If you’re in the DC area and looking for something to do on Wednesday night, June 6th, join supporters of The Trevor Project at the annual Capitol Pride Fundraiser. This year’s event is being held at Town Danceboutique starting at 6:30pm. Tickets are available at www.TheTrevorProject.org/paintthetown.
There will also be two DJs and a performance by recording artist Matt Zarley (read about his appearance in the Washington Blade). You can find out more about the event on Facebook or on The Trevor Project’s site.
The Trevor Project, the leading national organization providing crisis intervention and suicide prevention services to lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender and questioning (LGBTQ) youth, is using this Pride season to roll out their latest campaign - “NTL.” Need to Talk Live is a campaign geared to encouraging people to reach out beyond text, chat or email to get support when you’re in crisis. Introducing "NTL" into our online and phone communications is a way of engaging in a more meaningful way (something the Associated Press wrote about yesterday) and a key step in preventing suicide.
Personally, this is an important organization to me that I’ve volunteered with for two years. I’ve spoken to youth about suicide prevention and the fact that gay and bisexual kids are four times more likely to attempt suicide than their straight peers. Youth from rejecting homes are more than eight times more likely to attempt suicide. In leading workshops on suicide prevention, I’ve spoken with kids who have used Trevor’s services as well as youth who had personal experience with friends and peers completing suicide. The impact of their work is truly remarkable.
Look into supporting Trevor in anyway you can. You can go here for volunteer opportunities in cities across the US and here for more information on the services they provide.
