on Yelp
In a 2020 research study by The Trevor Project, an astonishing 40 percent of LGBTQ+ people under the age of 25 reported that they had seriously contemplated suicide in the past 12 months. An associated stark reality is that when asked about suicidal thoughts or suicidal ideations, a notable percentage of people will not honestly respond to the query. In other words, accounts of suicidal thoughts like those in the referenced study typically are underreported.
The Trevor Project has been established to provide resources, support, and assistance to prevent suicide in the younger LGBTQ+ community. The mission of The Trevor Project is:
Founded in 1998 by the creators of the Academy Award winning short film Trevor, The Trevor Project is the leading national organization providing crisis intervention and suicide prevention services to lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, queer, and questioning (LGBTQ+) young people under 25.
It Started With a Stage Production and a Film
The Trevor Project as an organization grew out of a one-person show that itself developed into a motion picture. A writer and performer named James Lecesne brought the life of Trevor to the stage in his award-winning show. The stage performance was then developed into a movie, entitled Trevor. Trevor went on to win the Academy Award for Best Live Action Short Film.
From the film what became a national movement was launched. Ellen DeGeneres and others recognized that there was no real place for young LGBTQ+ people like Trevor to turn to when faced with challenges like depression and suicidal ideations. In 1998, the Trevor Lifeline was launched. The Trevor Lifeline was the first national crisis intervention and suicide prevention lifeline for LGBTQ+ young people.
Ultimately, The Trevor Project has served hundreds of thousands of young LGBTQ+ in crisis. It is now recognized as the premier organization that provides crisis intervention and suicide prevention services to LGBTQ+ teens and young adults.
A Look at TrevorSpace
One of the newer resources offered by The Trevor Project is TrevorSpace. TrevorSpace is described as “an affirming international community for LGBTQ young people ages 13-24. Sign up and start a conversation now.”
Through TrevorSpace, participants are able to take part in active discussions online with peers, friends. TrevorSpace allows participants the ability to ask tough questions that they might not feel comfortable bringing up elsewhere. They are also able to get advice as well as support from young people in similar positions to their own.
A Look at TrevorChat
TrevorChat is another important resource offered by The Trevor Project. TrevorChat is a confidential, online instant messaging system that connects a person with a qualified counselor. TrevorChat is available 24 hours a day, seven days a week, 365 days a year, including all major holidays. TrevorChat is accessed through a computer.
A Look at TrevorText
Another instant access portal available through The Trevor Project is TrevorText. With TrevorText, a person can access a qualified counselor through texting. TrevorText counselors are available around the clock, 365 days a year, including all major holidays.
Volunteerism at The Trevor Project
Volunteers are a key component of The Trevor Project. According to The Trevor Project, in order to provide life-saving support to lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, queer, and questioning youth, passionate volunteers are needed to assist in staffing the organization’s crisis intervention services.
Volunteers include individuals with a wide array of different backgrounds. According to The Trevor Project, “the life-saving work of The Trevor Project would not be possible without the dedication of our incredible volunteers. Trevor’s volunteers have, over time, saved countless young lives and supported the well-being of hundreds of thousands of LGBTQ+ youth.”
A Look at the TrevorLifeline
A fundamental, vital resource at The Trevor Project is TrevorLifeline. Trained counselors are available through the TrevorLifeline at (866) 488-7386. TrevorLifeline is staffed by these experienced, well-trained, caring counselors 24 hours a day, 365 days a year, including all major holidays. The Trevor Project described TrevorLifeline as a safe, judgment-free place to talk and share.
A Look at the Trevor Support Center
Trevor Support Center is a comprehensive resource that provides LGBTQ+ youth and their allies with reliable answers to the most frequently asked questions. Trevor Support Center is one of the most comprehensive resources of its kind available today. Primary topics at the Trevor Support Center include:
- Asexual
- Bisexual
- Coming Out
- Family and Friends
- Gay and Lesbian
- Glossary of Key Terms and Concepts
- Healthy Relationships
- HIV/AIDS
- Homelessness
- I Have a Crush
- In School
- International Resources
- LGBTQ+ and Religion
- Mental Health
- Self-Injury
- Sexual Health
- Transgender Identity
The Trevor Project continues to expand and fine-tune its services and resources. The need for volunteers is ongoing. The hope is that The Trevor Project will continue to be able to provide much-needed support to LGBTQ+ young people in crisis, not only today but into the future.
