In the past several years, anti-LGBTQ rhetoric and policy has increased, placing the topic of queer rights more centrally on the public agenda and amplifying the polarization around LGBTQ rights.
As conversations increase, so does the anti-LGBTQ sentiment.
According to The Trevor Project, the leading national organization providing crisis intervention and suicide prevention services to LGBTQ people under the age of 25, this anti-LGBTQ discourse leads more than 1.8 million LGBTQ youth to consider suicide each year. Globally, that number increases to a staggering 40 million suicidal youth.
“We are currently living in a cultural and political landscape that has seen an increase in anti-LGBTQ rhetoric that further puts LGBTQ youth at risk for suicide, because of increased experiences of stigma and rejection,” said Calvin Stowell, Chief Growth Officer at The Trevor Project. The organization’s research shows that the suicide risk in this vulnerable population has increased each year over the past three, with a suicide attempt every 45 seconds, a rate that is four times greater than their peers.
“These data illustrate the dire situation facing LGBTQ youth, who are at higher risk of suicide not because of who they are but because how they are treated and stigmatized in our society,” explained Stowell. “We hope that these data can galvanize fellow researchers, policymakers, and community members to join us in ending this public health crisis of LGBTQ youth suicide.”
In addition to providing 24/7 crisis intervention and suicide prevention services, The Trevor Project advocates for pro-LGBTQ legislation, offers educational resources to individuals and organizations, and hosts a safe, inclusive social media site called TrevorSpace for LGBTQ youth to connect with and support each other. Half a million LGBTQ youth participate in this welcoming online community.
“As the world around us changes, we remain steadfast in our commitment to provide high-quality mental health services for LGBTQ youth, no matter where they are,” Stowell said. “By reaching more young people and fighting for a safer, more inclusive world, we hope to show LGBTQ youth that they belong, are loved, and not alone.”
The organization, whose powerful mission is to end LGBTQ youth suicide, hopes to expand its reach by partnering with other countries and sharing its resources while also continuing to make a meaningful impact in the US. Communications professionals can play an important role in helping The Trevor Project to raise awareness for the challenges LGBTQ youth are facing and the resources to support them, share the research and educational tools, and advocate for inclusive public policy and LGBTQ youth. Volunteer advocates are also needed to conduct outreach and research for state-level grassroots campaigns supporting LGBTQ youth across the country. In addition, The Trevor Project partners with corporations to provide resources for LGBTQ Employee Resource Groups, Pride Month celebrations, and Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) and Environmental, Social & Governance (ESG) initiatives. Resources are available at Trevor Support Center. ▪
For more information about The Trevor Project or to get involved, sign up for the organization’s newsletter and follow them on Instagram: @TrevorProject.
If you or someone you know needs help or support, The Trevor Project’s trained crisis counselors are available 24/7 at1-866-488-7386, via chat at TheTrevorProject.org/Get-Help, or by texting START to 678678.