The Trevor Project is a US-based, nonprofit organization that provides crisis intervention and suicide prevention services to lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, queer, and questioning (LGBTQ+) youth under the age of 25.
It stands as a beacon of hope for LGBTQ+ youth across the nation, providing essential crisis intervention and suicide prevention services. As a nonprofit organization, it has been steadfastly committed to supporting and empowering thousands of youth under the age of 25 since its establishment in 1998.
In this short post, we embark on a journey to delve into the history, mission, and life-changing impact of the Trevor Project. Additionally, we explore ways in which you can actively contribute and extend your support to this remarkable cause.
How It All Started
The Trevor Project was inspired by a short film called Trevor, which won an Academy Award in 1994. The film tells the story of a 13-year-old boy who attempts suicide after being rejected by his friends because of his sexuality.
The filmmakers, Celeste Lecesne, Peggy Rajski, and Randy Stone, wanted to create a support line for young people like Trevor, who might feel alone and hopeless. They discovered that no such helpline existed and decided to dedicate themselves to forming the resource that they envisioned. With the help of the Colin Higgins Foundation and HBO, they launched the Trevor Lifeline in 1998, the first nationwide, 24/7 crisis and suicide prevention helpline for LGBTQ+ youth.
What They Do
Since then, the organization has grown remarkably. They now offer a range of services and programs to support LGBTQ+ youth in crisis and beyond. Here are some of the things they do:
- The Trevor Lifeline: A toll-free number (1-866-488-7386) that connects callers with trained counselors who can provide immediate support, guidance, and referrals. The lifeline is available 24/7, 365 days a year, and is confidential and free
- TrevorChat: An online messaging service that allows users to chat with a counselor through the Trevor Project’s website. TrevorChat is also available 24/7 and is secure and anonymous
- TrevorText: A text messaging service that allows users to text with a counselor by sending the word START to 678-678. TrevorText is available Monday-Friday from 3 p.m. to 10 p.m. ET and is also confidential and free
- TrevorSpace: An online community for LGBTQ+ youth ages 13-24, where they can connect with other peers, share their experiences, and find support. TrevorSpace is moderated by the Trevor Project staff and volunteers and is safe and inclusive. Users can sign up for free and start a conversation.
- Trevor Education: A program that provides educational materials, workshops, and training to schools, educators, parents, and youth-serving professionals, to help them create safe and affirming environments for LGBTQ+ youth. Trevor Education also conducts research and advocacy on LGBTQ+ youth mental health and suicide prevention.
Why It Matters
The Trevor Project is incredibly important because it provides crucial help to LGBTQ+ youth who are going through tough times. Unfortunately, LGBTQ+ young people face higher risks of mental health issues and thoughts of suicide compared to their non-LGBT+ peers.
Sometime in the year 2020, the organization conducted research that showed that 40% of LGBTQ+ respondents seriously thought about attempting suicide in the past year. Shockingly, more than half of transgender and nonbinary youth reported having these thoughts.
One of the reasons LGBTQ+ youth struggle is because they often have to deal with stigma, discrimination, rejection, and even violence because of who they are. This mistreatment can hurt their well-being and make them feel like they don’t belong. That’s where the Trevor Project comes in. It acts as a lifeline for LGBTQ+ youth who need someone to talk to, someone who understands them, and someone who can help them cope and thrive.
By providing this lifeline, the Trevor Project aims to make a difference in the lives of LGBTQ+ youth, helping them find hope and strength. It’s an organization that truly cares about the well-being of these young individuals and is dedicated to saving lives.
How many people have been helped by the Trevor Project so far?
According to their latest Annual Report, they have reached and assisted hundreds of thousands of LGBTQ+ youth through their diverse services and programs. For example, they have:
- Provided over 150,000 crisis interventions via phone, chat, and text.
- Connected over 40,000 LGBTQ+ youth with their online community, TrevorSpace.
- Trained over 20,000 educators and youth-serving professionals to create safe and affirming environments for LGBTQ+ youth.
- Advocated for the rights and well-being of LGBTQ+ youth at the federal, state, and local levels.
The impact outlined in the report is a true testament to how the Trevor Project is the world’s largest suicide prevention and crisis intervention organization for LGBTQ+ youth. Their commitment to serving the more than 1.8 million LGBTQ+ young people who seriously consider suicide in the U.S. each year is impressive.
How to donate to the Trevor Project?
There are several ways you can donate to the Trevor Project, the nonprofit organization that provides crisis intervention and suicide prevention services to LGBTQ+ youth. Here are some of the options:
- You can make a one-time or recurring donation online through their website or by texting TREVOR to 41444. You can also donate your birthday or create a fundraising campaign to gather your friends and family in support of your cause.
- You can donate with cryptocurrency through their website. You can choose from various types of digital currencies, such as Bitcoin, Ethereum, Litecoin, and more.
- You can mail a check or money order to their address: The Trevor Project, PO Box 69232, West Hollywood, CA 90069. Please make your check payable to The Trevor Project.
- You can call their office at (212) 695-8650 and donate the phone with a credit card.
- You can see if your employer will match your donation through their website. Many companies offer matching gift programs that can double or even triple your contribution.
Your donation to the Trevor Project is tax-deductible.
How You Can Help
There are many ways you can support the Trevor Project. Here are some of the things you can do:
- Volunteer: You can apply to become a volunteer for the Trevor Project and join their team of dedicated and compassionate individuals who provide support to LGBTQ+ youth. You can choose to become a TrevorLifeline counselor, a TrevorChat/TrevorText counselor, a TrevorSpace moderator, or a Trevor Education workshop facilitator. You will receive training and supervision and be part of a community that cares.
- Advocate: You can join the Trevor Project’s advocacy efforts to change laws and policies that affect LGBTQ+ youth, and to raise awareness and educate the public about LGBTQ+ issues. You can sign up for their action alerts, contact your elected officials, share your story, or attend their events. You can also join their 50 Bills 50 States campaign, which aims to end the harmful practice of conversion therapy in every state.
FAQs
Here are some frequently asked questions about the Trevor Project and their work:
Q: Who can call the Trevor Lifeline?
A: Anyone who is feeling suicidal, or who needs a safe and judgment-free place to talk, can call the Trevor Lifeline. While the Trevor Project’s focus is on LGBTQ+ youth, they welcome calls from anyone who needs help, regardless of their age, gender, or sexuality.
Q: How can I access TrevorChat or TrevorText?
A: You can access TrevorChat by visiting the Trevor Project’s website and clicking on the chat icon. You can access TrevorText by texting the word START to 678-678. You will need a computer or a smartphone with internet access to use these services.
Q: Is the Trevor Project affiliated with any religious or political organization?
A: No, the Trevor Project is not affiliated with any religious or political organization. They are a secular and nonpartisan organization that respects and celebrates the diversity of LGBTQ+ youth and their communities.
Q: How can I learn more about the Trevor Project and their work?
A: You can visit their website, follow them on social media, subscribe to their newsletter, or contact them directly. You can also check out their blog, their annual report, their research publications, and their media coverage.
Conclusion
The Trevor Project is a lifesaving and life-affirming organization that provides crisis intervention and suicide prevention services to LGBTQ+ youth. By offering a lifeline, a community, and a voice, the organization helps youth realize that they are not alone, that they matter, and that they have a future.
If you are an LGBTQ+ youth who needs support, or if you know someone who does, please reach out to the Trevor Project. They are here for you, day or night. You deserve a welcoming, loving world. And so do the people you care about.