Macy’s and The Trevor Project partner in celebration of Pride Month

April 18, 2019

As part of its upcoming nationwide Pride + Joy, LGBTQ Pride Month celebrations, Macy’s will raise funds and awareness for The Trevor Project’s life-saving mission through a host of initiatives including a nationwide charitable giving program, exclusive fashions and a digital media awareness campaign aimed at reaching at-risk LGBTQ youth

New York, NY – This June, Macy’s will kick-off its annual Pride + Joy national LGBTQ Pride Month celebrations with its customers, colleagues and local communities in commemoration of Stonewall 50 and World Pride NYC. A key component of that celebration is its nationwide partnership with The Trevor Project. In mid-May, Macy’s and The Trevor Project will begin the roll-out of a series of initiatives aimed at raising funds and awareness for Trevor’s life-saving mission and services for at risk LGBTQ young people, highlighting Macy’s long-standing commitment to diversity, equality, inclusion and respect for all.

“Macy’s believes in the power of fashion, celebration and community to touch the lives of our customers, colleagues and local communities. Macy’s core value of acceptance is reflected in our commitment to supporting the LGBTQ community through the fostering of an inclusive culture and environment that inspires our colleagues and customers to be their authentic self, every day,” said Sam Harrison, Macy’s senior director of Corporate Giving & Volunteerism. “As The Trevor Project’s national Pride partner, we will aim to raise funds and awareness of Trevor’s mission and life-saving services, harnessing the power of our brand to make a difference in the communities we serve.”

“The Trevor Project is grateful to Macy’s for sharing their commitment to our mission with their customers, who will have their own chance to support LGBTQ youth in crisis this Pride month,” said Amit Paley, CEO & executive director of The Trevor Project. “Every day, we serve LGBTQ young people in Macy’s local communities nationwide, so we’re excited to share our affirming messages of hope and support in their stores.”

The Trevor Project is the world’s largest suicide prevention and crisis intervention organization for lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, queer, and questioning (LGBTQ) young people. The organization works to save young lives by providing support through free and confidential programs, including TrevorLifeline, TrevorText, and TrevorChat. They also run TrevorSpace, the world’s largest safe space social networking site for LGBTQ youth, and operate innovative education, research, and advocacy programs.

To help raise funds for Trevor’s important work, from June 1–June 17 at all Macy’s stores nationwide, shoppers can celebrate Pride by giving back to The Trevor Project through Macy’s charitable round-up program. As customers complete their in-store purchases they will be invited to round up to the nearest dollar (up to $.99) and donate the change to The Trevor Project. These donations will help support the organization’s mission of providing crisis intervention and suicide prevention services. In select markets including Chicago, Cincinnati, Houston, Lexington (KY), Los Angeles, Minneapolis, New York City, Seattle, St. Louis, and St. Petersburg (FL), the round-up campaign will be extended through June 30 to coincide with Pride parade celebrations in which Macy’s has a local presence.

Macy’s shoppers are also invited to show their Pride through fashion as they support The Trevor Project with style. Pride and its signature colors will be front and center in the limited edition three-piece capsule collection by INC International Concepts. Featuring gender-neutral t-shirts, tanks and socks with rainbow detailing, throughout the month of June, Macy’s will donate $4 of the purchase price of the INC t-shirt and tank and $2 of the socks to The Trevor Project. The pieces retail for $10 to $20 and will be available in select stores and on macys.com/celebrate.

To help spread awareness of The Trevor Project’s life-saving work, Macy’s and Trevor created a PSA showcasing heartfelt personal vignettes of hope and how the support of Trevor’s programs helped LGBTQ youth in crisis. The PSA, debuting on May 20, will run in several length formats across digital and social media channels. It is introduced by and features Jazz Jennings, the young transgender activist and star of the TLC reality series, I Am Jazz.

Additionally, Macy’s partnership with The Trevor Project extends to a presenting sponsorship of this year’s TrevorLIVE NY benefit gala, taking place at Cipriani Wall Street on Monday, June 17. Honorees, presenters, hosts, and celebrity attendees will be announced soon.

As a pivotal component of Macy’s Pride + Joy campaign, the national partnership with The Trevor Project, once again showcases Macy’s steadfast value of diversity and inclusion in all areas of business. This commitment is evidenced by the company’s consistent achievement of a 100 percent score on the Human Rights Commission’s Corporate Equality Index, the national benchmarking tool on corporate policies and practices.

For more information on Macy’s upcoming Pride + Joy campaign and to purchase products that benefit The Trevor Project, please visit macys.com/celebrate, as of May 20. Additional details on Macy’s Pride + Joy campaign will be announced soon.

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ABOUT MACY’S

Macy’s is America’s store for life. The largest retail brand of Macy’s, Inc. (NYSE:M) delivers quality fashion at affordable prices to customers at approximately 640 locations in 43 states, the District of Columbia, Puerto Rico, and Guam, as well as to customers in more than 100 international destinations through leading e-commerce site macys.com.  Macy’s inspires fashion exploration and discovery through the most desired family of exclusive brands for her, for him, for the home, and via our dynamic mobile and social platforms. We know the power of celebration, demonstrated through decades of memorable experiences created during Macy’s 4th of July Fireworks® and Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade®, as well as spectacular fashion shows, culinary events, flower shows, and celebrity appearances.  Macy’s flagship stores – including New York City’s Herald Square – are internationally renowned and preeminent destinations for tourists. With the collective support of our customers and employees, Macy’s builds community and helps make a difference in every market we serve, supporting local and national charities by giving nearly $50 million each year, plus 146,000 hours of volunteer service. For more than 160 years, Macy’s has, and continues to, make life shine brighter for our customers, colleagues, and communities.

For Macy’s media materials, including images and contacts, please visit our online pressroom at macysinc.com/news-media.

ABOUT THE TREVOR PROJECT

The Trevor Project is the world's largest suicide prevention and crisis intervention organization for lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, queer & questioning (LGBTQ) young people. The Trevor Project offers a suite of 24/7/365 crisis intervention and suicide prevention programs, including TrevorLifeline, TrevorText, and TrevorChat as well as the world’s largest safe space social networking site for LGBTQ youth, 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 trained crisis counselors are available 24/7/365 at 1-866-488-7386 and www.TheTrevorProject.org/Help

The 2019 LGBTQIA+ Pride March announces Grand Marshals

April 11, 2019

Cast of POSE, Phyll Opoku-Gyimah, Gay Liberation Front, The Trevor Project, Monica Helms to lead

NEW YORK, NY – NYC Pride, the official host of WorldPride 2019 | Stonewall 50, announces its five Grand Marshals slated to lead both the 50th NYC Pride March on Sunday, June 30 2019, and this year’s commemoration of the 50th Anniversary of the 1969 Stonewall Uprising. The cast of POSE, Phyll Opoku-Gyimah, Gay Liberation Front, The Trevor Project and Monica Helms will head this year’s celebration.

  • POSE is a dance musical, set in the 1980s, that explores the juxtaposition of life and society in New York: the ball culture world, the rise of the Trump era, and the downtown social and literary scene. Cast members Dominique Jackson (Elektra), Indya Moore (Angel), and MJ Rodriguez (Blanca) will represent the show.
  • Phyll Opoku-Gyimah is the nucleus of the award-winning celebration and protest that is UK Black Pride. Widely known as Lady Phyll – partly due to her decision to reject an MBE in the New Year’s Honours’ list, to protest Britain’s role in formulating anti-LGBTQ+ penal codes across its empire – she is a senior official at the Public and Commercial Services (PCS) trade union as the Head of Equality and Learning. She’s a community builder and organizer; a Kaleidoscope Trust Trustee; an Albert Kennedy Trust patron; Diva Magazine columnist, and public speaker focusing on race, gender, sexuality and class.
  • Gay Liberation Front was the very first LGBTQ activist organization formed after the Stonewall Rebellion. The courageous members of GLF fought to give political shape and direction to a whole new generation of LGBTQ militancy that spread with unprecedented vigor and impact across the nation and the world. 
  • The Trevor Project is the world’s largest suicide prevention and crisis intervention organization for lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, queer, and questioning (LGBTQ) young people. The organization works to save young lives by providing support through free and confidential programs, including TrevorLifeline, TrevorText, and TrevorChat. They also run TrevorSpace, the world’s largest safe space social networking site for LGBTQ youth, and operate innovative education, research, and advocacy programs.
  • Monica Helms is a transgender activist, author, and veteran of the United States Navy, having served on two submarines. She is also the creator of the Transgender Pride Flag, in 1999, and subsequently donated the original flag to the Smithsonian Institution in 2014. 

“In a world where LGBTQIA+ people continue to experience profound oppression, the NYC Pride March is a beacon of hope and community,” said Julian Sanjivan, NYC Pride March Director. “This June 30th, that beacon will shine the brightest it ever has when POSE, Phyll Opoku-Gyimah, Gay Liberation Front, The Trevor Project and Monica Helms lead 115,000 marchers in the largest display of LGBTQIA+ pride the world has ever seen.”

“As millions of LGBTQIA+ folks from across the world make their pilgrimage to WorldPride 2019 and the commemoration of Stonewall 50, New York City will display its Pride like never before,” said Chris Frederick, Executive Director of NYC Pride. “The entire month of June, and this day in particular will be a celebration of everything the LGBTQIA+ community stands for.”

The 50th NYC Pride March will commence at noon, on June 30th, from 26th Street and 5th Avenue. Some 115,000 marchers will proceed south on 5th Avenue before heading west on 8th Street. After crossing over 6th Avenue, the March will continue on Christopher Street, passing the site designated, in 2016 by President Barack Obama, as the Stonewall National Monument. It will then turn north on 7th Avenue, passing the New York City AIDS Memorial, before dispersing in Chelsea just north of 23rd Street and 7th Avenue.

Seventy-four percent of all marching groups are non-profit organizations, and more than half of all marching groups are participating free-of-charge. Upwards of 150 marching groups are coming from outside of the US to participate in this historic event.

WorldPride 2019 | Stonewall 50 will be comprised of more than 25 different events for LGBTQIA+ and allied people during the full month of June, 2019. Throughout the course of the celebration, all WorldPride events will ladder up to the foundational theme, “Millions of Moments of Pride.” Join New York City, and the world, this June as we honor the past, celebrate our differences and march together for our future. For more information and talent press kits visit: www.worldpride.org.

ABOUT HERITAGE OF PRIDE

Heritage of Pride, Inc. is the volunteer-directed organization behind the official NYC Pride roster of events. Heritage of Pride’s mission is to work toward a future without discrimination where all people have equal rights under the law. We do this by producing LGBTQIA+ Pride events that inspire, educate, commemorate and celebrate our diverse community.

ABOUT THE TREVOR PROJECT

The Trevor Project is the world's largest suicide prevention and crisis intervention organization for lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, queer & questioning (LGBTQ) young people. The Trevor Project offers a suite of 24/7/365 crisis intervention and suicide prevention programs, including TrevorLifeline, TrevorText, and TrevorChat as well as the world’s largest safe space social networking site for LGBTQ youth, 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 trained crisis counselors are available 24/7/365 at 1-866-488-7386 and www.TheTrevorProject.org/Help

MEDIA CONTACT

Kevin Wong
The Trevor Project
646.576.7044
[email protected]

Maloney Introduces Legislation to Ban Use of Taxpayer Dollars for Conversion “Therapy”

March 28, 2019

Bill Would Prohibit Use of Medicaid Funding, Crack Down on Deceptive Billing Practices for Conversion “Therapy”

WASHINGTON – Today, in advance of the Transgender Day of Visibility on March 31st, Representative Sean Patrick Maloney (NY-18), a co-chair of the Congressional LGBT Equality Caucus, introduced the Prohibition of Medicaid Funding for Conversion Therapy Act. The bill would prevent Medicaid funds from being used to pay for conversion “therapy” and crack down on misleading billing tactics, which have allowed taxpayer dollars to fund the discredited practice. The bill is cosponsored by 63 members of Congress.

“Conversion practices are discredited, harmful, and not therapy. Fundamentally, conversion tactics are based on the idea that a person’s gender identity or sexual orientation are diseases to be cured — they have no legitimate medical application and should not be used anywhere,” said Rep. Maloney. “Until we can just ban conversion therapy all together, we must ensure taxpayer dollars aren’t funding a fraudulent practice that has been roundly discredited by the medical community. That’s exactly what my bill would do.”

“The Trevor Project hears from youth harmed by the dangerous and discredited practice of conversion therapy every week. By limiting the means by which licensed mental health professionals can be reimbursed for their horrific practice, the Prohibition of Medicaid Funding for Conversion Therapy Act will make clear that conversion therapy is far outside the mainstream,” said Sam Brinton, Head of Advocacy and Government Affairs for The Trevor Project. “More than 21,000 advocates have joined The Trevor Project’s 50 Bills 50 States campaign dedicated to protecting LGBTQ youth from conversion therapy. We look forward to mobilizing them to ensure this critical legislation receives the attention and support it deserves.”

“Being LGBTQ is not a mental illness and should never be treated that way,” said David Stacy, Government Affairs Director for Human Rights Campaign. “So-called ‘conversion therapy’ has been universally rejected by every major medical and mental health organization, and it poses serious health risks including depression and suicide. Taxpayer dollars should never be used to fund this dangerous and discredited practice. As lawmakers across the country step up to protect against conversion therapy, we are grateful for Rep. Sean Patrick Maloney’s leadership on this issue at the federal level. We call on Congress to advance this legislation and ensure funds meant to improve the lives and welfare of all Americans never go toward harmful, medically unnecessary practices.”

“The NEA wholeheartedly supports the ‘Prohibition of Medicaid Funding for Conversion Therapy Act’ and applauds U.S. Rep. Sean Patrick Maloney for introducing this legislation,” said Marc Egan, Director, NEA Government Relations. “Many organizations, including the American College of Physicians, have discredited any programs that attempt to change a person’s sexual orientation or gender identity. These dangerous practices damage physical, mental, and emotional well-being. As educators, NEA members strive to connect with and support all students, which means recognizing their right to be exactly who they are and opposing all practices that deny this right.”

“Conversion therapy is hateful, dangerous, ineffective, has been resoundingly discredited by medical and psychological associations, and has no place in a just and equitable society,” said Justin Rush, Public Policy Director for True Colors United. “We’re thankful to Congressman Maloney for undertaking this important legislation to ensure that payments through Medicaid for conversion therapy are prohibited moving forward,” concluded Rush.

“Conversion therapy is dangerous and discredited,” said Rebecca Isaacs, Executive Director of Equality Federation. “Through our 43 member organizations we’ve heard from many survivors about the harm and trauma this practice has caused them. Major medical and psychological associations agree, and we know from our personal experiences, that LGBTQ youth are healthier and happier when they are loved and encouraged to be themselves.”

“Family Equality Council is thrilled that Congressman Maloney is leading the effort to ban conversion therapy funded by Medicaid, which is the healthcare provider for foster children,” said Schylar Baber, Federal Policy Consultant at Family Equality Council. “Passage of this bill will mean that foster children, who often don’t have strong support from adults in their lives, will be able to trust that their medical providers will not subject them to this abusive procedure. As a foster care alumni who was subjected to conversion therapy while in care, I can’t overstate the importance of medical providers ensuring that all medical treatment is in the best interest and supports the well-being of the child.”

“Conversion therapy is a charlatan practice that has been widely debunked and discredited by healthcare professionals and banned by law in 15 states, Washington DC, and scores of municipalities and counties,” said Gal Mayer, MD, MS, President, GLMA: Health Professionals Advancing LGBTQ Equality. “As a healthcare provider, I know that these dangerous and unsuccessful attempts to alter a person’s sexuality or gender identity do not work and can result in mental health problems, substance use, and suicide. GLMA has been a staunch opponent of this indefensible, ineffective and fraudulent ‘therapy’ for decades, and fully supports the Prohibition of Medicaid Funding for Conversion Therapy Act introduced by Representative Sean Patrick Maloney, which would put an end to Medicaid payments for conversion therapy and represent the next step forward in completely eradicating this disgraceful practice in the US.”

“So-called ‘conversion therapy’ is a harmful, ineffective solution in search of a problem that doesn’t exist,” said Rick Zbur, Equality California Executive Director. “We should be using Medicaid dollars to expand access to quality, affordable care — not spending taxpayer money on dangerous junk science.”

Conversion “therapy” attempts to “cure” the sexual orientation or gender identity of members of the LGBTQ+ community. Despite being discredited by the American Psychiatric Association, American College of Physicians, American Academy of Child Adolescent Psychiatry, and other medical and civil rights organizations, thousands of innocent LGBTQ people are subjected to so-called “conversion” or “reparative therapy” each year. Research has found that the practice can lead to depression, decreases in self-esteem, substance abuse, homelessness, and even suicidal behavior. According to the Williams Institute at the UCLA School of Law, hundreds of thousands of LGBTQ young people have been forced to undergo the practice.

States currently decide which services Medicaid can cover and most have failed to ban the use of funding for conversion “therapy.” Because CMS codes do not mention the model of therapy being applied, even illegitimate practices can be performed and billed. The Prohibition of Medicaid Funding for Conversion Therapy Act would take several steps to combat the practice. First, it would legally define “conversion therapy” while ensuring that organizations which provide legitimate support to LGBTQ people are not at risk of losing funding. The bill would also ban the use of Medicaid funding for conversion “therapy” and ensure the practice is not paid for through the use of deceptive billing practices using CMS codes for mental and behavioral health.

The bill has been endorsed by The Trevor Project, Human Rights Campaign (HRC), National Education Association, PFLAG National, Gay & Lesbian Medical Association (GLMA), National Center for Lesbian Rights (NCLR), Council for Global Equality (CGE), National Center for Transgender Equality (NCTE), Third Way, True Colors Fund, Familia: Trans Queer Liberation Movement, Family Equality Council, AIDS United, Gay Lesbian & Straight Education Network (GLSEN), National Black Justice Coalition, National Gay & Lesbian Chamber of Commerce, National LGBTQ Task Force Action Fund, Equality California.

The bill is cosponsored by Representatives: Ted Lieu, Tulsi Gabbard, Mark Takano, Suzanne Bonamici, Eleanor Holmes Norton, Alan Lowenthal, Charlie Crist, Adriano Espaillat, Eliot Engel, Andre Carson, Raul Grijalva, Steve Cohen, Derek Kilmer, Michael Doyle, Debbie Mucarsel-Powell, Jimmy Gomez, Betty McCollum, Chris Pappas, Earl Blumenauer, Eric Swalwell, Paul Tonko, Gregory Meeks, Juan Vargas, Brian Higgins, Lucille Roybal-Allard, Jackie Speier, Mark Pocan, Pramila Jayapal, Alcee Hastings, Seth Moulton, Dina Titus, Norma Torres, James Himes, Bobby Rush, Julia Brownley, Dan Kildee, Adam Smith, James McGovern, John Garamendi, Joseph Kennedy, Nydia Velazquez, Doris Matsui, Mike Quigley, Tim Ryan, David Cicilline, Grace Napolitano, Bill Foster, Angie Craig, Shiela Jackson Lee, Debbie Wasserman Schultz, Scott Peters, Ilhan Omar, Jennifer Wexton, Peter DeFazio, Jerrold Nadler, Rose L. DeLauro, Susan Wild, Denny Heck, Debbie Watson Coleman, Barbara Lee, Jimmy Panetta, Robin L. Kelly, Anthony Brown.

ABOUT THE TREVOR PROJECT

The Trevor Project is the world's largest suicide prevention and crisis intervention organization for lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, queer & questioning (LGBTQ) young people. The Trevor Project offers a suite of 24/7/365 crisis intervention and suicide prevention programs, including TrevorLifeline, TrevorText, and TrevorChat as well as the world’s largest safe space social networking site for LGBTQ youth, 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 trained crisis counselors are available 24/7/365 at 1-866-488-7386 and www.TheTrevorProject.org/Help

MEDIA CONTACT

Kevin Wong
The Trevor Project
646.576.7044
[email protected]

Historic Package of Legislation Filed to Advance LGBTQ Dignity and Equality in North Carolina

Package includes the first-ever bill in North Carolina to protect LGBTQ minors from ‘conversion therapy’ and coincides with launch of Born Perfect NC coalition

RALEIGH – In a monumental display of support for LGBTQ people in North Carolina, state legislators today introduced three separate bills that would protect lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, and queer (LGBTQ) people living in every corner of the Tar Heel State.

Today’s historic package includes the Mental Health Protection Act, which would protect LGBTQ minors and disabled adults from the dangerous, debunked, and discriminatory practice of ‘conversion therapy,’ which is used legally in North Carolina by state-licensed mental health professionals to try to change young people’s sexual orientation or gender identity. This life-saving legislation, introduced today for the first time in North Carolina, is supported by Born Perfect NC, a grassroots statewide campaign from Equality North Carolina and the Campaign for Southern Equality that is backed by a coalition of clergy, mental health organizations, faith groups, child welfare advocates and civil rights organizations.

The package also includes a full repeal of House Bill 142, the discriminatory bill that passed in 2017 purporting to repeal HB2, which provoked international outrage in 2016 because of its brazen efforts to bar transgender people from participating in public life. HB142 merely replaced the discriminatory measures in HB2 for similar anti-LGBTQ policies, including a moratorium on  municipalities from passing LGBTQ-inclusive nondiscrimination protections and a permanent ban on local governments from passing policies protecting transgender people in restrooms.

Finally, the package includes the Equality for All Act, the most comprehensive nondiscrimination bill ever introduced in the state of North Carolina. The bill would protect LGBTQ people from discrimination in housing, employment, public accommodations, education, credit, and insurance.

“This is a monumental day for LGBTQ North Carolinians and their loved ones throughout every corner of this state,” said Kendra R. Johnson, Executive Director of Equality North Carolina. “We have the opportunity to protect the youth of North Carolina, secure full protections under the eyes of the law and dissolve HB 142. This historic slate of legislation is a collective effort towards making life more equitable and safe for queer North Carolinians who deserve the basic dignity of living, loving and growing without the fear of prejudice or violence. Together, we can build a state that enables LGBTQ folks from all walks of life to prosper and show the world that North Carolina truly is a beautiful place to be queer.”

“As a survivor of the abusive practice of conversion therapy, the introduction of the Mental Health Protection Act, in support of LGBTQ youth provides clear evidence that change is coming to the South,” said Sam Brinton, Head of Advocacy and Government Affairs for The Trevor Project. “Working toward the passage of this legislation is a priority to all of us at The Trevor Project as we work to protect youth in every state across the country. We look forward to supporting the efforts of the amazing collation of organizations, lawmakers, and advocates working tirelessly to protect the youth of North Carolina.”

“North Carolina is changing, as is the entire South, because of the courage and resilience of LGBTQ people and those who love and support us,” said Rev. Jasmine Beach-Ferrara, Executive Director of the Campaign for Southern Equality. “Just a few years ago, North Carolina was the epicenter of anti-LGBTQ legislation. But we never stopped organizing, voting, having kitchen table conversations, and lifting up a vision of what’s possible when North Carolina comes together around our core values of hope, dignity, and fairness for all. Today’s historic show of support from North Carolina lawmakers marks an important milestone in the journey to full equality. We won’t stop until we get there.”

Equality NC and Campaign for Southern Equality are proud to support this crucial package of legislation as we collectively work toward building a safer, more inclusive and equitable North Carolina for all.

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Equality NC is dedicated to securing equal rights and justice for lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, and queer (LGBTQ) North Carolinians. www.equalitync.org

Based in Asheville, NC, the Campaign for Southern Equality works for full LGBTQ equality across the South. Our work is rooted in commitments to equity in race, gender and class. www.southernequality.org

Born Perfect NC is the campaign to protect young people across North Carolina from “conversion therapy” and send the message that LGBTQ youth should feel safe, supported, and affirmed. www.bornperfectnc.org

ABOUT THE TREVOR PROJECT

The Trevor Project is the world's largest suicide prevention and crisis intervention organization for lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, queer & questioning (LGBTQ) young people. The Trevor Project offers a suite of 24/7/365 crisis intervention and suicide prevention programs, including TrevorLifeline, TrevorText, and TrevorChat as well as the world’s largest safe space social networking site for LGBTQ youth, 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 trained crisis counselors are available 24/7/365 at 1-866-488-7386 and www.TheTrevorProject.org/Help

MEDIA CONTACT

Kevin Wong
The Trevor Project
646.576.7044
[email protected]

Georgia House of Representatives Submits Anti-Conversion Therapy Legislation

March 7, 2019

Atlanta, GA — The Georgia Assembly has filed landmark legislation, the Youth Mental Health Protection Act (HB 580), to protect LGBTQ youth from the dangerous and discredited practice of conversion therapy, which falsely claims to be able to change a person’s sexual orientation or gender identity. The bill is sponsored by Representatives Matthew Wilson (Brookhaven), Mary Margaret Oliver (Decatur), Shelly Hutchinson (Snellville), Debbie Buckner (Junction City), Pat Gardner (Atlanta), and Karla Drenner (Avondale Estates). With its submission, Georgia joins 23 other states with active legislation working to prevent conversion therapy and 15 with enacted laws protecting youth from its harms.

“All children in Georgia should receive care that first, does no harm.  Conversion therapy has no scientific basis and contradicts the medical community’s understanding of sexual orientation and gender identity,” said Representative Matthew Wilson. “I am proud to sponsor this bill that helps ensure the safety of Georgia’s LGBTQ youth by outlawing this incredibly dangerous practice.”

Organizations like The Trevor Project and the American Foundation for Suicide Prevention are invested in ending conversion therapy in every state because lesbian, gay, and bisexual youth from highly rejecting families are more than 8 times more likely to attempt suicide than youth from accepting families. Being subjected to conversion therapy is often a particularly extreme form of family rejection.

“There is no question. Georgia must protect LGBTQ youth from the harms of conversion therapy,” said Sam Brinton, Head of Advocacy and Government Affairs for The Trevor Project. “As The Trevor Project continues to hear from young Georgians in crisis, we know this legislation will save lives, and we’re committed to seeing it start a critical conversation in the Peach State.”

Conversion therapy is widely opposed by prominent professional medical associations including the American Medical Association, the American Psychological Association, and the American Academy of Pediatrics.

“The Georgia chapter of the American Foundation for Suicide Prevention is part of Converse, a coalition advocating for passage of HB 580, including Georgia’s medical and mental health professionals, children’s advocacy groups, LGBTQ organizations, and mental health and suicide prevention advocacy groups,” said Roland Behm, Board member, Georgia chapter of the American Foundation for Suicide Prevention. “The State of Georgia has a compelling interest in protecting the physical and psychological well-being of all its children and HB 580 is a critical part of that protection.”

Converse seeks to ensure that Georgia’s children are safe and supported, and advocates for passage of legislation that prohibits mental health professionals licensed in Georgia from providing conversion therapy services to minors.

The Trevor Project’s 50 Bills 50 States campaign works to support legislation like HB 580 to protect LGBTQ people from conversion therapy in every state. 50 Bills 50 States is the largest grassroots campaign in the world endeavoring to protect LGBTQ youth from this dangerous and discredited practice. The organization partners with mental health associations, youth organizations, LGBTQ groups, student clubs, faith communities, and educational institutions in every state by sharing stories, mobilizing volunteers, and informing policymakers to promote the submission and passage of powerful legislation. People can sign up to join The Trevor Project’s effort to end conversion therapy by texting “TREVOR” to 40649.

Editor’s note: learn more about reporting on conversion therapy.

ABOUT THE TREVOR PROJECT

The Trevor Project is the world's largest suicide prevention and crisis intervention organization for lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, queer & questioning (LGBTQ) young people. The Trevor Project offers a suite of 24/7/365 crisis intervention and suicide prevention programs, including TrevorLifeline, TrevorText, and TrevorChat as well as the world’s largest safe space social networking site for LGBTQ youth, 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 trained crisis counselors are available 24/7/365 at 1-866-488-7386 and www.TheTrevorProject.org/Help

ABOUT AMERICAN FOUNDATION FOR SUICIDE PREVENTION

The American Foundation for Suicide Prevention is dedicated to saving lives and bringing hope to those affected by suicide. AFSP creates a culture that’s smart about mental health through education and community programs, develops suicide prevention through research and advocacy, and provides support for those affected by suicide. Led by CEO Robert Gebbia and headquartered in New York, and with a public policy office in Washington, D.C., AFSP has local chapters in all 50 states with programs and events nationwide. Learn more about AFSP in its latest Annual Report, and join the conversation on suicide prevention by following AFSP on Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, and YouTube.

MEDIA CONTACT

Kevin Wong
The Trevor Project
646.576.7044
[email protected]

The Trevor Project Joins Leading Civil Rights Groups on Amicus Brief Supporting Federal Hate Crimes Legislation

December 10, 2018

The Trevor Project, together with The Matthew Shepard Foundation, Freestate Justice, Lambda Legal, and the Anti-Defamation League have signed on to an amicus brief to the Fourth Circuit Court of Appeals in defense of the Matthew Shepard and James Byrd Jr. Hate Crimes Prevention Act (HCPA).

Since 2009, the HCPA has allowed the federal government to prosecute crimes motivated by a victim’s sexual orientation or gender identity as hate crimes, so long as those crimes had an effect on interstate commerce. Unfortunately, a District Court in Virginia recently overturned the conviction of an individual who admitted to viciously attacking his coworker because he thought he was gay, on the theory that “bias-motivated violence” is categorically “noneconomic” — even when the attack literally happened at an Amazon.com facility while the victim was simply doing their job, preparing to ship a package across state lines.

If allowed to stand, this narrow and clearly inappropriate interpretation would effectively erase important and groundbreaking federal protections for LGBTQ people. Hate-motivated violence against the LGBTQ community is a serious national problem, and one that LGBTQ youth worry about and discuss with us every day. In 2017, law enforcement agencies reported nearly 1,500 hate crimes motivated by gender, gender identity, or sexual orientation bias, a sharp increase over previous years — and those are just the crimes that were reported.

LGBTQ youth deserve to know that the law protects them in the strongest possible terms, which is why The Trevor Project is proud to stand with a powerful alliance of civil rights and anti-violence groups in defense of this important law. We are especially grateful to Freestate Justice for coordinating this brief.

“As we know from our work with our clients, LGBT people, in large part because the systemic and sometimes violent discrimination they encounter at work, experience poverty at disproportionately high rates. Although FreeState has worked hard to make sure that our Maryland state hate crimes law includes sexual orientation and gender identity, Matthew Shepard’s and James Byrd, Jr.’s law makes sure that protection extends to LGBT people and other vulnerable communities in all fifty states. The law carefully ensures that those who commit a hate crime in the workplace are held accountable; there is no doubt it was constitutionally applied here.” said Jennifer L. Kent, Managing Attorney, FreeState Justice.

Read the full amicus brief (PDF)

Florida Becomes First State to Introduce Legislation Protecting LGBTQ Youth From Conversion Therapy in 2019 Legislative Session

November 29, 2018

Tallahassee, FL — Florida State Senator José Javier Rodríguez introduced Senate Bill 84 (SB 84) to protect LGBTQ youth from receiving conversion therapy, which falsely claims to be able to change people’s sexual orientation and gender identity, from licensed mental health practitioners, on November 21, 2018. With SB 84, Florida becomes the first state to introduce legislation to end conversion therapy in the 2019 legislative session.

“In most states it is still legal to force children into conversion therapy and that is wrong. When it comes to this debunked practice, there is no conversion and there is no therapy. So-called conversion therapy does not work because youth are who they are. They should be supported rather than shamed. More importantly, the practice we seek to ban is not therapy.” said Sen. José Javier Rodríguez (D Miami) “The long-term, even lethal, damage it does to youth is well documented. If you’re going to be a licensed practitioner in Florida, refraining from harming our youth with this debunked practice should be a basic requirement.”

A poll released in 2017 showed 71% of Floridians support banning conversion therapy for minors. Twenty local governments in Florida – both cities and counties – have adopted conversion therapy bans, which is more than in any other state in the country.

“The Trevor Project is deeply invested in ending conversion therapy in every state because we know youth who experience rejection from their family are more than 8 times more likely to attempt suicide than youth from accepting families,” said Amit Paley, CEO and Executive Director of The Trevor Project, the world’s largest suicide prevention and crisis intervention organization for LGBTQ youth. “Conversion therapy is a profoundly dangerous form of rejection with no basis in medicine or science. Unless lawmakers act to end the practice in every state, countless LGBTQ youth will be subjected to forms of conversion therapy in the next few years.”“Conversion therapy is a deceptive and utterly discredited practice that targets some of the most vulnerable in our state – LGBTQ young people,” said Jon Harris Maurer, Equality Florida’s Public Policy Director. “It’s time to put an end this dangerous abuse disguised as medical treatment.”

Equality Florida applauds José Javier Rodríguez for filing this critical legislation that would protect young people from this fraudulent practice.

“We are grateful to Senator José Javier Rodríguez for kicking off what we hope will be another successful year in the fight to end conversion therapy,” said Sam Brinton, Head of Advocacy & Government Affairs for The Trevor Project. “The Trevor Project’s 50 Bills 50 States campaign works to support legislation like SB 84 to protect LGBTQ youth from conversion therapy in every state in the country and we look forward to working with leaders and advocates in Florida to turn this bill into law.”

The Trevor Project works with national partners such as the National Center for Lesbian Rights (NCLR) and the Human Rights Campaign (HRC) as well as state leaders like Equality Florida to end conversion therapy. 34 states have historically introduced legislation to protect youth from conversion therapy; 14 states have signed them into law. Conversion therapy is widely opposed by prominent professional health associations including the American Medical Association, the American Psychological Association, and the American Academy of Pediatrics.

People can sign up to join The Trevor Project’s effort to end conversion therapy by texting “TREVOR” to 40649.

About The Trevor Project

The Trevor Project is the world's largest suicide prevention and crisis intervention organization for lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, queer & questioning (LGBTQ) young people. The Trevor Project offers a suite of 24/7/365 crisis intervention and suicide prevention programs, including TrevorLifeline, TrevorText, and TrevorChat as well as the world’s largest safe space social networking site for LGBTQ youth, 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 trained crisis counselors are available 24/7/365 at 1-866-488-7386 and www.TheTrevorProject.org/Help

The Trevor Project Joins Other Youth-Serving LGBTQ Advocacy Groups on Amicus Brief Opposing Discrimination in Foster Care

October 17, 2018

The Trevor Project joined other leading organizations serving LGBTQ youth in filing an amicus brief with the Third Circuit Court of Appeals to oppose religious-based discrimination by government-funded adoption and foster care agencies. The amicus brief highlights The Trevor Project’s reports of increased rates of contacts to our crisis services correlated to acts of government discrimination.

As argued in the amicus brief, allowing government contractors to discriminate against LGBTQ people who want to be foster or adoptive parents causes stigma that ultimately harms the health and security of LGBTQ youth in the child welfare system. Stigma and discrimination are often key factors which drive LGBTQ youth into child welfare systems in the first place, where they are disproportionately represented and experience increased rates of mental and physical illness.

The Trevor Project joined with FosterClub, Garden State Equality, The Gender and Sexuality Development Clinic of the Children’s Hospital of Philadelphia, Human Rights Campaign, Mazzoni Center, National LGBTQ Task Force, Pennsylvania Youth Congress Foundation, and The True Colors Fund in filing this brief, which was assembled by Lambda Legal. Learn more about the case.

Read the Full Amicus Brief

The Trevor Project & Jussie Smollett Recruit Volunteers For 24/7 Suicide Prevention Services for LGBTQ Youth

October 1, 2018

20th Anniversary Campaign for Volunteer Crisis Counselors Is Powered by AT&T

New York & Los Angeles — The Trevor Project, the world’s largest suicide prevention and crisis intervention organization for LGBTQ young people, released “How to Save a Life,” a new national campaign that encourages supporters to apply to become volunteer crisis counselors for TrevorText and TrevorChat, the organization’s free and confidential text and web chat support services for LGBTQ youth. The campaign’s :30-second PSA features artist and activist Jussie Smollett.

Lesbian, gay, and bisexual youth are more than four times more likely to attempt suicide than their straight peers, and nearly half of all transgender adults have made a suicide attempt – most before the age of 25. Each year The Trevor Project answers more than 68,000 calls, chats, and texts, but estimates that more than 1.5 million LGBTQ youth experience suicidal ideation and could benefit from its services. Volunteers who sign up through the “How to Save a Life” campaign will increase the organization’s capacity to serve more LGBTQ youth than ever before. The expansion is powered by AT&T’s $1 million commitment, the single largest in The Trevor Project’s 20-year history.

“More LGBTQ youth in crisis are reaching out to us than ever before – many over text and chat, two increasingly prevalent forms of communication for young people,” said Amit Paley, CEO & Executive Director of The Trevor Project. “Just over the last year our youth text conversations have increased by 165%. Training more volunteer crisis counselors will help us connect even more young people with our life-affirming crisis services.”

“It’s heartbreaking to think of the amount of LGBTQ youth out there who feel hopeless and alone, or think they don’t have support,” said Smollett. “Just one supportive person can decrease an LGBTQ youth’s risk of suicide by 30%, and The Trevor Project is giving everyone the amazing opportunity to be that person. I can’t encourage you enough to apply — volunteering your time can literally save lives.”

Volunteers can use a computer and stable internet to support LGBTQ youth from anywhere in the country. To become a volunteer, supporters can apply at TheTrevorProject.org/SaveALife. Successful candidates will complete a series of training courses that meet American Association of Suicidology accreditation guidelines and are designed to prepare volunteers to support LGBTQ youth in crisis. Among the volunteer crisis counselor trainees are AT&T employees from across the country. Employee engagement and volunteerism is an integral part of AT&T’s multi-year commitment to The Trevor Project.

“Our employees have a long history of stepping in to help those in need,” said Charlene Lake, senior vice president of corporate social responsibility, AT&T. “The Trevor Project is doing critical work by connecting LGBTQ youth in crisis to those who can help. We’re proud to support the “How to Save a Life” campaign and make these connections possible.”

AT&T’s commitment to The Trevor Project and other initiatives are the latest in its exceptional history of supporting the LGBTQ community. In 1975, AT&T was one of the very first American companies to prohibit discrimination against employees based on sexual orientation. Supporting the LGBTQ community is an enduring priority for AT&T, who continuously identifies ways to advocate and foster inclusivity.

About The Trevor Project

The Trevor Project is the world's largest suicide prevention and crisis intervention organization for lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, queer & questioning (LGBTQ) young people. The Trevor Project offers a suite of 24/7/365 crisis intervention and suicide prevention programs, including TrevorLifeline, TrevorText, and TrevorChat as well as the world’s largest safe space social networking site for LGBTQ youth, 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 trained crisis counselors are available 24/7/365 at 1-866-488-7386 and www.TheTrevorProject.org/Help

MEDIA CONTACT

Kevin Wong
The Trevor Project
646.576.7044
[email protected]

Troye Sivan Partners With The Ally Coalition and The Trevor Project on the Bloom Tour

August 10, 2018

Tour Partnership to Empower LGBTQ Youth and Allies to Take Action

LOS ANGELES, CA — This fall on the Bloom Tour, Troye Sivan is using his platform to empower LGBTQ youth by partnering with The Ally Coalition and volunteers on every tour stop. The venture will connect his fans with national and local groups creating a safer, healthier world for LGBTQ young people. The Ally Coalition is a non-profit founded by Jack and Rachel Antonoff in 2013 to advance equality for queer youth.

Troye and The Ally Coalition have tapped The Trevor Project as the Bloom Tour’s national partner. The Trevor Project is the world’s largest suicide prevention and crisis intervention organization providing free and confidential direct services to LGBTQ youth 24/7.  On the local level, the Bloom Tour will collaborate with organizations in every city that provide essential services to LGBTQ youth, highlighting ways they can get involved in their work and use their services.

The Ally Coalition will be offering the chance for Troye Sivan fans to volunteer throughout the tour. All fans who take action in support of LGBTQ equality onsite at each show will be entered to win a prize. Those interested in volunteering can sign up here:  http://bit.ly/Volunteer4Troye

Fans can stay up-to-date on The Ally Coalition’s work from the road when they take over Troye’s Tumblr during the Bloom Tour.  Tune in at http://troyesivan.tumblr.com/ once the tour kicks off on September 21 for nightly updates.

Tickets for the tour are currently on sale to the general public at LiveNation.com and TroyeSivan.com. His new album Bloom will be released by Capitol Records on August 31.  For Troye Sivan publicity materials please visit: http://www.umgb2b.com.

Bloom Tour

Date City Venue
9/21 Irving, TX Pavilion @ Toyota Music Factory
9/23 Austin, TX Austin City Limits Live at The Moody Theater
9/24 Sugar Land, TX Smart Financial Center
9/26 Jacksonville, FL Daily’s Place Amphitheater
9/28 St. Petersburg, FL Mahaffey Theater
9/29 Miami, FL Bayfront Park Amphitheatre
10/1 Atlanta, GA Coca-Cola Roxy
10/2 Charlotte, NC Charlotte Metro Credit Union Amphitheatre
10/4 Washington, DC The Anthem*
10/6 Upper Darby, PA Tower Theater
10/9 New York, NY Radio City Music Hall
10/11 Laval, QC Place Bell
10/12 Boston, MA Boch Center – Wang Theatre
10/14 Detroit, MI Fox Theatre
10/15 Toronto, ON Sony Centre
10/17 Minneapolis, MN State Theatre
10/19 Chicago, IL Chicago Theatre
10/20 Milwaukee, WI Eagles Ballroom
10/22 Denver, CO Fillmore Auditorium
10/24 Phoenix, AZ Comerica Theatre
10/25 San Diego, CA Cal Coast Credit Union Open Air Theatre at SDSU
10/27 Anaheim, CA House of Blues
10/30 Los Angeles, CA Greek Theatre
11/1 San Francisco, CA The Masonic
11/5 Portland, OR Roseland Theater
11/7 Seattle, WA Paramount Theatre
11/8 Vancouver, BC Queen Elizabeth Theatre

*not a Live Nation show

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About Live Nation Entertainment

Live Nation Entertainment (NYSE: LYV) is the world’s leading live entertainment company comprised of global market leaders: Ticketmaster, Live Nation Concerts, and Live Nation Sponsorship. For additional information, visit www.livenationentertainment.com.