Being Black is hard. Due to the unique historical and current systems of oppression we face, the simple feat of continuing to exist and thrive in this country is an act of sheer rebellion for Black people. Countless scholars have illustrated myriad challenges to physical and mental health that Black people face, all stemming from systematic discrimination and racism. Mental health care providers and researchers alike have long been sounding the alarm about the mental health crisis among Black young people, specifically pointing to increasing rates of suicide. Still, in many ways reflective of our tenacity, Black people are incredibly…

Aromantic Spectrum Awareness Week is a great opportunity for all of us (aromantic or otherwise) to learn more about aromanticism, and to dust off any cobwebs of misconception around what it means to be aromantic. It’s important to define what it means to be aromantic: Aromanticism is a romantic orientation that describes people who do not experience romantic attraction. This does not mean that aromantic people do not experience any kind of attraction at all; they may still experience platonic, aesthetic, or sensual attraction. Being aromantic is not a choice, like any other orientation. Aromantic people are perfect exactly as…

This year, we are proud to celebrate our thirteenth year of partnership with our friends at Abercrombie & Fitch, a brand that has made a point of celebrating Pride and honoring the LGBTQ+ community all year long. Abercrombie’s new gender-inclusive Pride collection, which was inspired by our year-long partnership, was designed to celebrate the joy and resilience of the LGBTQ+ community. Available online all year long, the collection is yet another example of how Abercrombie invites their customers to celebrate the LGBTQ+ community 24/7, 365. To date, Abercrombie & Fitch Co., has partnered with its customers to raise more than…

Our community has grown so much over the past 25 years. Together, we have built a network of people dedicated to supporting LGBTQ young people, advocating for their rights, and making sure the world becomes a better place for them. Every person in this growing community of care has unique strengths and passions, whether that’s dancing, pottery, advocacy, running, or reading. Join us in celebrating each other and Trevor’s 25th Anniversary in our 25 Minute Strut Your Strengths Facebook Challenge! This virtual fundraising challenge is all about what makes you special — and raising funds for The Trevor Project while…

At The Trevor Project, we provide crisis services to LGBTQ young people whenever and wherever they need us. We know that LGBTQ young people are vulnerable to mental health challenges and are at increased risk for suicide because of how they are mistreated in society and often by those closest to them at home, at school, and in their communities. We are working diligently to change that. Still, even as we work to support the LGBTQ young people who need us, there are some things that we can't necessarily provide, but that every person deserves like housing, food, safety and…

This year, one of my resolutions is to be more a candid about mental health, and this includes talking about the difficult subject of suicide and suicidal ideation. Because the more we talk about it, the more we can de-stigmatize it.  First, we need to define it. “Suicide is the act of injuring oneself with the intent to die.” One of the hardest topics to talk about is suicide. Many of us may know people who have attempted or lost their lives to suicide, but talking about it can often feel taboo. We live in a society that sweeps a…

As we start a new year, we enter a hostile political landscape for LGBTQ young people in states across America. In 2022, 220 anti-LGBTQ bills were considered in a majority of states across the country — a record number. In 2023, this trend is set to continue, as state houses around America are considering legislation that targets LGBTQ young people, ranging from censoring LGBTQ-related curriculums and books, banning transgender student-athletes from participating in sports that match their gender identity, and criminalizing doctors and families who support youth with transgender medical care.   That’s the bad news. However, there is reason for…

The holidays can be a difficult time. Going home can mean feeling out of place, overwhelmed, or simply not seen. For many LGBTQ young people, these feelings happen year-round. We never want young people to forget that even if they’re not in affirming environments, there are so many people out there who love and support them. We asked supporters of the Trevor Project to submit words of encouragement for young people to hear and return to when they need it. If you’re having a tough day, we hope these words can lift you up.  I know sometimes it may feel…

Going home can mean returning to your comfort zone. Going home can mean freedom of expression or safety from the storm. Some people have many homes; the homes they come from, the homes they created on their own. And some people still cannot call anywhere a home, in both the physical and emotional sense.  As someone who grew up in an often unsafe and unaffirming home, the ability to control and feel safe in my space is very important to me. The home I am in now is my favorite so far. It is a cozy place where I cook…