by Jacob Richards
The Revolutionist was honored to publish eleven articles and one poem of Aiden’s before they passed away. This issue contains Aiden’s last article, and a center spread of their photography. Aiden left a legacy in this world, a legacy that continues to come into focus as we meet more and more people impacted by their work. —Rest In Power
There are so many cliches that we as a society use to rationalize when people die young: “a flame that burns twice as bright burns half as long,” “only the good die young,” “they were one of God’s favorites,” “they are in a better place now,” etc, etc.
And Aiden would have hated all of them.
Some for being cliche, some for being ableist, others for being diminutive, sappy, and even disempowering.
Aiden passed away on October 6 at Children’s Hospital in Denver. They were seventeen years old.
Aiden was born in Texas in 2007 with a rare form of epilepsy. They were not expected to live but for a couple of years.
In 2019, their mom, Morgan McVay, and sister moved to Colorado to access a program that fairly compensated full-time family care providers.
The certainty of an early death was always there. Their life was punctuated by near-daily seizures, the treatment for which left Aiden nonverbal, partially blind, and wheelchair bound.
But that’s not how I knew Aiden McVay. They had informed me about their conditions, of course, but I knew them as their editor.
I knew that they always met their deadlines!
I knew that they could be assigned a story to cover or develop their own and tell it equally well.
I knew that they were open to feedback and edits, and at the same time strong-willed about keeping their voice theirs.
I knew they saw beauty and humanity in everyone.
I knew that they had something to say—it was pouring out of them.
“They saw a place for themselves and went for it,” said Stella Rae. “I found their work powerful and important. It was easy to read. I just wish there was more of it. They will certainly be missed.”
“Aiden would say ‘I use my disabilities to my advantage,’” said their mom, Morgan McVay. Their eyes were able to see light and shadow and harsh lines. “That’s why drag was a big deal. Aiden could actually see the makeup and artistry and bright colors.”
“I met Aiden at Ouray County Pride in 2023,” said Xavi F. Seanz aka Xavi Van Dyke. “I told them about the Van Dyke family and other queer events they could attend. After that, we were family.”
Aiden had found their people—their community. The LGBTQ+ community accepted Aiden for themself, and Aiden became, through the pages of The Revolutionist and Out Front Magazine, a storyteller and advocate for their community. Aiden adopted they/them pronouns in 2021, and identified as non-binary and asexual.
“Aiden’s art was photography and journalism. Aiden told stories that made us the stars,” said Seanz.
Every time Aiden would submit a story, I always thought to myself that they were the real story. I wanted to ask how they did interviews and took photos, but never did.
According to McVay, during a zoom interview with Jessie Daniels, owner of Good Judy’s in Grand Junction, Aiden had a seizure. After it was over, they excused themself and continued with the interview. “I thought ‘that’s my kid’,” said McVay. “Aiden could do anything. They were indomitable.”
“Aiden always had to fight to be seen,” said McVay. Schools and doctors always doubted their capabilities. They wanted to be seen for their mind. “Aiden always knew they were brilliant.”
When their writing and photography started getting published in The Revolutionist in April, Aiden’s response was “finally,” according to McVay. They were finally being seen.
Their love and compassion were clear to see in their photography and writing. “Aiden would sacrifice themselves for others,” said McVay.
Even at the end, they were thinking of others, choosing to donate their organs so that others may live.
“If we can learn something from Aiden, we can learn to be kinder and see one another through innocent eyes…They made a difference in my life.” said Seanz. “I have the bear and squishy mellow they gave me that sit above my desk. They will be a constant reminder to speak up and out. To live and be seen. Rest in power, Aiden.”
****Aiden’s mom, Morgan, was Aiden’s primary full-time caregiver. Morgan was paid to take care of Aiden, and with Aiden’s passing Morgan and Aiden’s sibling are now without an income. This is a very hard time for Aiden’s family, and the loss of a job only makes it harder. Anything helps. Please help.
Additionally, Funds will also go towards the publishing of a book Aiden was working on, and website to share their legacy with the world.
The Revolutionist is excited to announce that funds raised in excess of the family’s needs, will go into the Aiden McVay Young Journalist Fund, so The Revolutionist can pay college and high school aged writers for their work! Your generosity is greatly appreciated.
https://www.gofundme.com/f/keep-aiden-mcvays-memory-alive
Links to all of Aiden’s published work:
The Revolutionist 
LOVE YOU AIDENNNNN
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