Pride Month may be over, but just like we encouraged in our recent blog, that shouldn’t mean that the efforts to support the LGBTQ+ community should end with it. So, to kick off a new month, we’d like to tell you about an amazing organization that we donated to for Pride month and hope to continue to support no matter the time of year.
The Trevor Project
The Trevor Project is a non-profit organization that is on a mission to end suicide among teens and youth of the LGTBQ+ community. According to research done by the organization, LGBTQ+ young people are less likely to attempt suicide if they live in a supportive environment. The Trevor Project aims to be this life-saving environment for teens and youth of the LGBTQ+ community who may be struggling.
The Trevor Project provides online resources ranging from mental health counseling to education and funding of research. They have built a moderated online community called “TrevorSpace” with over 400,000 people to connect with online. The community creates a safe space for conversation, advice, and building friendships. They also provide crisis support via a hotline that is available 24/7 for chat, call, or text.
How to Help
“Allies, supporters, and adults make a difference for LGBTQ young people, because when we’re connected, we’re stronger. That’s the power of us.” The Trevor Project needs people like you to help. Let’s examine some ways that you can support the organization, with varying levels of commitment.
Financial Donations
Since The Trevor Project is a nonprofit organization, donations are what make it possible to continue the mission. Whether it’s $5 or $5000, every bit helps cover the cost of:
- Advocating against anti-LGBTQ laws and working with policymakers to pass legislation to protect LGBTQ youth
- Connecting LGBTQ peers through TrevorSpace, the organization’s safe space social networking site
- Conducting original research to capture the unique experiences of LGBTQ young people, which helps for resource creation and to train counselors
Volunteering Your Time
You can become an advocate to stay in the loop about legislation across the country that could affect the LGBTQ+ community. By signing up as an advocate, The Trevor Project would notify you about current events and how you can help.
If you’re looking to show even deeper support, you can apply to become a crisis support counselor. You don’t need a degree or a license to become a trained Trevor counselor – just passion and commitment. Crisis support counselors take shifts to be available via phone or text for young people in crisis. The service is free, confidential, and available 24/7.
Spreading the Word
It’s okay if you don’t have money or time to volunteer right now. You can still support the Trevor Project by simply spreading the word about the organization and what it stands for. It’s as easy as telling a friend or sharing their social media posts. Even reading this blog is a great start!
Pride and Community
Everybody deserves a welcoming, loving community, but for many people, including many LGBTQ+ youth, it is not always easy to find. The Trevor Project wants to change that. Having an affirming community and knowing there are people there to support you makes all the difference. Fuel Cycle is proud to donate to and spread the word about such an influential organization.
If you’d like to learn more, visit The Trevor Project website.
