The Trevor Project and Stop Bullying Campaign

www.stopbullying.gov

Bullying is a widespread and serious problem that can happen anywhere. It is not a phase children have to go through, it is not "just messing around", and it is not something to grow out of. Bullying can cause serious and lasting harm.

www.thetrevorproject.org




In order to end the destructive behaviors that lead to bullying, harassment and rejection of young people who are or are perceived to be lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender or questioning, it takes a cultural change. In the past several weeks, we have seen a massive outpouring of support from across the country to help save the lives of young people experiencing a suicide crisis. Today, the President of the United States, Barack Obama lent his voice, leadership and support to cultural change.
The project was founded in 1998 in West Hollywood, California, by James Lecesne, Peggy Rajski, and Randy Stone. They are the creators of the 1994 Academy Award-winning short film Trevor, a dramedy about Trevor, a gay thirteen-year-old boy who, when rejected by friends because of his sexuality, makes an attempt to take his life. When the film was scheduled to air on HBO television in 1998, the filmmakers realized that some of the program's young viewers might be facing the same kind of crisis as Trevor, and began to search for a support line to be broadcast during the airing. They discovered that no such helpline existed, and decided to dedicate themselves to forming what was, in their view, a much-needed resource: an organization to promote acceptance of LGBTQ youth, and to aid in crisis and suicide prevention among that group.

Thus The Trevor Lifeline was established with seed funds provided by The Colin Higgins Foundation and HBO's license fee. As a result, it became the first nationwide, around-the-clock crisis and suicide prevention helpline for LGBTQ youth.[5]The project also provides online support to young people through the project's website, as well as guidance and resources to educators and parents.

We all have the power to help young LGBTQ people know they are not alone, and that their lives and contributions are valuable to all Americans. If you or someone you care about shows warning signs for suicide, please do not hesitate to call The Trevor Lifeline at: 866-4-U-TREVOR (866-488-7386). The call is free and confidential.

The Trevor Project is the leading national organization focused on crisis intervention and suicide prevention efforts among LGBTQ youth. Every day, The Trevor Project saves young lives through its free and confidential lifeline, in-school workshops, educational materials, online resources and advocacy. For more information, visit www.TheTrevorProject.org