuals outside of the United States of America into a more accepting world.”
She was paving the way by moving to Finland. It was important to Rynn to have the experience she was helping others to achieve, whether it was name change, transgender care, or seeking asylum. At the time of her death, she was working through the asylum and immigration process.
Rynn was a beloved community organizer, cherished friend, and inspiring leader to people around the world. She is survived by her chosen family, fellow activists, and supporters.
If you or someone you care about is having thoughts of suicide, please call or text the Suicide Life and Crisis Line 988. If you are in the local Fargo-Moorhead area, you can call 211 for a listening ear.
A celebration of her life, officiated by Rev. Karen Van Fossan, will be held for Rynn’s friends and loved ones this fall. The celebration will be intercultural and interfaith, including no faith, welcoming all traditions. In lieu of flowers, please make donations to Project RAI, Indigenous Association (of Fargo-Moorhead), FirstLink or the affirming organization of your choice.
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