User:Cappiahkubi/The Trevor Project

Introduction
The Trevor Project is non-profit organization designed to be a help line for young LGBT people who are struggling with their sexual identity. This project aims to address health concerns of LGBTQ youth through Internet-and emerging technology-based approaches. The Trevor Project is committed to producing innovative research that brings new knowledge and clinical implications to the field of suicidology. The organization looks to fulfill their mission through four strategies: provide crisis counseling to LGBTQ+ young people thinking of suicide, offer supportive counseling and a sense of community to young LGBTQ+ people in order to reduce suicide, educate young people and adults who interact with young people on LGBTQ+ competent suicide prevention, and advocate for laws and policies that will reduce suicide among LGBTQ+ young people. The Trevor Project is the leading advocate for LGBTQ youth in preventative efforts that address the discrimination, stigma, and other factors that place LGBTQ youth at significantly higher risk of suicide.

History
The Trevor Project was founded in 1998 by three filmmakers whose film, "Trevor", won an Academy Award for its message on LGBTQ+ youth suicide. The film, "Trevor", is a based on a 13-year-old quirky, outgoing child named Trevor. Growing up Trevor always knew he was meant to live his life as a girl. He was a huge Diana Ross ran and wanted to dress up as his idol for Halloween. Trevor loved acting and dancing in school plays with some of his friends. Trevor always faced discrimination from his parents and friends because of his "different" behavior. Trevor's parents seem to always ignore his behavior or try to ignore the fact their son is different. Trevor experienced a bunch of unideal situations during his childhood. From attending counseling session with his parents' priest to having all of his friends turn on him and bully him countless amount of times throughout the school day. Trevor tried to take his life one day by drowning a bottle of aspirin his room with the tunes of Diana Ross tuning out the sorrow. Trevor was unsuccessful in his suicide attempt and even ends up making a new trustworthy nurse friend. Trevor is a film that highlights the importance of acceptance and forgiveness.

Impact
The Trevor Helpline has received hundreds of thousands of alls from LGBTQ+ youth across the country. The Trevor Project is also impacting people to take action when it comes to fighting for the LGBTQ+ youth. Michaela Mendelssohn is a prime example of someone who has been impacted by the Trevor Project. Michaela is known as the first transgender contestant in the Ms. Senior California Pageant. She was also a consultant to the character development of Sophia Burset from "Orange Is The New Black". Michaela Mendelssohn was recently appointed as a new board member of the Trevor Project. Her role is to provide strategic direction and ensure the organization has the resources to fulfill its mission. She also uses her expertise in advocacy for LGBTQ+ issues to serve as an Ambassador for the organization. Daniel Radcliffe, star of the "Harry Potter" film has also been identified as a contributor to the project. He plays a role in helping provide the financial leadership that makes the organization's lifesaving work possible.

Trevor Hotlines
TrevorLifeline: Trained counselors ready to support young people 24/7.

TrevorChat: A free confidential and secure instant messaging service that provides live help to LGBTQ youth.

TrevorText: A confidential and secure resource that provides live help for LGBTQ youth with a trained specialist, over text messages.

Trevor Support Center: A place where LGBTQ youth and allies can find answers to FAQs and explore resources related to sexual orientation, gender identity, and more. They cover a serious of topics including: asexual, bisexual, coming out, family + friends, gay + lesbians, healthy relationships, HIV/AIDS, homelessness, crushes, school, LGBTQ + religion, mental health, self-injury, sexual health, and trans + gender identity.

TrevorSpace: A social networking site for lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, queer, and questioning youth under 25 and their friends and allies.

Education
The Lifeguard Workshop: A free online learning module with a video, curriculum, and teacher resources for middle school and high school classrooms.

The Trevor Project's Trainings for Professionals: Include in-person Ally and CARE trainings designed for adults who work with youth. These trainings help counselors, educators, administrators, school nurses, and social workers discuss LBTQ-competent suicide prevention.

Model School Policy: This resource helps educators and administrators implement comprehensive suicide prevention policies in communities nationwide.

Community Resources
Trevor Ambassadors: Local volunteer groups in select U.S. cities (Atlanta, Chicago, Philadelphia, Salt Lake City, San Diego, San Francisco, Seattle, and Washington, D.C.)

Trevor NextGen: Groups of young, motivated volunteers in New York and Los Angeles who raise awareness, develop leadership, advocate, and fundraise in support of the Trevor Project's life-saving, life-affirming work.

Trevor Youth Advisory Council: This group of 20 young advocates, ages 16-24 from around the country are trained by the Trevor Project to raise awareness about LGBTQ youth, mental health, and suicide prevention in their communities.

Trevor Advocacy Network: A way for Trevor supporters to take action to improve policies and legislation that protect LGBTQ youth. The Trevor Helpline is 866-488-7386 and their website is www.trevorproject.com.