September is Suicide Prevention Month

The Trevor Project, the leading national organization focused on suicide prevention efforts among LGBTQ youth, has named September as National Suicide Prevention Month, with a month of awareness activation on youth suicide prevention. September 27th is Trevor Day,  named to raise awareness and show support for youth in crisis through special events held throughout the country.

“Talk to Me “ Campaign

To encourage conversation and support for the GLBTQ population, The Trevor Project has a current campaign “Talk to Me.”  It is inspired by research released by the Department of Health and Human Services earlier this month that indicates that the promotion of help-seeking has a significant impact on suicide. The campaign has five components:

  • Pledge
  • Post
  • Wear
  • Act
  • Share

For more details, see http://www.thetrevorproject.org/talktome/2012

History of The Trevor Project

The Trevor Project was founded in 1998 in West Hollywood by three filmmakers, creators of an Academy Award-winning short film “Trevor.” This film was about a gay thirteen-year-old boy, who was rejected by his friends and attempted suicide. When the film was scheduled to air on HBO in 1998, the filmmakers wanted a support line for kids like Trevor to be aired during the broadcast.

“Build It And They Will Come”

Finding that none existed, they formed, with the help of The Colin Higgins Foundation and HBO’s license fee, The Trevor Lifeline, the first and only nationwide 24 hour crisis and suicide prevention helpline for LGBTQ youth. 1-866-488-7386.

It’s a free and confidential service that offers hope and counseling. Without judgment, the trained counselors listen and understand. They can also direct the caller to supportive organizations and groups in the caller’s area.

Celebrities, both gay and straight, have supported The Trevor Project. Since August 10, 2009, actor Daniel Radcliffe, “Harry Potter,” gave generously to the Lifeline because “it is truly devastating to learn that LGBTQ youth are up to four times more likely to attempt suicide than their heterosexual peers.” There is a Live Chat Q & A with Daniel Radcliffe now on the website as well as You Tube and Google + pages.

Other services that The Trevor Project include are:

  • Dear Trevor, an online non-time-sensitive question-and-answer resource for young persons with questions surrounding sexual orientation and gender identity.
  • Trevor Chat, a live and secure online messaging service for those not at risk for suicide.
  • Trevor Space, an online social networking community for LGBTQ youth, ages 13 and 24, and their friends and allies. With links to the home page, Trevor Space is monitored by administrators designed by the project to ensure content is age-appropriate for personal profiles.
  • Youth Advisory Council serves as a liaison between youth nationwide and the project as it relates to young people and the issues surrounding suicide, sexuality and gender identity. This Council submits recommendations to the project to increase Trevor visibility and best serve the LGBTQ population.
  • Palette Fund Internship Program has five internships in Los Angeles, New York City offices. They work in communication and development and are introduced to the LGBTQ youth population.
  • School Workshops. The Lifeguard Workshop Program uses an age-appropriate curriculum to address sexuality, gender identity, and effects of language and behavior upon LGBTQ students. It also teaches recognition of depression and suicide among peers and suicide prevention skills in schools.
  • Awards:  Annual events honor individuals and businesses that have been leaders in supporting LGBT rights and advocated against bullying and hate crimes. Lady Gaga won last year’s Trevor Hero Award. Past recipients of the Trevor Life Award for inspiration to LGBTQ youth include Roseanne Barr and Debra Messing.