Susannah Toland : a warrior and an incredible human being

The late Susannah Toland. (Pictures courtesy of Sha Gillespie)

Shá Gillespie told the ‘Journal’ that Susannah, from Joseph Place, had been a major inspiration and a true friend to many.

She added: “What a warrior. What an incredible human being. Susannah stood tall at whatever life threw at her. The first time I came to Derry in 1993, as an isolated young queer woman, I saw Susannah and her girlfriend walking along the street, just holding hands. I stopped and cried. I’d thought that would never be possible for me, but seeing Susannah and Helen changed my world.

“We became good friends and Susannah told me stories of being a young black queer woman growing up in the Bogside and the aggression and hostility which was directed at her throughout her life. She was a huge activist over the years for gay rights.

Susannah Toland was a pioneering advocate for LGBTQ+ rights in Derry. (Picture courtesy of Sha Gillespie)

“Susannah was one of the coolest people I knew and she was beautiful, great craic to be around and had the biggest smile; she would do anything for you and her many close friends are devastated by the huge loss in their lives.

“She loved her family and took time out of her life to dedicate herself to caring for her adored mum and dad. We have all lost a true legend in Susannah. She was such an inspiration.”

This is a view shared by family friend Rev. David Latimer who spoke at Susannah’s funeral Mass this week.

He said: “Susannah was one of a kind. She lit up the room. She was very like her mummy. She was so friendly and genuinely happy. Her big smile and her joyful laughter marked her out as a truly beautiful and very special person.

Friends line the route with Rainbow flags in honour of Susannah Toland as her funeral cortege passes Hogg's Folly on Tuesday. (Picture courtesy of Sha Gillespie)

“The death of her mum back in March marked a turning point in Susannah’s life. Sadly, a large piece of Susannah Toland started to wither the day her mummy passed away. Susannah and her mummy lived for each other. They were so similar. Indeed, if truth be told, they were like two peas in the same pod.”

Living with intense grief compounded by the complexities of COVID 19 was, said David Latimer, too big a burden for Susannah to carry.

“Last Friday, she went to be with her mummy, the person she missed so much and loved above all others. Both Susannah and her mummy, who are now together, have entered into the peace of eternity and that is certainly something they both richly deserve.”

Foyle Pride meanwhile have also paid tribute, stating: “As a young black queer woman when the movement was very much in its infancy in the city, Susannah was one of the first people who had the courage and determination to be who she was advocating and leading the way for others to have the strength to do the same.

“Susannah always had so much to give others and her kind and caring nature was infectious to us all.

“This is a massive loss to the LGBTQ+ community and the city.”

Shá Gillespie said she was devastated by her friend’s loss.

“It’s just heartbreaking how many people are lost in this city to suicide”, she said. “Please reach out for help, please don’t suffer in silence, there is help out there.”

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