The Trevor Project

The Trevor Project. It is a leading national organization in the United States providing crisis intervention and suicide prevention services to lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, queer, and questioning youth. Founded in 1998, it operates a free, confidential 24/7 service via phone, text, and chat, alongside educational programs and advocacy initiatives. The organization was inspired by the Academy Award-winning short film Trevor and has since become a critical resource for millions of young people.

History and founding

The organization was established in 1998 by the creators of the short film Trevor, director Peggy Rajski, producer Randy Stone, and writer James Lecesne. The film, which tells the story of a gay thirteen-year-old boy who attempts suicide after being rejected by his friends, won the Academy Award for Best Live Action Short Film in 1994. Following the award and the film's subsequent broadcast on HBO, the creators recognized the lack of a dedicated support line for LGBTQ youth in crisis and launched the first national 24/7 service. Initial operations were supported by a grant from the Columbia Pictures-affiliated Michele R. Weise and critical early guidance from mental health experts. The organization's first physical office was established in West Hollywood, California, with its lifeline services beginning operation in 1998.

Mission and services

The primary mission is to end suicide among LGBTQ young people through a multi-faceted approach. Its core service is the free, confidential TrevorLifeline, which is accredited by the American Association of Suicidology and the International Council for Helplines. This is supplemented by TrevorText and TrevorChat, providing crisis support via SMS and online messaging. Beyond immediate intervention, the organization runs TrevorSpace, a moderated online community for LGBTQ youth aged 13–24 under the guidance of the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline. It also provides TrevorCare training workshops for educators and youth-serving adults, and operates the Trevor Advocacy program, which works to advance policies protecting LGBTQ youth at state and federal levels, often collaborating with groups like the Human Rights Campaign and GLAAD.

Impact and recognition

Since its inception, the organization has expanded its reach significantly, answering millions of contacts from young people across all U.S. states and territories. It has received numerous accolades for its work, including awards from the American Foundation for Suicide Prevention and the National Alliance on Mental Illness. High-profile supporters and ambassadors have included Daniel Radcliffe, Kristin Chenoweth, and Tim Gunn, who have helped raise its public profile. Its research, particularly the annual National Survey on LGBTQ Youth Mental Health, is frequently cited by major media outlets like CNN, The New York Times, and NPR, influencing public discourse and policy debates. The organization's work was also highlighted during the Obama administration's efforts to address bullying in schools.

Research and advocacy

The organization is a leading producer of original research on LGBTQ youth mental health. Its flagship publication, the National Survey on LGBTQ Youth Mental Health, provides comprehensive data on suicide risk, discrimination, and the protective effects of acceptance. This research informs its advocacy efforts, which focus on legislation such as the Trevor-supported Equality Act and laws banning the discredited practice of conversion therapy on minors, with successes in states like New York and California. The advocacy team regularly provides testimony before bodies like the United States Congress and collaborates with institutions like the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention to improve national data collection on suicide among sexual minority youth.

Financials and governance

The organization operates as a 501(c)(3) nonprofit, funded primarily through individual donations, corporate partnerships, and foundation grants. Major corporate supporters have included The Coca-Cola Company, Google, and JPMorgan Chase. It is governed by a Board of Directors composed of leaders from fields such as finance, technology, and mental health, with day-to-day operations led by Chief Executive Officer Amit Paley, a former journalist for The Washington Post. Financial disclosures and annual reports are publicly available, with the organization consistently receiving high ratings from charity evaluators like Charity Navigator and GuideStar for its transparency and programmatic efficiency. Funds are allocated across its crisis services, public education, research initiatives, and advocacy programs.