Pgh Lesbian Correspondents

There are four trans neighbors from here in Pennsylvania who died over the past twelve months, three deaths by suicide and one death by overdose. Let’s take some time to honor their lives and acknowledge their deaths.

Acknowledging there are likely others whose deaths are not yet known to us. Please feel free to contact me if you know of any.

Rosaline Mattaboni (“Rose”)

She graduated from Carlisle High School and attended Millersville University. She graduated with a Bachelors Degree in Computer Science.

Rose was intelligent, kind, and compassionate with a vibrant personality. She was very friendly and had a way of making everyone she met feel comfortable and welcome. “She never met a stranger.” Some of her interests were technology, Pokémon, music, creating beaded jewelry, and cooking.

Rylie Autumn Heart

10 Feb 2026
Homestead, Pennsylvania (USA)
Suicide

Rylie lived and worked in the South Hills of Pittsburgh. She was originally from New England. She was well known to various local members of the trans community.

It is a sad complicated story because the family was not formally notified and learned about her death through a third party. Some local friends organized an online memorial but did not include family or the regional LGBTQ+ community. I reached out to them to publish a more robust memorial.

Rylie was known for distributing small hearts.

Sydney Lou Walden

Age 30

24 Mar 2026
Lancaster, Pennsylvania (USA)
Suicide

Throughout her life, Sydney journeyed courageously in many directions, seeking a meaningful place in this world. She enjoyed music and nature, and in her time with us she came to champion important causes like protecting our planet’s natural beauty, as well as dignity and equality for all people.

Robyn James Post

Age 48 (born 5 Aug 1977)

19 Aug 2025
Erie, Pennsylvania (USA)
Suicide

Robyn was a nurse. He began his nursing career at the Cleveland Clinic and was a traveling nurse in Tucson Arizona. Robyn was currently employed at the Erie County Health Department as a public health nurse. He was a musical artist and involved in many artistic projects.

Robyn was known as ‘Buzz’ by close friends. He was devoted to his ‘fur babies Maddy and Bosely (I do not know if they are cats or dogs – Sue)

Rest in power, dear neighbors. May your memories be a revolution.

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Crisis Resources

If you or someone you know is in crisis and needs immediate help, contact the following organizations:

• National Suicide Prevention Lifeline, call or text 988 or chat at 988lifeline.org.
• Those who are deaf or hard of hearing can contact the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline via TTY at 800-799-4889.
• Trans Lifeline – 877-565-8860
• LGBTQ+ Adults Lifeline* – 1-800-273-8255 Crisis Text Line* – Text HOME to 741741
• LGBT National Hotline – 1-888-843-4564