The Trevor Project Celebrates The Passage of The National Suicide Hotline Improvement Act

July 24, 2018

Washington, DC—The Trevor Project, the leading national organization providing crisis intervention and suicide prevention services for LGBTQ youth, is celebrating tonight’s bipartisan passage of H.R. 2345, The National Suicide Hotline Improvement Act. A companion bill, S. 1015 sponsored by Sen. Orrin Hatch (R-UT), passed the Senate unanimously in March of this year.

H.R. 2345 calls upon the Federal Communications Commission (FCC) to determine the feasibility of designating a three-digit phone number Americans can dial to reach national suicide prevention and mental health services. The FCC will also evaluate the effectiveness of the current National Suicide Prevention Lifeline (1-800-273-TALK).

“Passage of this bill is a vital step in improving access to crisis services across the country. After twenty years of serving LGBTQ youth in crisis and recognizing a growing body of data, the Trevor Project is all too aware that LGBTQ youth are far more likely to experience suicidal thoughts or attempt suicide than their straight or cisgender peers. The Trevor Project is calling on the Federal Communications Commission and the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration to recognize the unique needs of LGBTQ Americans when considering the effectiveness of the current National Suicide Prevention Lifeline,” said Amit Paley, CEO and Executive Director of The Trevor Project.

“Since its inception, the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline has worked tirelessly to constantly improve its crisis services and advance suicide prevention, including innovative public messaging and building cutting-edge partnerships.” said Sam Brinton, Head of Advocacy and Government Affairs for The Trevor Project. “As we seek to fulfill the specific mandate of the National Suicide Hotline Improvement Act to study the effectiveness of this important national resource, it will be critical that the hotline is equipped to most effectively serve all who call. The Trevor Project stands ready to collaborate with The National Suicide Prevention Lifeline to better serve LGBTQ youth.”

The Trevor Project and its network of volunteers have supported this legislation every step of the way, including through educational meetings with members of Congress and speaking in support of the bill at the first national Rally to Prevent Suicide on April 21, 2018.

If you’d like to join Trevor’s advocacy efforts just text “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 & 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 1-866-488-7386. www.TheTrevorProject.org

MEDIA CONTACT:

Kevin Wong
The Trevor Project
646.576.7044
[email protected]

Delaware Becomes 5th State In 2018 To Protect LGBTQ Youth From Conversion Therapy

July 23, 2018

Wilmington, DE—Delaware Governor John Carney today signed SB65, a bill that protects LGBTQ youth from conversion therapy and establishes a sexual orientation counseling task force. The discredited practice of conversion therapy falsely claims to be able to change people’s sexual orientation and gender identity, and is widely 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, Senator McDowell filed SB65 in 2017. The organization supported the bill’s passage through its “50 Bills 50 States” initiative by supporting legislators in their study of similar legislation and by directing its network of Delaware volunteer activists to contact local legislators, encouraging them to support this critical bill to protect LGBTQ young people. The organization also worked with national partners such as the National Center for Lesbian Rights (NCLR) and Human Rights Campaign (HRC) and  to support the bill’s passage. By building coalitions, these national partners have been wildly successful at preventing conversion therapy for thousands of LGBTQ youth.

The Trevor Project is invested in ending conversion therapy in every state because evidence shows youth who experience rejection from their family are more than 8 times more likely to attempt suicide than youth from accepting families. According to the Williams Institute, more than 700,000 LGBTQ people have been subjected to the horrors of conversion therapy, and that number grows by thousands each year. We estimate that nearly 80,000 LGBTQ youth will be subjected to forms of conversion therapy in the next few years.

“We’re incredibly excited to see Delaware join 13 other states in protecting LGBTQ youth from dangerous and discredited conversion therapy practices,” said Amit Paley, CEO and Executive Director of The Trevor Project. “We look forward to continuing the important work of Trevor Project’s “50 Bills 50 States” initiative to ultimately protect LGBTQ young people nationwide.”

“I’m excited to see Delaware become the 14th state to protect LGBTQ young people from the discredited practice of conversion therapy, and the 5th state to do so this year alone,” said Sam Brinton, Head of Advocacy & Government Affairs for The Trevor Project. “I’m proud to continue working alongside legislators from both sides of the aisle nationwide to eliminate conversion therapy throughout the U.S.”

The Trevor Project’s “50 Bills 50 States” campaign works to introduce legislation to protect LGBTQ youth from 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 & 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 1-866-488-7386. www.TheTrevorProject.org

MEDIA CONTACT:

Kevin Wong
The Trevor Project
646.576.7044
[email protected]

The Trevor Project Files Amicus Brief to Oppose Transgender Military Ban

July 3, 2018

The Trevor Project filed an amicus brief today with the U.S. Court of Appeals for the Ninth Circuit to support current and prospective transgender service members who sued the federal government in response to the transgender military ban. The amicus brief provides the Court and the public with The Trevor Project’s insights into the strength and resilience of transgender individuals, but also the harms that discrimination causes.

On July 26, 2017, a change to military policy was announced via Twitter that would “not accept or allow [t]ransgender individuals to serve in any capacity in the U.S. Military.” Shortly after this announcement, The Trevor Project witnessed a spike in transgender callers to TrevorLifeline, its 24/7 phone line providing crisis intervention and suicide prevention services to LGBTQ youth. The Court will now decide whether to affirm the injunction of the transgender military ban.

The Trevor Project previously filed amicus briefs in opposition to the military ban in the district courts, and every district court has enjoined the ban, citing The Trevor Project in their decisions. Now, the Ninth Circuit has the opportunity to affirm the injunction of this discriminatory policy and to tell this Administration that discrimination must be stopped. The Trevor Project was represented by pro bono counsel from Gibson Dunn, including Stuart Delery, Douglas Dreier, and Charlotte Lawson.

Read the full amicus brief (PDF)

Statement Regarding the Supreme Court’s Decision in the Masterpiece Cakeshop Case

June 4, 2018

The Trevor Project released the below statement today from Amit Paley, CEO and Executive Director of The Trevor Project, regarding the Supreme Court’s decision in the Masterpiece Cakeshop case.

“The Trevor Project is disappointed by the Supreme Court’s decision today in the Masterpiece Cakeshop case, but the narrow ruling does not change the fact that discrimination against LGBTQ people—and LGBTQ youth in particular—is wrong and un-American. While this ruling applies only to this particular case, the court also recognized that states can seek to prevent the harms of discrimination in the marketplace, including against LGBTQ people.

LGBTQ adults and youth should be able to live their lives freely and proudly, without discrimination. When business open their doors to the public, they should be open to all, regardless of their sexual orientation or gender identity.

It is wrong to allow pediatricians to turn away child patients, just because they are transgender.
It is wrong to allow schools to expel students, just because they are gay or lesbian.
It is wrong to allow stores to turn away teen-age customers because they are bisexual or queer.

We need to let LGBTQ youth know that when they are in crisis they can always reach out for help and support. Discrimination and rejection of LGBTQ youth can have negative impacts on their mental health. We know that youth from highly rejecting families are 8 times more likely to attempt suicide than youth from accepting families. Lesbian, gay, and bisexual youth are five times more likely to attempt suicide than their straight peers. And research has shown that more than 40% of transgender people have attempted suicide with over 90% of those attempts occurring when the transgender individual is younger than 25 years old.

We at The Trevor Project want every young person in this country to know that they are beautiful the way they are and that they are not alone. Any LGBTQ person who needs support or someone to talk to can reach out to us 24/7 at 1-866-488-7386 and find more digital support and resources at https://www.thetrevorproject.org/gethelp.

We also want to make clear that you can be LGBTQ and a person of faith. We call on faith communities across the country to remind LGBTQ youth that they are not alone, and they should feel welcome and affirmed to join them in practicing their faith.”

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 & 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 1-866-488-7386. www.TheTrevorProject.org

Hawaii Becomes 12th State to Protect LGBTQ Youth From Conversion Therapy

May 25, 2018

Honolulu, HI—Hawaii Governor David Ige today signed SB270, a bill that protects LGBTQ youth from conversion therapy and establishes the sexual orientation counseling task force. The discredited practice of conversion therapy falsely claims to be able to change people’s sexual orientation and gender identity, and is widely 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, Senators Chang, Baker, and Rhoads introduced the bill on January 20, 2017. The organization supported the bill’s passage through its 50 Bills 50 States initiative by assisting in the drafting of the bill, and by directing its network of Hawaiian volunteer activists to contact local legislators, encouraging them to support this critical bill to protect LGBTQ young people. The organization also worked with State Rep Michael Golojuch, Chairman of the LGBT Caucus of Democratic Party of Hawaii, NCLR and HRC to support the bill’s passage.

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. Over the last 12 months, more than 120 young people from Hawaii have contacted The Trevor Project’s crisis services.

“We’re seeing significant momentum to protect LGBTQ youth from the dangerous and discredited practice of conversion therapy, and The Trevor Project calls on even more states to join Hawaii in banning this barbaric practice,” said Amit Paley, CEO and Executive Director of The Trevor Project. “We look forward to continuing 50 Bills 50 States’ important work alongside new state legislators to protect even more LGBTQ young people nationwide.”

“I’m excited to see Hawaii become the 12th state to protect LGBTQ young people from the discredited practice of conversion therapy,” said Sam Brinton, Head of Advocacy & Government Affairs for The Trevor Project. “I’m proud to continue working alongside legislators nationwide to eliminate conversion therapy throughout the U.S.”

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 & 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 1-866-488-7386. www.TheTrevorProject.org

CONTACT

Kevin Wong
The Trevor Project
646.576.7044
[email protected]

Maryland Governor Hogan Signs Landmark Bill to Protect LGBTQ Youth Statewide

May 15, 2018

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 & 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 1-866-488-7386. www.TheTrevorProject.org

CONTACT

Kevin Wong
The Trevor Project
646.576.7044
[email protected]

California Assembly Passes Bill to Ban Conversion Therapy With Major Local Support From The Trevor Project

April 20, 2018

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 & 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 1-866-488-7386. www.TheTrevorProject.org

CONTACT

Kevin Wong
The Trevor Project
646.576.7044
kevin.wo[email protected]

Washington Makes History, Becoming the 10th State to Protect LGBTQ Youth From Conversion Therapy

March 28, 2018

****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 & 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 1-866-488-7386. www.TheTrevorProject.org

MEDIA CONTACT:

Kevin Wong
The Trevor Project
646.576.7044
[email protected]

Milwaukee Becomes First City of Wisconsin to Protect LGBTQ Youth From Horrors of Conversion Therapy

March 27, 2018

****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 & 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 1-866-488-7386. www.TheTrevorProject.org

MEDIA CONTACT:

Kevin Wong
The Trevor Project
646.576.7044
[email protected]

The Trevor Project Condemns Renewed Call For Trans Military Ban

March 24, 2018

The Trevor Project, the nation’s largest and only accredited suicide prevention and crisis intervention organization for LGBTQ youth, responds to the Administration’s renewed call for a ban on transgender individuals serving in the military. The following statement is from Trevor Project CEO and Executive Director Amit Paley.

“When a young person hears that they are not worthy of protecting their nation, they hear that they are not worthy to be a part of that nation. Transgender youth seeing this policy should know that they are not alone and that they are worthy of honor and respect, whether they choose to serve in the military or not,” said Amit Paley, CEO and Executive Director of The Trevor Project.

“We know these policies have real consequences. Typically The Trevor Project gets around 7% of our daily calls from young people who identify as transgender, but last August, when the Administration first announced this ban, that amount rose to nearly 18%.

“We will always fight for the safety of LGBTQ young people. In response to the last ban on transgender service members, The Trevor Project filed amicus briefs in nearly every case, and our amicus brief was cited as a pivotal factor in the previous court decision of the case, with three such citations in Doe v Trump alone.”

The Trevor Project is here 24/7/365 for transgender service members, and anyone else in the community who needs someone to talk to. Call our 24/7 lifeline at 1-866-488-7386. Text and chat counseling is available from 3-10pm EST every day at www.thetrevorproject.org/help.

The Trevor Project is the leading and only accredited national organization providing crisis intervention and suicide prevention services to lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, queer & 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 1-866-488-7386. www.TheTrevorProject.org

MEDIA CONTACT:

Kevin Wong
The Trevor Project
646.576.7044
[email protected]