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

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.

Wesley Cullen Davidson

Wesley Cullen Davidson is an award-winning freelance writer and journalist specializing in parenting as well as gay and lesbian content. For the past two years, Wesley has concentrated almost exclusively on the lesbian and gay community, specifically on advising straight parents of gay children on how to be better parents and raise happy, well-adjusted adults

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