The Urbandale community is grappling with the loss of 15-year-old Miles Phipps, a freshman at Urbandale High School, who died by suicide on Nov. 4. Miles, who had come out as transgender earlier this year, had faced persistent bullying at school and online.
“He found his voice through music,” said his mother, Ashley Campbell. “He was always himself, always different. But those differences made him a target.” Miles had begun writing and recording songs this year, sharing them on Spotify as a way to express feelings he struggled to put into words.
Bullying and Misgendering
Miles’ family says bullying intensified after he disclosed his nonbinary identity and preferred name to a trusted teacher. According to reports, the day before his death, a substitute teacher repeatedly refused to use his correct pronouns.
The Urbandale Community School District did not confirm details of individual cases but said the substitute would no longer teach in the district. Officials emphasized their commitment to a safe, supportive environment and are offering counseling and other resources for students.
Students Take a Stand
In response to Miles’ death, more than 150 Urbandale High students walked out of classes to protest bullying and honor their friend. They shared stories, called for understanding, and urged the community to foster acceptance.
Miles’ father, Rocky Phipps, encouraged peers to speak out against mistreatment. “If you see someone being bullied, call it out. Always be kind, you never know what someone else is facing,” he said.
Remembering Miles
Miles’ mother shared lyrics from one of his songs, Love Worthy:
“Even when the world feels cold and rough, you got to know that you are enough… Just hold on and don’t give up ’cuz you are, you are loved.”
A GoFundMe has been set up to support funeral and memorial expenses, including a park bench outside Miles’ favorite spot, the Urbandale Library. The fundraiser describes him as “a kind, talented and creative soul who expressed himself through music, skateboarding, and time outdoors,” and celebrates his bravery, authenticity, and love for life.
Resources for Support
Suicide is preventable. If you or someone you know is struggling, trained crisis counselors are available through multiple organizations:
- The Trevor Project offers 24/7 support for LGBTQ+ youth at 1-866-488-7386, online via chat at TheTrevorProject.org/Get-Help, or by texting START to 678678.
- The Trevor Project’s Guide to Being an Ally to Transgender and Nonbinary Young People provides practical advice on supporting trans and nonbinary youth, including how to affirm identities and respect pronouns.
- The Trevor Project’s 2024 U.S. National Survey on the Mental Health of LGBTQ+ Young People found that nearly half of transgender and nonbinary youth (46%) seriously considered attempting suicide in the past year. Research shows access to affirming spaces and communities can significantly reduce suicide risk.
Kevin Wong, SVP of Marketing, Communications, and Content at The Trevor Project, said:
“For any LGBTQ+ young person who needs support right now, please know that you are not alone. The Trevor Project’s counselors are here for you 24/7. If you need someone to talk to, visit TheTrevorProject.org. No matter the headlines, or the difficult stories you read or hear, please know that there are so many people in your corner, who know this world is so much better because you’re in it. We see you exactly as you are, and we are right alongside you, working to create the welcoming, kind, and accepting world that you deserve to live in.”
Other resources in the U.S. include:
- National Suicide Prevention Lifeline: 988
- Samaritans (UK & Ireland): 116 123
- Mind (UK): 0300 123 3393
Miles Phipps’ story is a heartbreaking reminder of the urgent need for compassion and advocacy for LGBTQ+ youth. His family hopes sharing his life and struggles encourages others to act with kindness, speak up against bullying, and create safer, more affirming spaces for all young people.
