100-Word Coming Out Stories
Blog

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…
On the Vibrancy of Bisexuality and the Queer Umbrella
Blog

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…
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…
Advocacy

The Trevor Project Is Advocating For LGBTQ Affirming Schools

Whether through legislation, litigation, or public education at the federal, state, and local levels, The Trevor Project is a leading advocate for LGBTQ young people’s mental health and wellbeing across the country. Trevor Project Advocacy Campaign Manager Gabby Doyle (she/her) is focused particularly on advocating for LGBTQ students, young people at risk of finding themselves in unsafe, phobic environments. I came to The Trevor Project after serving as State Partnerships Manager at SIECUS: Sex Ed for Social Change, advocating for comprehensive sex education policies across the country. Now, I work with The Trevor Project on suicide prevention policies in schools.…
LGBTQ Students Deserve Safe Schools
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LGBTQ Students Deserve Safe Schools

For many, school can act as a safe, affirming space for young people who don’t have accepting home environments. For others, especially LGBTQ students and those with marginalized identities, school can be a place that is unwelcoming, unsafe, and lacking allies. At its best, school should be a place where every student can thrive, comforted knowing they are accepted for exactly who they are. I remember very clearly the feelings of anxiety I had anticipating homophobia, transphobia, misogyny, and racism at school — things that stifled the education of me and my peers. Hostility is the last thing students need.…
Nty R. Diakite
Community

Black@Trevor Spotlight: Nty R. Diakite

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 Crisis Services Senior Digital Supervisor and Black@Trevor member Nty R. Diakite (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…