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A Third of The Trevor Project’s Increase in Post-Election Crisis Contacts Identify as BIPOC LGBTQ+ Youth

The Trevor Project's classic crisis services experienced significantly increased volume related to the election over the last few days (pre-election, post-election). A third of those crisis contacts identified as BIPOC LGBTQ+ young people. The viral NBC News exit polls indicate that a majority (85%) of Black people voted for VP Harris, which includes a larger majority of Black women (91%).  “Recognizing that the vast majority of Black voters voted for VP Harris, it makes sense that Black LGBTQ+ young people might be experiencing negative mental health outcomes following the election results. For LGBTQ+ young people, including BIPOC LGBTQ+ young people,…
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BIPOC Mental Health Awareness Month: Navigating Stigma

BIPOC communities have historically faced discrimination, systemic inequalities, and social injustices — all of which have profound impacts on mental health. This BIPOC Mental Health Awareness Month, it is essential to highlight the disparities that exist in access to mental health services among BIPOC communities. It’s important that we continue advocating for equitable resources and promoting the destigmatization of both asking for and receiving help. Stigma surrounding mental health is prevalent in many communities, often leading to shame, silence, and avoidance. Within BIPOC communities specifically, cultural factors and historical trauma can further complicate discussions around mental health. Breaking these stigmas…
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Juneteenth and BIPOC Mental Health Awareness Month

Juneteenth, also known as Freedom Day, commemorates the emancipation of enslaved Black people in the United States. As we honor Juneteenth, we must also acknowledge the ongoing systemic racism and discrimination that Black people and other people of color face in our society. Racism and discrimination have a significant impact on mental health, and it is essential to recognize and address this issue.  That is why The Trevor Project is proud to celebrate Juneteenth, but also start the conversation around BIPOC Mental Health Awareness Month which starts on July 1st. This month-long observance aims to raise awareness of the mental…
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What Supporting Black LGBTQ Young People Really Looks Like

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…
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Margaret Cho, Rhoyle Ivy King, Charlie A. Scott, and Kalen Allen On BIPOC Mental Health Awareness Month

July is Black, Indigenous, and People of Color (BIPOC) Mental Health Awareness Month, a month that serves as a special opportunity for BIPOC individuals and allies to raise awareness about the unique mental health needs and concerns of people of color. BIPOC is ultimately just an acronym that encompasses a wide range of experiences, identities, and struggles — so we asked our community to weigh in on intersectionality, mental health, and what BIPOC LGBTQ young people need from allies. Margaret Cho (she/her) How do your identities and their intersections shape who you are and/or impact your own mental health? My…
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Celebrating Transgender Day Of Visibility With Black And Trans @ Trevor

International Transgender Day of Visibility, celebrated on March 31, is an annual day dedicated to celebrating trans people, their contributions to history and culture, the vibrant intersections of gender with other held identities, and speaking out against the ongoing prevalence of anti-trans discrimination. To our trans and nonbinary community across the nation and the world: we love you, we are here for you, and you are beautiful, incredible, and indispensable. Join us in celebrating Transgender Day of Visibility with two members of The Trevor Project affinity groups Black@Trevor and Trans@Trevor, Jesse Medina and Marcus Sanders, as they reflect upon the…
George M. Johnson
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George M. Johnson Is Writing The Roadmap For Black LGBTQ Representation

Amidst a wave of book bans sweeping the nation, George M. Johnson (they/them), award-winning author of the New York Times Bestselling 2020 young adult memoir “All Boys Aren’t Blue,” is ready to fight against everybody trying to silence Black queer writers.  It was in September of last year when George first heard their memoir was being banned in a county in Kansas City, MO. Initially, they laughed about it. Within four weeks, their memoir was being contested in schools and libraries in eight states, and as of now, the number has risen to 19.  George’s laughter then turned to action.…
Myeshia Price
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Senior Research Scientist Myeshia Price On The Data Behind Black Queer Intersectionality

I am Myeshia Price, (she/they), a senior research scientist at The Trevor Project. I am a parent, I am Black, and I am queer. Drawing from an intersectional perspective, a person’s social location — or position in society based on a collection of social demographics such as race, class, sexual orientation, etc. — provides unique experiences for people with multiple identities that are marginalized in that society. Together, these various identities shape a person’s lived experiences. As such, being a Black queer person comes with so very many intersections of strengths to pull from, and sources of joy, but can…
Preston Mitchum
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Black Queerness Is Magic

Content Warning: This story explores suicide loss and attempts. For support, 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. I am Preston Mitchum (he/him), an LGBTQ Attorney, Advocate, and Activist hailing from Dayton, Ohio and living and learning in the nation’s capital. I’m The Trevor Project’s Director of Advocacy and Government Affairs and the co-chair of our Black@Trevor Affinity Group.  I come to Trevor with a decade of advocacy and government affairs experience on a number of domestic and global civil rights and liberties issue areas, including abortion access, comprehensive…
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Black LGBTQ+ Heroes You Should Know

As part of The Trevor Project’s enduring commitment to centering Black LGBTQ+ stories all year round, we are highlighting Black LGBTQ+ people who have lead the way in history, those who fought and continue fighting for racial justice and equity for all LGBTQ+ individuals. These are just some of the trailblazing individuals whose stories continue to inspire and galvanize us in our mission to end suicide among LGBTQ+ young people. Audre Lorde Photo by K. KendallLicense Creative Commons Attribution 2.0 Audre Lorde (1934-1992), self-identified “black, lesbian, mother, warrior, poet,” was a pioneer in the world of literature and one of…