As you know from my last blog post, September is National Suicide Prevention Month. The leading national organization focused on suicide prevention, The Trevor Project , has launched a campaign to encourage conversation and support for the GLBTQ population.
Celebrities Endorse “ Talk To Me “ Campaign
With Kevin McHale of Glee fame as a spokesperson, the “Talk to Me” Campaign (see http://www.thetrevorproject.org/talktome2012) has named September 27thas Trevor Day. Actor Daniel Radcliffe, “Harry Potter,” has since August 2009, given to The Trevor Lifeline, the first and only nationwide 24 hour crisis and suicide prevention helpline for LGBTQ youth. Radcliffe is promoting the campaign on his Live Chat now on the website as well as You Tube and Google + pages.
How You Can Help. Participate on September 27th.
Here are five ways that you (or anyone) can show concern for a LGBTQ youth. They are:
- · PLEDGE. Take the “Talk To Me” pledge and promise to be a person that anyone can TALK to when they need a nonjudgmental person to listen.
- · POST. Write a message to a friend on a sticky note telling them you are there to talk if they ever need you, and leave it in a creative place: locker, lunch box, car.
- · WEAR. Wear and give out the Trevor gear in a “Talk To Me” kit that includes Tee Shirts. It helps to spread the message.
- · ACT. Write a letter to the editor or to your local lawmaker to advocate for funding for inclusive suicide prevention training for school staff.
- · SHARE. Add one of Talk To Me badges to your facebook/twitter profile image, on your website, page or blog.
- · PHOTO GALLERY. You can also contribute to the #TrevorTalkToMe Photo Gallery.
When Your Child Is Gay: What You Need To Know
For more detailed advice, see book, co-authored with a mother of a gay son and a psychiatrist, Jonathan L. Tobkes, M.D.
