The Trevor Project - www.thetrevorproject.org

"Trevor" the Film

Set in 1981, Trevor is told through a series of diary entries, following 13-year-old Trevor, a passionate Diana Ross fan who strives for attention from his parents by frequently faking suicide.

To his delight, Trevor is befriended by hunky school athlete, Pinky Faraday, upon whom he develops a crush. When he confesses how he feels about Pinky to his best friend Walter Stiltman, not realizing anything is unusual about his feelings, his friend turns on him and word spreads at school that Trevor is gay.

Shortly thereafter, a confused Trevor is ostracized by his entire school and in his ensuing pain, goes to such lengths as to give himself electric shock therapy to reverse his apparent homosexuality, runs away from home, and ultimately attempts suicide while lip-syncing to the song "Endless Love."

When Trevor awakes in the hospital, he meets Jack, a young candy-striper with a supportive demeanor. Jack's friendship and advice, along an offer to see Diana Ross, inspires Trevor to live. The film closes with a buoyant Trevor dancing up the sidewalk to his parents' house while singing Diana Ross' "I'm Coming Out." Trailer for "Trevor" the film

History of Trevor Project

The Trevor Project was founded by writer James Lecesne, director/producer Peggy Rajski and producer Randy Stone, creators of the 1994 Academy Award®-winning short film, Trevor, a comedy/drama about a gay 13-year-old boy who, when rejected by friends because of his sexuality, makes an attempt to take his life.

 When Trevor was scheduled to air on HBO® in 1998, the filmmakers realized that some of the program’s teen viewers might be facing the same kind of crisis as Trevor, and began to search for an appropriate support line to broadcast during the airing. They discovered that no such helpline existed, and decided to dedicate themselves to forming what was, in their view, a much-needed resource: an organization to promote acceptance of lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender and questioning youth, and to aid in crisis and suicide prevention among that group.

Thus, The Trevor Project was born, and with seed funding provided by The Colin Higgins Foundation, The Trevor Helpline was established and became the first and only nationwide, around-the-clock crisis and suicide prevention helpline for lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender and questioning youth.

Today, in addition to operating the crisis and suicide prevention helpline, The Trevor Project provides online support to young people through the organization’s Web site, and also provides lifesaving guidance and vital resources to educators and parents. The Organization Photos

Trevor Multimedia - videos

Some Facts About Suicide:

In America, more than 32,000 people die by suicide each year (2005 Centers for Disease Control and Prevention).

Suicide is one of the top three causes of death among 15 to 24-year-olds; only accidents and homicide occur more frequently (2006 National Adolescent Health Information).

Suicide is the second leading cause of death among college campuses (2008 Centers for Disease Control and Prevention).

For every completed suicide by a young person, it is estimated that 100 to 200 attempts are made (2003 Youth Risk Behavior Surveillance Survey).

Lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender and questioning youth are up to four times more likely to attempt suicide than their heterosexual peers (Massachusetts 2006 Youth Risk Survey).

Lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender and questioning youth who come from a rejecting family are up to nine times more likely to attempt suicide than their heterosexual peers (2007 San Francisco State University Chavez Center Institute).

Warning Signs:

A tendency toward isolation and social withdrawal

Substance abuse

Expression of negative attitudes toward self

Expression of hopelessness or helplessness

Loss of interest in usual activities

Giving away valued possessions

Expression of a lack of future orientation (i.e. "It won't matter soon anyway").

For someone who has been very depressed, when that depression begins to lift, the individual may be at INCREASED risk of suicide, as the individual will have the psychological energy to follow-through on suicidal ideation.

The Trevor Project - Trevor Newsletter: Spring/Summer 2009

Read & Learn more - The Trevor Project

www.thetrevorproject.org

Make a Donation to The Trevor Project

Daniel Radcliffe makes generous donation to gay suicide prevention group

Daniel Radcliffe has shown his dedication to the gay community once again - by handing over a “generous” donation to gay support group The Trevor Project.

The Harry Potter star has long stood up for same-sex rights, insisting he finds homophobes “disgusting and stupid” after being surrounded by gay friends while growing up.

The actor has now cemented his support by handing over funds to The Trevor Project, a non-profit organization that operates around-the-clock crisis and suicide prevention helpline for gay youth.

The charity’s chief executive Charles Robbins says, “He is setting a meaningful example for millions of young people around the world by embracing diversity and demonstrating that he cares deeply about the well-being of LGBTQ (lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender and queer/questioning) youth.”

Meanwhile, Radcliffe adds, “It’s extremely distressing to consider that in 2009 suicide is a top three killer of young people, and it’s truly devastating to learn that LGBTQ youth are up to four times more likely to attempt suicide than their heterosexual peers. It’s vitally important that young people understand they are not alone and, perhaps even more important, that their young lives have real value.”

He’s 20.

Read more Most Beautiful Man

Related links:

Daniel Radcliffe Gives Big to Trevor Project – ADVOCATE.COM

Daniel Radcliffe Makes Major Donation to Support the Trevor Project – REUTERS