The nonprofit organization that helps save lives of struggling LGBTQ+ youths

Pride month is recognized as a time for action, culture, and more for the LGBTQ+ community. But even after June ends, pride never stops. The ongoing challenges of LGBTQ+ youth seem to be never-ending. The Trevor Project is a non-profit organization aiming to ease the difficulties that they face.

The association provides a safe space for members of the LGBTQ+ community to attain support. They are available around the clock with crisis services via text, chat, and phone. Anyone, including those under 18, can connect confidentially with a trained counselor through the services they provide.

Many young people of the LGBTQ+ community are isolated from safety and care. Alone, invalidated, and depressed, numerous lost adolescents take their lives each year. Due to being a discriminated-against community, it can be difficult to find a person for them to entrust with their emotions and identity. Thus, the Trevor Project can be an important resource for them.

One struggle that these youths face is not having their pronouns respected. Others not part of the community should be encouraged to use the correct pronouns when referring to someone. Although this is a small step in making them feel appreciated and valued, it can be the difference someone needs to continue. This change can be easily made by others and can help work towards the Trevor Project’s goal of making these adolescents feel accepted.

“I feel like when you give trans people the respect that they deserve by honoring their pronouns, it gives them a sense of self-confidence,” junior Alexia Avramies said. “It makes them feel like the person they truly are.”

Unfortunately, with suicide as the second leading cause of death in America, LGBTQ youths are four times more likely to be suicidal than their peers. It can be increasingly challenging for people to accept their identity and be comfortable with who they are, especially in an unaccepting crowd. This emotional strain can lead many to suicide because they feel it is their only option. The Trevor Project’s lifeline is beneficial for people in these situations.

“I don’t think the suicide statistic is surprising at all,” sophomore Enzo De Freitas said. “I mean, the closet is an uncomfortable place to be in, there’s a lot of shame attached to it.”

The challenge to be accepted and normalized never ends. However, researchers have shown that acceptance from one adult can reduce their risk of suicide by 30 percent. The Trevor Project wants to be that one person, to make these adolescents feel safe and supported.

The Trevor Project is the nation’s leading suicide prevention and crisis intervention organization for LGTBQ+ youth. Additionally, their hotline is the only nationwide number for crisis and suicide prevention for these youth available 24/7. Wherever and however someone needs them, Trevor is there to help. They also accept donations used to help continue their services and provide youth with qualified advisors.

This world is far from LGBTQ+ equality and freedom, and Trevor is more needed than ever. Every dollar counts to funding the organization’s valuable resources. With their help, society is one step closer to building a more inclusive future.

Written by Stacey Martinez  | Graphic Designed by Stacey Martinez

Published January 27, 2022 | ePathfinder | Feature