Post by robiszoo on Jun 3, 2008 3:31:35 GMT
National LGBT Youth Suicide Line Seeks To Expand
by 365Gay.com Newscenter Staff
Posted: June 25, 2007 - 7:00 pm ET
(Los Angeles, California) Since it was founded in 1998 the Trevor
Project has taken over 96,000 phone calls from LGBT and questioning
youth, many of them contemplating suicide.
Founded by James Lecesne, Peggy Rajski, and Randy Stone - the
producers of the 1994 Academy Award winning short film "Trevor" about
a gay 13-year old boy who, when rejected by friends and peers because
of his sexuality, makes an attempt to take his life - it is the only
nationwide, around-the-clock suicide prevention helpline for gay and
questioning youth.
About 47 percent of gay and lesbian teenagers have seriously
considered suicide, and 36 percent have attempted it, according to a
2006 report from the American Academy of Pediatrics.
The National Institute for Mental Health notes that this number may
be low, because some teenagers who commit suicide may not be out to
their families or friends. LGBT teenagers may experience rejection by
their families, homelessness, maltreatment in school, and violence.
With trained counselors. the helpline, 866.4.U.TREVOR, is a free and
confidential service.
It is based at the Trevor Project's Los Angeles headquarters with a
second location at the San Francisco Suicide Prevention Center.
Now it wants to expand to a third location - in New York City.
The project has embarked on a multi-year fundraising effort to raise
$1,000,000 in multi-year gifts.
The call centers will be named in memory of Stone who passed away
unexpectedly earlier this year.
Monday night the campaign will be kicked off in New York by actress
Jodie Foster at the Millennium Theatre. Earlier on Monday Foster
recalled Stone as a friend with a sense of humor and a deep
commitment to gay youth.
"He was talented, passionate, supportive, and as big as life. He
brought all his beautiful energy to The Trevor Project," said Stone.
"The call center campaign's impact will continue the Trevor mission
in Randy's honor just as he would have wanted. I am proud to continue
my support of Trevor in memory of my dearest friend. He is missed."
In addition to the helpline, the organization' s website provides
information on identifying and assisting potentially suicidal youth
and "Dear Trevor", a confidential resource where youth can ask
questions about sexual orientation and identity issues.
The Trevor Project also provides resources to educators and parents.
More:
www.365gay.com/ Newscon07/ ...trevor. htm
by 365Gay.com Newscenter Staff
Posted: June 25, 2007 - 7:00 pm ET
(Los Angeles, California) Since it was founded in 1998 the Trevor
Project has taken over 96,000 phone calls from LGBT and questioning
youth, many of them contemplating suicide.
Founded by James Lecesne, Peggy Rajski, and Randy Stone - the
producers of the 1994 Academy Award winning short film "Trevor" about
a gay 13-year old boy who, when rejected by friends and peers because
of his sexuality, makes an attempt to take his life - it is the only
nationwide, around-the-clock suicide prevention helpline for gay and
questioning youth.
About 47 percent of gay and lesbian teenagers have seriously
considered suicide, and 36 percent have attempted it, according to a
2006 report from the American Academy of Pediatrics.
The National Institute for Mental Health notes that this number may
be low, because some teenagers who commit suicide may not be out to
their families or friends. LGBT teenagers may experience rejection by
their families, homelessness, maltreatment in school, and violence.
With trained counselors. the helpline, 866.4.U.TREVOR, is a free and
confidential service.
It is based at the Trevor Project's Los Angeles headquarters with a
second location at the San Francisco Suicide Prevention Center.
Now it wants to expand to a third location - in New York City.
The project has embarked on a multi-year fundraising effort to raise
$1,000,000 in multi-year gifts.
The call centers will be named in memory of Stone who passed away
unexpectedly earlier this year.
Monday night the campaign will be kicked off in New York by actress
Jodie Foster at the Millennium Theatre. Earlier on Monday Foster
recalled Stone as a friend with a sense of humor and a deep
commitment to gay youth.
"He was talented, passionate, supportive, and as big as life. He
brought all his beautiful energy to The Trevor Project," said Stone.
"The call center campaign's impact will continue the Trevor mission
in Randy's honor just as he would have wanted. I am proud to continue
my support of Trevor in memory of my dearest friend. He is missed."
In addition to the helpline, the organization' s website provides
information on identifying and assisting potentially suicidal youth
and "Dear Trevor", a confidential resource where youth can ask
questions about sexual orientation and identity issues.
The Trevor Project also provides resources to educators and parents.
More:
www.365gay.com/ Newscon07/ ...trevor. htm