The Trevor Project is getting ready for an exciting 2022: we recently welcomed 24 new team members, the largest new hire cohort in the organization’s history. Among them is myself, Sue Cardenas-Soto (they/them), and I am bringing a love for writing, a devotion to the LGBTQ community, and my personal identities as a non-binary, queer, MexiCuban to The Trevor Project as a Copywriter.
My first week at The Trevor Project was nothing if not exhilarating. I was stunned not only by the urgent need for LGBTQ-specific crisis services (42% of LGBTQ youth seriously considered attempting suicide in the past year) but by the team’s motivation to provide these services. I was impressed with the breadth of The Trevor Project’s areas of support, from best-in-class Crisis Services, to innovative LGBTQ research, to comprehensive peer support, proactive political advocacy, and sophisticated educational programming.
I was also comforted by the spirit guiding The Trevor Project’s team. I immediately felt a sense of belonging in a community united in the mission to end suicide among lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, queer, and questioning young people. As a part of Team Trevor, I have never been around so many LGBTQ individuals and allies in my life, which is so exciting and identity-affirming.
As someone who has struggled for many years with their mental health, The Trevor Project mission is deeply personal to me. I am committed to fostering the resilience of LGBTQ young people because I have the same commitment to myself. I feel lucky to now work for an organization that earnestly champions the joy and strength of people like me.
Like many, I still deal with imposter syndrome, but as I find my footing, I feel assured that Trevor is a space where I will be accepted as I am and challenged to grow. It is a great privilege to be a part of a team steering the conversation around LGBTQ empowerment, survival, and resilience. 2021 was the worst legislative year for LGBTQ young people in history, and it is so moving to join the team at such a critical moment for the people we are serving.
I encourage anyone looking to make an impact on the lives of LGBTQ young people to consider joining The Trevor Project. You will find a national community truly working for change. Learn more about careers at The Trevor Project.
Sue Cardenas-Soto (they/them) is a Copywriter on the Growth team at The Trevor Project, the world’s largest suicide prevention and crisis intervention organization for lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, queer & questioning (LGBTQ) young people. If you or someone you know is feeling hopeless or suicidal, our trained crisis counselors are available 24/7 at 1-866-488-7386 via chat www.TheTrevorProject.org/Get-Help, or by texting START to 678-678.
