Serenity Birdsong Obituary, Death: Middle Tennessee State University Transgender Student Leader and Beloved MT Lambda Vice President, Serenity Birdsong, Passes Away Tragically in Campus Library, Casting Profound Grief Over Community and Sparking Vigil and Support Efforts for Partner and Loved Ones”
The Middle Tennessee State University (MTSU) community is enveloped in profound grief as students, faculty, and staff mourn the unexpected passing of Serenity Birdsong, a transgender student and cherished vice president of MT Lambda, the university’s LGBTQ+ organization. Birdsong, known for her compassion, intelligence, and dedication to fostering inclusivity, died by suicide on Monday in the James E. Walker Library on campus, an event that has left a lasting impact on those who knew and loved her. Birdsong’s passing has not only struck a chord within the campus community but also sparked widespread reflection on the struggles faced by transgender and LGBTQ+ individuals. Her role as a prominent leader within MT Lambda brought her into contact with numerous students, many of whom saw her as both a mentor and a friend. Birdsong’s life and death have brought into focus both the importance of community support and the struggles of marginalized individuals.
In response to the tragedy, MTSU administrators took the step of canceling all classes and closing the library on Tuesday, allowing the campus community to process the news and gather in remembrance of a young life lost too soon. This time also allowed for reflection and an opportunity for students, faculty, and staff to come together in collective grief. The university promptly activated its counseling services, setting up resources for those grappling with Serenity’s passing, ensuring that anyone affected had access to support. MT Lambda has been particularly proactive, creating dedicated support spaces for LGBTQ+ students affected by Birdsong’s passing. The organization has been fundamental in providing a safe environment on campus, and its leaders have been vocal about their deep sadness, honoring Birdsong with a heartfelt tribute on social media. “It is this darkness that snuffed out Serenity’s light,” read one poignant post, a testament to both the light she brought into the world and the harsh realities of being a marginalized individual in today’s society.
Plans to celebrate Serenity’s life are ongoing, with MT Lambda opting to forgo its planned Halloween celebration to instead hold a discussion and memorial in her honor, allowing students to share memories and seek solace with one another. The Student Government Association (SGA) has also stepped forward, organizing a vigil that will take place at 6 p.m. on Wednesday in front of the Walker Library. The event, open to all, is expected to draw a large turnout as students, faculty, and friends gather to remember Serenity’s life and the lasting impact she made on the campus. In the days following her passing, the MTSU campus has been flooded with messages of condolence and reflections on the ways Birdsong touched the lives of her peers. For those who knew her, Serenity was more than a student leader; she was a symbol of strength and an inspiration to many, a testament to the courage it takes to live authentically in a world that does not always understand.
Birdsong’s partner, Delanie Dempsey, has been at the forefront of the grieving process, standing as her closest family and a source of strength for others who are similarly mourning her loss. Zoe Grummons, a close friend, established a GoFundMe campaign to provide financial support for Dempsey, helping her manage the emotional and financial challenges that come in the wake of losing a loved one. In a matter of days, the campaign has raised nearly $13,000 toward its $15,000 goal, demonstrating the extent of the community’s love for Serenity and their desire to support her family in this difficult time. Contributions from friends, classmates, and even strangers have poured in, reflecting how deeply her life and legacy have touched the hearts of so many. Dempsey has expressed profound gratitude for the outpouring of support and has found solace in knowing that Serenity’s impact will live on through the kindness of those who continue to honor her memory.
In a fitting tribute, MT Lambda shared a poem Birdsong had written, embodying her appreciation for the love and beauty found in shared moments. “The trouble of life both big and small / seem to fade as the obstacles fall… / But all in all, that which I hope most / is that I spend time with those I love, before I’m a ghost.” These words have since taken on new significance, encapsulating Serenity’s hopes and the warmth she extended to those fortunate enough to know her. Her memory lives on in the hearts of those she loved, her legacy one of resilience, authenticity, and the quest for inclusivity. This poem has since resonated widely, a reminder of both her presence and the depth of the loss her absence leaves.
As the MTSU community moves forward, Birdsong’s passing serves as a solemn reminder of the importance of mental health resources and support systems, particularly for LGBTQ+ individuals who continue to face unique challenges in a complex world. The university’s decision to provide counseling resources has underscored its commitment to supporting its students, and conversations about mental health and inclusivity have already gained renewed importance on campus. Administrators, faculty, and student leaders alike are calling for continued efforts to strengthen support networks, ensuring that Birdsong’s legacy becomes a catalyst for change that benefits future generations of students.
Serenity’s legacy is undeniably one of compassion, courage, and authenticity. Her work with MT Lambda has left an indelible mark on the organization and on the campus itself, inspiring both her peers and faculty members to promote inclusivity and empathy. As a vice president of MT Lambda, Birdsong worked tirelessly to create a welcoming environment for all, an effort that will be honored in both the vigils and memorials planned in her name. The organization has vowed to carry on her mission, pushing for a more inclusive campus in her memory, a lasting tribute to her tireless advocacy and her dedication to the LGBTQ+ community. The sadness of her passing is tempered by the recognition of her accomplishments and the determination to ensure her contributions are never forgotten.
In the days, weeks, and months to come, Serenity Birdsong’s memory will undoubtedly remain vivid within the MTSU community. Her passing has united students, faculty, and friends, fostering a shared sense of purpose to honor her legacy and continue her work. As they gather to celebrate her life, each candle lit in her memory will serve as a reminder of the light she brought into the world and the responsibility that remains to carry on her mission. Her impact on those who knew her is immeasurable, and as her poem so eloquently expressed, it is her hope that will linger in the hearts of all who had the privilege of knowing her.
