Monika Mejia
Community

Black@Trevor Spotlight: Monika Mejia

At The Trevor Project, we create intentional spaces, called Affinity Groups, that allow members of Team Trevor to connect with each other around their different intersectional identities. Over the next few months, we’ll feature member spotlights from across Trevor’s Affinity Groups. This month, we’re proud to spotlight Training Coordinator and Black@Trevor member Monika Mejia (she/her). As one of The Trevor Project’s pioneering Affinity Groups, Black@Trevor leads with a mission to create spaces and resources for employees who identify within the Black Diaspora (and their allies) to connect, grow relationships, and build community. Best piece of advice you’ve ever received?  I…
On the Vibrancy of Bisexuality and the Queer Umbrella
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On The Vibrancy Of Bisexuality And The Queer Umbrella

Bisexual people comprise 75% of youth who identify as lesbian, gay, or bisexual according to the CDC’s Youth Risk Behavior Survey. That much seems to be true, at least among my group of friends here in Chicago, one in which strictly “straight” individuals are the minority. That much also seems to be true in my own family — 66% of my mom’s sibling’s children hold identities under the queer umbrella. For our purposes, we can simply define “bisexual” using Robyn Ochs’ terms: the potential to be attracted — romantically and/or sexually — to people of more than one gender. We…
100-Word Coming Out Stories
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100-Word Coming Out Stories

Storytelling changes hearts and minds. Every coming out story is unique, but they are each a part of the beautiful, messy, aching process of looking for affirmation and acceptance from those we love the most. For Coming Out Day, we asked Trevor staff to share their journeys with the world in 100 words.  Remember that everyone comes out at their own pace, and sometimes only to themselves. Out and proud or just beginning your journey — both are equally valid. Here are some selected 100-word coming out stories: I told my mom I had to tell her something while watching…
Harvey Guillén On Representation, Latinx History, And More
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Harvey Guillén On Representation, Latinx History, And More

For LGBTQ young people representation can make the world of a difference. The Trevor Project’s research found that 89% of LGBTQ young people reported that seeing LGBTQ folks in popular TV, movies, and music made them feel good about being LGBTQ. And it seems that powerful representation of LGBTQ folks and of historically marginalized people in general is becoming more and more commonplace. Actor Harvey Guillén from FX’s “What We Do in the Shadows” is one of those LGBTQ folks making strides for representation. In his role as Guillermo, a vampire’s familiar, Harvey plays a character that is both openly…
Miriam Johnson
Community

Black@Trevor Spotlight: Miriam Johnson

At The Trevor Project, we create intentional spaces, called Affinity Groups, that allow members of Team Trevor to connect with each other around their different intersectional identities. Over the next few months, we’ll feature member spotlights from across Trevor’s Affinity Groups. This month, we’re proud to spotlight Clinical Services Digital Supervisor and Black@Trevor member Miriam Johnson (she/her). As one of The Trevor Project’s pioneering Affinity Groups, Black@Trevor leads with a mission to create spaces and resources for employees who identify within the Black Diaspora (and their allies) to connect, grow relationships, and build community. Best piece of advice you’ve ever…
Blog

How to Support LGBTQ+ Young People Ahead of the 2024 Election

Young people are listening. I’ve heard many people underplay the dangers of anti-LGBTQ+ rhetoric, citing that “it’s just politics” or “these candidates are just trying to fire up the base.” They say that the Supreme Court will never overturn Obergefell vs. Hodges (the landmark Supreme Court cases which solidified marriage equality in all 50 states), even when Justices make veiled threats to do so.  These folks are missing the bigger point, and a point that isn’t talked about enough. This year, nearly 1 in 3 LGBTQ young people said their mental health was poor most of the time or always…