Working With Delegate Bonnie Cullison and Senator Richard Madaleno, The Trevor Project’s 50 Bills 50 States Campaign Helped Draft Bill and Activated Grassroots Advocates

Annapolis, MD—Republican Maryland Governor Lawrence J. Hogan today signed the Youth Mental Health Protection Act, a bill that bans the barbaric practice of conversion therapy against LGBTQ young people. Conversion therapists falsely claim to be able to change people’s sexual orientation and gender identity, a practice opposed by prominent professional health associations including the American Medical Association, the American Psychological Association, and the American Academy of Pediatrics. Supported by The Trevor Project, the leading national organization providing crisis intervention and suicide prevention services for LGBTQ youth, and authored by Delegate Bonnie Cullison and Senator Richard Madaleno, the bill was first approved by Maryland House Delegates 95-27 and Senate 34-12.

The Trevor Project is invested in ending conversion therapy in every state because youth from highly rejecting families are more than 8 times more likely to attempt suicide than youth from accepting families. The organization supported the bill’s passage through its 50 Bills 50 States initiative by working closely with Delegate Cullison to draft and pass the legislation, and prepared Q&A for legislators with partners such as Free State Justice on the sensitive topic. In addition, The Trevor Project managed a network of local 50 Bills 50 States volunteers who encouraged the state to pass the bill – over 100 calls and emails were sent to legislators across Maryland by its campaign advocates.

“Banning conversion therapy in Maryland is a victory in our fight to protect LGBTQ young people everywhere from this dangerous and discredited practice,” said Amit Paley, CEO and Executive Director of The Trevor Project. “I’m proud of Maryland legislators for voting to eliminate this practice statewide and look forward to working closely with other state legislators to do the same.”

“As a conversion therapy survivor, I identified with Delegate Meagan Simonaire’s moving testimony about her conversion therapy experience,” said Sam Brinton, Head of Advocacy & Government Affairs for The Trevor Project. “Working with Delegate Cullison to pass this bill means a lot to The Trevor Project’s volunteer advocates, and 50 Bills 50 States will continue to work to protect LGBTQ youth across the country.”

The Trevor Project’s 50 Bills 50 States campaign works to introduce legislation to ban conversion therapy in every state in the country. So far bills have been introduced or successfully passed in 34 states. People can sign up to join 50 Bills 50 States by texting “TREVOR” to 40649.

About The Trevor Project

The Trevor Project is the leading and only accredited national organization providing crisis intervention and suicide prevention services to lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, queer, and questioning (LGBTQ) young people under the age of 25. The Trevor Project offers a suite of crisis intervention and suicide prevention programs, including TrevorLifeline, TrevorText, and TrevorChat as well as a peer-to-peer social network support for LGBTQ young people under the age of 25, TrevorSpace. Trevor also offers an education program with resources for youth-serving adults and organizations, a legislative advocacy department fighting for pro-LGBTQ legislation and against anti-LGBTQ rhetoric/policy positions, and conducts research to discover the most effective means to help young LGBTQ people in crisis and end suicide. If you or someone you know is feeling hopeless or suicidal, our Trevor Lifeline crisis counselors are available 24/7/365 at 866.488.7386. www.TheTrevorProject.org

CONTACT

Kevin Wong
The Trevor Project
646.576.7044
[email protected]

Los Angeles, CA – California Assemblymember Evan Low’s AB 2943, a bill recognizing the barbaric practice of conversion therapy as consumer fraud against LGBTQ adults and young people, passed today with a bipartisan vote of 50 to 18 in the California Assembly with support from co-sponsor The Trevor Project, the leading national organization providing crisis intervention and suicide prevention services for LGBTQ youth. Conversion therapists falsely claim to be able to change people’s sexual orientation and gender identity, a practice opposed by prominent professional health associations including the American Medical Association, the American Psychological Association, and the American Academy of Pediatrics.

The Trevor Project is invested in ending conversion therapy in every state. The organization supported Low’s bill through its 50 Bills 50 States initiative, including an April 10, 2018 testimony from conversion therapy survivor and The Trevor Project’s Head of Advocacy and Government Affairs, Sam Brinton. In addition, The Trevor Project activated its network with nearly 200 grassroots volunteers in California calling or reaching out to their legislators on the importance of passing the bill. The organization also worked closely with Assemblymember Low and Equality California to draft the bill and coordinate outreach to educate fellow assemblymembers on the legislation and the dangers of conversion therapy. The California Senate will soon vote on the bill before it reaches the office of California Governor Jerry Brown.

“I’m so proud of California legislators for passing legislation to ban the fraudulent practice of conversion therapy to protect its LGBTQ adults and young people,” said Brinton. “This historic first legislative body vote is a great first step in making the country a safer place for the LGBTQ community.”

“The pain and fear suffered by those who have been subjected to conversion therapy is something that I can personally identify with,” said Assemblymember Evan Low. “This legislation finally creates accountability for those who claim to provide therapy but are in fact peddling an unfounded and destructive practice.”

The Trevor Project’s 50 Bills 50 States campaign works to introduce legislation to ban conversion therapy in every state in the country. So far bills have been introduced or successfully passed in 34 states. People can sign up to join 50 Bills 50 States by texting “TREVOR” to 40649.

About The Trevor Project

The Trevor Project is the leading and only accredited national organization providing crisis intervention and suicide prevention services to lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, queer, and questioning (LGBTQ) young people under the age of 25. The Trevor Project offers a suite of crisis intervention and suicide prevention programs, including TrevorLifeline, TrevorText, and TrevorChat as well as a peer-to-peer social network support for LGBTQ young people under the age of 25, TrevorSpace. Trevor also offers an education program with resources for youth-serving adults and organizations, a legislative advocacy department fighting for pro-LGBTQ legislation and against anti-LGBTQ rhetoric/policy positions, and conducts research to discover the most effective means to help young LGBTQ people in crisis and end suicide. If you or someone you know is feeling hopeless or suicidal, our Trevor Lifeline crisis counselors are available 24/7/365 at 866.488.7386. www.TheTrevorProject.org

CONTACT

Kevin Wong
The Trevor Project
646.576.7044
[email protected]

****FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE****

This week the state of Washington made history, becoming the first state in 2018, and the 10th state in total, to pass protections for LGBTQ youth from the barbaric practice of conversion therapy. Conversion therapists falsely claim be able to change LGBTQ youth into straight and cisgender youth. Prominent professional health associations—including the American Medical Association, the American Psychological Association, and the American Academy of Pediatrics, among numerous others—oppose the use of conversion therapy on youth, calling the practice harmful and ineffective.

As the leading national organization providing crisis intervention and suicide prevention services for LGBTQ youth, The Trevor Project is invested in ending conversion therapy in every state and was proud to submit testimony with our partners such as Equal Rights Washington on the critical need to protect LGBTQ youth from conversion therapy. The Trevor Project’s 50 Bills in 50 States campaign works to introduce legislation to ban the practice in every state in the country.

“Washington has been leading by example. So far bills have been introduced in 34 states, passed in over 30 cities, and nearing passage in states from coast to coast” said Sam Brinton, Head of Advocacy and Government Affairs for The Trevor Project. They continued “Every week, we celebrate as another local ordinance like the City of Milwaukee or piece of state legislation like the State of Maryland moves closer to protecting LGBTQ youth from conversion therapy.”

There is a lot of work to do. New research by The Williams Institute shows that there are an estimated 20,000 LGBT youth in the U.S. ages 13 to 17 who will receive conversion therapy from a licensed health care professional before the age of 18. Also, approximately 57,000 youth will undergo the treatment from a religious or spiritual advisor. Researchers also found that approximately 698,000 LGBT adults in the U.S have received conversion therapy at some point in their lives, including about 350,000 who received it as adolescents.

“So-called ‘conversion therapy’ is dangerous and should be banned everywhere. We are thankful that politicians on both sides of the aisle in Washington States have joined together to protect LGBTQ youth,” said Amit Paley, The Trevor Project’s CEO and Executive Director. “This victory is part of a growing movement to stop conversion across the country and we won’t rest until conversion therapy is banned in all 50 states.”

“Banning conversion therapy sends a loud and unequivocal message to LGBTQ youth: there is nothing wrong with you. As a community, we love and support every person and we celebrate the diversity that makes us stronger.I am proud that Washington is standing up for our queer youth and I look forward to the day that these monstrous practices are illegal in every state,” said  Sen. Marko Liias, lead sponsor of this critical legislation.

“As a mother of a teenage son I am grateful for the steps Governor Inslee takes today to protect the LGBTQ youth in our state. A dear friend experienced conversion therapy. My heart aches for them and the pain they endured.” said Amanda Williams, a local activist working with the Trevor Project and the 50 Bills 50 States campaign. She continued, “Parenting is the hardest, best thing I’ve ever done. Everyday we’re confronted with confusing, conflicting advice. Every day we do our best to make the best choices for our kids. Thank you for taking a dangerous, destructive choice off the table for some of our most vulnerable children.”

The bill was signed by Gov. Jay Inslee on March 28, 2018.

The Trevor Project is the leading and only accredited national organization providing crisis intervention and suicide prevention services to lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, queer, and questioning (LGBTQ) young people under the age of 25. The Trevor Project offers a suite of crisis intervention and suicide prevention programs, including TrevorLifeline, TrevorText, and TrevorChat as well as a peer-to-peer social network support for LGBTQ young people under the age of 25, TrevorSpace. Trevor also offers an education program with resources for youth-serving adults and organizations, a legislative advocacy department fighting for pro-LGBTQ legislation and against anti-LGBTQ rhetoric/policy positions, and conducts research to discover the most effective means to help young LGBTQ people in crisis and end suicide. If you or someone you know is feeling hopeless or suicidal, our Trevor Lifeline crisis counselors are available 24/7/365 at 866.488.7386. www.TheTrevorProject.org

MEDIA CONTACT:
Calvin Stowell, Chief Growth Officer

****FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE****

Today The City of Milwaukee passed a critical ordinance with protections for LGBTQ youth from the barbaric practice of conversion therapy. Conversion therapists falsely claim be able to change LGBTQ youth into straight and cisgender youth. Prominent professional health associations—including the American Medical Association, the American Psychological Association, and the American Academy of Pediatrics, among numerous others—oppose the use of conversion therapy on youth, calling the practice harmful and ineffective.

As the leading national organization providing crisis intervention and suicide prevention services for LGBTQ youth, The Trevor Project is invested in ending conversion therapy in every state and was proud to submit testimony with our partners such as the Milwaukee LGBT Community Center on the critical need to protect LGBTQ youth from conversion therapy. The Trevor Project’s 50 Bills in 50 States campaign works to introduce legislation to ban the practice in every state in the country. So far bills have been introduced in 34 states.

New research by The Williams Institute shows that there are an estimated 20,000 LGBT youth in the U.S. ages 13 to 17 who will receive conversion therapy from a licensed health care professional before the age of 18. Also, approximately 57,000 youth will undergo the treatment from a religious or spiritual advisor. Researchers also found that approximately 698,000 LGBT adults in the U.S have received conversion therapy at some point in their lives, including about 350,000 who received it as adolescents.

“Milwaukee is the largest city in my home state of Wisconsin, and to see their stance on this issue is critical to the well-being of youth in the state.” said Coltan James, a student activist with The Trevor Project’s 50 Bills 50 States campaign. “I hope this is a catalyst where more and more Wisconsin cities tell us “you can’t change things that aren’t wrong with you.”

“From Alderman Cavalier Johnsons sponsorship and eloquent articulation on this important nature of the ordinance to Alderman and Council President Ashanti Hamilton’s leadership, this was a great testament to the City of Milwaukee’s dedication to protecting LGBTQ youth from conversion therapy,” said Sam Brinton, Head of Advocacy and Government Affairs for the The Trevor Project.

This ordinance will not limit the freedom to practice a person’s faith as some have suggested and as Alderwoman Chantia Lewis said “If our work as pastors results in suicide, we as Christians have not done our jobs.” Thank you to the Common Council of the City of Milwaukee for doing their job to protect every citizen including LGBTQ youth.

“It was a heartfelt victory for our children.” said Tony Snell Rodriguez, Interim Executive Director of the Milwaukee LGBT Community Center.

The Trevor Project is the leading and only accredited national organization providing crisis intervention and suicide prevention services to lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, queer, and questioning (LGBTQ) young people under the age of 25. The Trevor Project offers a suite of crisis intervention and suicide prevention programs, including TrevorLifeline, TrevorText, and TrevorChat as well as a peer-to-peer social network support for LGBTQ young people under the age of 25, TrevorSpace. Trevor also offers an education program with resources for youth-serving adults and organizations, a legislative advocacy department fighting for pro-LGBTQ legislation and against anti-LGBTQ rhetoric/policy positions, and conducts research to discover the most effective means to help young LGBTQ people in crisis and end suicide. If you or someone you know is feeling hopeless or suicidal, our Trevor Lifeline crisis counselors are available 24/7/365 at 866.488.7386. www.TheTrevorProject.org

MEDIA CONTACT:
Calvin Stowell, Chief Growth Officer

****FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE****

SACRAMENTO – Today, Assemblymembers Marc Berman (D-Palo Alto) and Patrick O’Donnell (D-Long Beach) introduced legislation aimed at preventing student suicide, the second leading cause of death among 10 to 24 year olds.

“Schools are on the front lines of suicide prevention,” said Assemblymember Berman. “It is imperative that teachers and all school staff have the tools they need to be trained to recognize the warning signs and respond appropriately. This legislation will support our schools’ efforts to improve suicide awareness and prevent further tragedies.”

AB 2639 would direct the California Department of Education to identify evidence-based, online suicide prevention training programs and provide funding to make the identified training available to school staff and students at all public schools serving students in grades 7 to 12, including charter schools. The training program must address the needs of high-risk groups such as youth bereaved by suicide; youth with disabilities, mental illness, or substance use disorders; youth experiencing homelessness or in foster care; and lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, or questioning youth.

“LGBTQ youth are at very high risk for suicide, and that risk is magnified even further for young people who are members of one or more additional high-risk communities,” said Rick Zbur, Executive Director of Equality California. “This legislation will save young lives by making funding available for training that focuses on high-risk students and intervention strategies so teachers and school staff will know how to help when they see a young person in crisis.”

Students spend roughly 1,000 hours per year in school. Given the amount of time that school staff spend with students, they are in a prime position to recognize the warning signs of suicide. The National Strategy for Suicide Prevention recognizes the unique position of teachers and other school staff in preventing suicide and specifically states that teachers and school counselors should receive suicide prevention training.

“As a parent, a teacher, and as Chair of the Assembly Education Committee, the well-being of our students is always a top priority for me,” Assemblymember O’Donnell said. “This measure is an effort to better equip our teachers and staff to support our students and ensure their safety.”

In 2016, AB 2246 (O’Donnell) was signed into law requiring schools serving students in grades 7 to 12 to adopt a suicide prevention policy. AB 2639 builds upon this legislation and takes the next step in offering schools a convenient way to train school staff at no cost to them.

“As the nation’s leading provider of crisis intervention and suicide prevention services to LGBTQ youth, The Trevor Project proudly stands with Assemblymembers Berman and O’Donnell to provide the critical next step in California’s leadership in the prevention of suicide,” said Amit Paley, CEO and Executive Director of The Trevor Project.

Assemblymember Marc Berman represents the 24^th Assembly District, which includes southern San Mateo County and northern Santa Clara County in the heart of the Silicon Valley. Website of Assemblymember Marc Berman: www.assembly.ca.gov/Berman. Assemblymember Marc Berman’s official headshot is available here.

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MEDIA CONTACT:
Calvin Stowell, Chief Growth Officer

****FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE****

Michigan just took a major step in protecting LGBTQ youth by being one of the first states to introduce a bill this year to ban the dangerous and discredited practice of conversion therapy.

Conversion therapists claim to reduce and eliminate the homosexual or bisexual orientation of youth, or force a child to reject their gender identity. Every major mental health professional organization has refuted the practice of conversion therapy as ineffective and potentially harmful yet new research from the Williams Institute estimates that 20,000 youth are still at risk of being forced into conversion therapy by a licensed mental health professional. Michigan may soon join the nine states which have passed similar legislation and the more than 30 states which have considered protections against conversion therapy.

As the leading national organization providing crisis intervention and suicide prevention services for LGBTQ youth, The Trevor Project applauds the actions of Representative Adam Zemke of the 55th House District of Michigan House of Representatives for submitting House Bill 5550. The Trevor Project frequently receives calls of LGBTQ youth in crisis stemming from their experience with conversion therapy and aims to advocate for the eventual end of state sanctioned conversion therapy across the country via the 50 Bills 50 States campaign.

Conversion therapy is snake oil. Representative Zemke and Representative Darrin Camilleri sent a letter to Michigan Attorney General Bill Schuette today urging him to investigate FORGE Ministries and Metro City Church for a violation of the Michigan Consumer Protection Act. Specifically, whether FORGE Ministries and Metro City Church committed any unfair, unconscionable or deceptive practices. Reps. Jon Hoadley, Tim Sneller, and Jeremy Moss  also signed onto the letter.

“No young person should ever be subjected to the horrors of conversion therapy” said Sam Brinton, Head of Advocacy and Government Affairs for The Trevor Project. “We are grateful for the work of Representative Zemke in taking an important step to bring this barbaric practice to an end in the state of Michigan. Churches like Metro City Church must understand that we should not be forced to change something we never chose.”

“It is wildly inappropriate to offer conversion therapy classes in our communities, and doing so is misrepresentative of our values as a welcoming state,” Zemke said. “I am proud to sponsor a bill to prohibit these practices in Michigan. Not only has scientific evidence overwhelmingly found that these approaches fail to accomplish their purported task, but they are also profoundly destructive and painful for the participating individual and his or her loved ones. It’s time to put an end to this terrible practice once and for all.”

If you would like to help The Trevor Project protect LGBTQ youth from the horrors of conversion therapy you can text TREVOR to 40649.

If you’d like to learn more about conversion therapy and the nationwide efforts to end it you can go to our 50 Bills 50 States campaign website: https://www.thetrevorproject.org/50-bills-50-states/.

You can also help support this important work by donating here: www.TheTrevorProject.org/give.

The Trevor Project is the leading and only accredited national organization providing crisis intervention and suicide prevention services to lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, queer, and questioning (LGBTQ) young people under the age of 25. The Trevor Project offers a suite of crisis intervention and suicide prevention programs, including TrevorLifeline, TrevorText, and TrevorChat as well as a peer-to-peer social network support for LGBTQ young people under the age of 25, TrevorSpace. Trevor also offers an education program with resources for youth-serving adults and organizations, a legislative advocacy department fighting for pro-LGBTQ legislation and against anti-LGBTQ rhetoric/policy positions, and conducts research to discover the most effective means to help young LGBTQ people in crisis and end suicide. If you or someone you know is feeling hopeless or suicidal, our Trevor Lifeline crisis counselors are available 24/7/365 at 866.488.7386. www.TheTrevorProject.org

MEDIA CONTACT:
Calvin Stowell, Chief Growth Officer

*****FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE******

New Hampshire took a huge leap closer to becoming the first state in 2018 to protect LGBTQ youth by banning the practice of conversion therapy. Today’s reconsideration comes after the House failed to pass these protections a few weeks ago by a single vote. Today the measure was passed with a vote of 179 to 171.

Conversion therapy is discredited by every major mental health organization yet new research by the Williams Institute found that over 350,000 LGBTQ youth have been put into conversion therapy and 20,000 LGBTQ youth are STILL at risk of being put into conversion therapy, including in New Hampshire.

“The Trevor Project is dedicated to ending the barbaric practice of conversion therapy, and we could not be happier that the New Hampshire House has taken such a major step today to help. We are hopeful that this bill will pass the State Senate and be signed once it arrives on Gov. Sununu’s desk” said Sam Brinton, Head of Advocacy and Government Affairs for The Trevor Project. “This would have not been possible without the work of amazing legislators like Representatives Ed Butler, Lucy Weber, and Mindi Messmer who led the charge to once and for all protect LGBTQ youth from this dangerous and discredited practice” they added.

“The ACLU-NH commends the NH House of Representatives for rallying behind HB587 and supporting a state ban on conversion therapy. Today’s votes represented a resounding show of support for LGBT youth. Conversion therapy is harmful and ineffective, and has no place in New Hampshire,” said Jeanne Hruska, Policy Director of The American Civil Liberties Union of New Hampshire (ACLU-NH).

The Trevor Project is the leading and only accredited national organization providing crisis intervention and suicide prevention services to lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, queer, and questioning (LGBTQ) young people under the age of 25. The Trevor Project offers a suite of crisis intervention and suicide prevention programs, including TrevorLifeline, TrevorText, and TrevorChat as well as a peer-to-peer social network support for LGBTQ young people under the age of 25, TrevorSpace. Trevor also offers an education program with resources for youth-serving adults and organizations, a legislative advocacy department fighting for pro-LGBTQ legislation and against anti-LGBTQ rhetoric/policy positions, and conducts research to discover the most effective means to help young LGBTQ people in crisis and end suicide. If you or someone you know is feeling hopeless or suicidal, our Trevor Lifeline crisis counselors are available 24/7/365 at 866.488.7386. www.TheTrevorProject.org

MEDIA CONTACT:
Calvin Stowell, Chief Growth Officer

The State of Hawaii introduced legislation protecting LGBTQ youth from the dangerous and discredited practice of conversion therapy this week. Conversion therapists falsely claim be able to change LGBTQ youth into straight and cisgender youth. Prominent professional health associations—including the American Medical Association, the American Psychological Association, and the American Academy of Pediatrics, among numerous others—oppose the use of conversion therapy on youth, calling the practice harmful and ineffective. Hawaii is on track to be the 10th state to pass legislation limiting the practice though another 40 states still allow this terrible crisis to continue.

As the leading national organization providing crisis intervention and suicide prevention services for LGBTQ youth, The Trevor Project applauds the actions of Representative John Mizuno and his colleagues for introducing House Bill 2148.

The Trevor Project frequently receives calls of LGBTQ youth in crisis stemming from their experience with conversion therapy and aims to advocate for the eventual end of state sanctioned conversion therapy across the country via the 50 Bills 50 States campaign. “By stopping teachers and professional counselors from practicing this dangerous and discredited practice of conversion therapy, Hawaii is taking huge steps to better serve and protect its amazing LGBTQ youth.” said Sam Brinton, Head of Advocacy and Government Affairs for The Trevor Project.

The legislation by Representative Mizuno starts with this pivotal phrase: “The legislature finds that being lesbian, gay, bisexual, or transgender is not a disease, disorder, illness, deficiency, or shortcoming.” We at The Trevor Project could not agree more.

The Trevor Project is the leading and only accredited national organization providing crisis intervention and suicide prevention services to lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, queer, and questioning (LGBTQ) young people under the age of 25. The Trevor Project offers a suite of crisis intervention and suicide prevention programs, including TrevorLifeline, TrevorText, and TrevorChat as well as a peer-to-peer social network support for LGBTQ young people under the age of 25, TrevorSpace. Trevor also offers an education program with resources for youth-serving adults and organizations, a legislative advocacy department fighting for pro-LGBTQ legislation and against anti-LGBTQ rhetoric/policy positions, and conducts research to discover the most effective means to help young LGBTQ people in crisis and end suicide. If you or someone you know is feeling hopeless or suicidal, our Trevor Lifeline crisis counselors are available 24/7/365 at 866.488.7386. www.TheTrevorProject.org

MEDIA CONTACT:
Calvin Stowell, Chief Growth Officer

****FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE****

The State of Kentucky took a bold step this month to protect LGBTQ youth from the dangerous and discredited practice of conversion therapy in 2018. Conversion therapists falsely claim be able to change LGBTQ youth into straight and cisgender youth. Prominent professional health associations—including the American Medical Association, the American Psychological Association, and the American Academy of Pediatrics, among numerous others—oppose the use of conversion therapy on youth, calling the practice harmful and ineffective. If successful, Kentucky would be the 10th state to pass legislation limiting the practice though another 40 states still allow this terrible crisis to continue.

As the leading national organization providing crisis intervention and suicide prevention services for LGBTQ youth, The Trevor Project applauds the actions of Representative Jim Wayne and Representative Mary Lou Marzian for introducing House Bill 258.

The Trevor Project frequently receives calls of LGBTQ youth in crisis stemming from their experience with conversion therapy and aims to advocate for the eventual end of state sanctioned conversion therapy across the country via the 50 Bills 50 States campaign. “I’m proud to see Kentucky continue to fight to protect its youth from the harms of conversion therapy.” said Sam Brinton, Head of Advocacy and Government Affairs for The Trevor Project.

Tanner Mobley, a student at Bellarmine University who has been passionately working to end conversion therapy in Kentucky added, “Conversion therapy is torture. Not only is it ineffective and dangerous for those who endure it, but it also fuels a narrative that LGBTQ people can and should change who they are. We need legislation in Kentucky to ensure not one more LGBTQ experiences the life long pain it causes.”

The Trevor Project is the leading and only accredited national organization providing crisis intervention and suicide prevention services to lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, queer, and questioning (LGBTQ) young people under the age of 25. The Trevor Project offers a suite of crisis intervention and suicide prevention programs, including TrevorLifeline, TrevorText, and TrevorChat as well as a peer-to-peer social network support for LGBTQ young people under the age of 25, TrevorSpace. Trevor also offers an education program with resources for youth-serving adults and organizations, a legislative advocacy department fighting for pro-LGBTQ legislation and against anti-LGBTQ rhetoric/policy positions, and conducts research to discover the most effective means to help young LGBTQ people in crisis and end suicide. If you or someone you know is feeling hopeless or suicidal, our Trevor Lifeline crisis counselors are available 24/7/365 at 866.488.7386. www.TheTrevorProject.org

MEDIA CONTACT:
Calvin Stowell, Chief Growth Officer