The Trevor Project

The Trevor Project is a nonprofit organization focused on LGBTQ+ youth, founded by Peggy Rajski, James Lecesne, and Randy Stone in 1998, following the release of the Academy Award-winning short film Trevor, which was created by Peggy Rajski and James Lecesne and starred Brett Barsky and Jonah Blechman. The organization is dedicated to providing crisis intervention and suicide prevention services to LGBTQ+ youth, with the help of The National Alliance on Mental Illness and The American Foundation for Suicide Prevention. The Trevor Project has received support from various LGBTQ+ organizations, including GLAAD, The Human Rights Campaign, and PFLAG, as well as from celebrities like Lady Gaga, Katy Perry, and Taylor Swift.

History and founding

The Trevor Project was founded in 1998, following the release of the Academy Award-winning short film Trevor, which was created by Peggy Rajski and James Lecesne and starred Brett Barsky and Jonah Blechman. The film's success led to the creation of the organization, which was initially called the Trevor Helpline and was later renamed to The Trevor Project. The organization's early work was supported by The Colin Higgins Foundation, The David Bohnett Foundation, and The Elton John AIDS Foundation. The Trevor Project has since become a leading organization in the LGBTQ+ community, providing crisis intervention and suicide prevention services to LGBTQ+ youth, with the help of The National Alliance on Mental Illness and The American Foundation for Suicide Prevention. The organization has also partnered with The Trevor Project allies, including The Gay, Lesbian and Straight Education Network and The National Center for Transgender Equality, to provide resources and support to LGBTQ+ youth.

Mission and services

The Trevor Project's mission is to provide crisis intervention and suicide prevention services to LGBTQ+ youth, with the goal of reducing the high rates of suicide and depression among this population. The organization provides a range of services, including a 24/7 crisis helpline, online chat, and text messaging services, which are staffed by trained crisis counselors from The National Crisis Text Line and The Crisis Call Center. The Trevor Project also offers online resources and support groups, including TrevorSpace, a social networking site for LGBTQ+ youth, and Trevor Support Center, a online resource center that provides information and support on topics such as coming out, HIV/AIDS, and mental health. The organization has partnered with The It Gets Better Project, The Trevor Project allies, and other LGBTQ+ organizations, including GLAAD, The Human Rights Campaign, and PFLAG, to provide resources and support to LGBTQ+ youth.

Impact and recognition

The Trevor Project has had a significant impact on the LGBTQ+ community, providing crisis intervention and suicide prevention services to thousands of LGBTQ+ youth each year. The organization has received numerous awards and recognition for its work, including the White House's Champions of Change award, the National Association of Social Workers' Public Citizen of the Year award, and the GLAAD Media Award for Outstanding LGBTQ Media Organization. The Trevor Project has also been recognized by The American Psychological Association, The National Alliance on Mental Illness, and The American Foundation for Suicide Prevention for its innovative approach to crisis intervention and suicide prevention. The organization has been supported by celebrities like Lady Gaga, Katy Perry, and Taylor Swift, who have used their platforms to raise awareness and funds for The Trevor Project, as well as by LGBTQ+ organizations, including The Gay, Lesbian and Straight Education Network and The National Center for Transgender Equality.

Research and advocacy

The Trevor Project is committed to advancing the field of LGBTQ+ youth research and advocacy, with the goal of reducing the high rates of suicide and depression among this population. The organization has conducted numerous research studies on topics such as LGBTQ+ youth mental health, suicide prevention, and crisis intervention, in partnership with The National Institute of Mental Health, The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, and The World Health Organization. The Trevor Project has also advocated for policies and laws that support the LGBTQ+ community, including the Equality Act, the Every Child Deserves a Family Act, and the Safe Schools Improvement Act. The organization has partnered with The Human Rights Campaign, GLAAD, and PFLAG to advocate for LGBTQ+ rights and to provide resources and support to LGBTQ+ youth, as well as with The National Association of Social Workers, The American Psychological Association, and The National Alliance on Mental Illness to advance the field of LGBTQ+ youth research and advocacy.

Financials and governance

The Trevor Project is a nonprofit organization that relies on donations and grants to support its work, from organizations such as The David Geffen Foundation, The Elton John AIDS Foundation, and The Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation. The organization has a diverse board of directors, which includes LGBTQ+ leaders and allies, such as Peggy Rajski, James Lecesne, and Randy Stone, as well as representatives from The National Alliance on Mental Illness, The American Foundation for Suicide Prevention, and The Human Rights Campaign. The Trevor Project is governed by a set of bylaws and policies that ensure transparency and accountability, and the organization is accredited by The Better Business Bureau and The Charity Navigator. The organization has also received support from celebrities like Lady Gaga, Katy Perry, and Taylor Swift, who have used their platforms to raise awareness and funds for The Trevor Project, as well as from LGBTQ+ organizations, including The Gay, Lesbian and Straight Education Network and The National Center for Transgender Equality. Category:LGBTQ+ organizations