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The Power of Affirmation: Stories from Trevor Staff

The Power of Affirmation: Stories from Trevor Staff Affirmation is life-giving. It is an incredibly powerful feeling to be understood, accepted, and celebrated for who you are, especially when understanding and affirmation are hard to come by. So many LGBTQ+ young people struggle to find that affirmation, whether at school, in their own homes, or with themselves. And holidays approaching reminds many LGBTQ+ young people of places they cannot be themselves. We deeply wish for every LGBTQ+ young person to have at least one person they can rely on for support (which is why we’re here 24/7) because we know…
Photo of Daniel Quasar
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A Conversation With Daniel Quasar on Pride Flags, LGBTQ History, and Mental Health

Written by Sue Cardenas-Soto (they/them), Copywriter Daniel Quasar (they/ze) calls themselves an “accidental designer,” but they’re definitely one who has made an impact on LGBTQ history. Quasar designed the Progress Pride flag in 2018, an updated design that incorporated Monica Helm’s Trans Pride flag, the traditional Gilbert Baker Pride flag, and elements of Philadelphia and Seattle’s Pride flags. The trans flag stripes and black and brown stripes were shifted to the hoist and given a chevron shape, pointing to the right to symbolize forward movement. SUE: Can you tell me about the process of designing the flag? QUASAR: I was…
Illustrations of the following Trans Trailblazers: Jackie Shane, Lou Sullivan, Sylvia Rivera, Raquel Willis.
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More Trans Trailblazers You Should Know About

Trans Awareness Week is a special time for our community, a time when we share stories of trans individuals who paved the path for others; remember the history of trans resistance; celebrate trans joy, victories, and advancements; and finally, honor trans people who were lost to phobic violence. For Women’s History Month, we shared the stories of four trailblazing trans women who deserve some shine — for Trans Awareness Week, we’re introducing four more trans people who undeniably made an impact on LGBTQ history amid transphobia, violence, and oppression. Jackie Shane Jackie Shane, from Nashville, Tennessee, was a pioneer of…
Graphic that says "Change starts with one person"
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How You Can Be The One

Here at Trevor, we’ve been talking a lot about what it means to be the one for LGBTQ young people, especially as the year wraps up and we look to the (potentially tough) holiday season.You may have heard this before, but it bears repeating: for an LGBTQ young person, having at least one accepting adult in their life can lower odds of suicide risk by 40%.  This is more than just a statistic for us — it’s a reality we’ve seen in the individual lives of the LGBTQ young people we serve time and time again for 25 years. And…
orange, violet, purple and white squigleys and blobs
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Making LGBTQ History Happen

This LGBTQ History Month, we’re remembering past trailblazers like Marsha P. Johnson, Miss Major Griffin-Gracy, Harvey Milk, and more, but we’re also looking forward to making more history. In a time of increased hostility toward LGBTQ people, and with anti-LGBTQ legislation still on the rise, the need for liberation is now. And when it comes to LGBTQ young people, their mental health is paying the price: 71% of LGBTQ youth — including 86% of trans and nonbinary youth — say state laws restricting the rights of LGBTQ young people have negatively impacted their mental health. They deserve to see a…
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The Value of Queer Latinx Joy

Written by Sue Cardenas-Soto (they/them), Copywriter National Latinx Heritage Month isn’t just a time to celebrate the histories and accomplishments of Latinx people — it’s also about learning about their struggles, their joys, and breaking down the barriers they face.  I can’t write about this without naming where my family is from, which intimately informs who I am. My dad is from and lives in Mexico City. My mom’s parents were Cuban refugees and missionaries who traveled across Latin America (Ecuador, Venezuela, El Salvador) before coming to the United States. My abuelo was a near-perfect archetype of a Cuban patriarch:…
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Practicing Self-Care, Step-by-Step

If you find yourself feeling exhausted, overwhelmed, or just “off,” you’re not alone. Everyone needs to take care of themselves, even if it’s just enjoying a quick snack or doing simple breathing exercises. Self-care is essential, but it can be challenging to make time for it. And if you struggle with your mental health, it can be even tougher to make self-care a part of your routine. On a personal note, I struggle with a few mental health challenges that make it harder for me to do things others do with ease: regular meals, water, rest, and more. Sometimes what…
Waist high picture of Selina Peña wearing a white shirt and black vest.
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Allyship In The Classroom With Selina Peña

For Selina Peña (she/they), queer Chicanx educator and content creator, school has always been a refuge. She teaches at the very high school she graduated from, a school that provided a safe haven from her home environment. “Growing up in a bordertown, I took on various roles, including translator and caretaker,” Selina explained. “Now, as a queer Latina high school teacher in south Texas, I'm committed to fostering an inclusive and empowering classroom. I am aware of the value of representation in school and how it affects students' sense of identity and self-worth. I work hard to make sure my…
Frida's House in June
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Frida’s House In June

Frida Kahlo (1907-1954), the artist known for her surreal paintings and signature unibrow, was born, raised, and died in her home, La Casa Azul, now a museum dedicated to her life and work. In her diary, Frida wrote that “azul = distancia, electricidad, la pureza amor.” Blue = distance, electricity, pure love. The bright blue paint coating the interior walls of this house and studio, located in the Mexico City neighborhood of Coyoacán, encircles the space in an almost heavenly glow. In the middle of the loop of blue rooms sits a garden with a courtyard packed with potted plants…
Reflecting on Trans Day of Visibility with Kornbread and Chris Bright
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Reflecting on Trans Day of Visibility With Kornbread and Chris Bright

Demoria Elise, also known as the drag queen Kornbread “The Snack” Jeté from the fourteenth season of RuPaul’s Drag Race, joined The Trevor Project’s Director of Public Training Chris Bright on Instagram Live to speak on the significance of Transgender Day of Visibility (March 31) and the complexities of trans visibility and joy. As I watched their conversation, reflecting upon on the day’s celebrations of trans and non-binary individuals, and the recent passing of trans community members in my home city of Chicago, I found myself feeling bittersweet, mixed emotions. Though mainstream conversation around Trans Day of Visibility has centered…