The Trevor Project Newsletter

Page 1

A quarterly update on the latest happenings at

Volume 2, Issue 1 - Summer 2008

“I’m Glad I Failed” Social Marketing Campaign The Trevor Project launched its first-ever social marketing campaign this month, to coincide with National Suicide Prevention Week, which runs Sept. 7 through 13 and is sponsored by the American Association of Suicidology. The “I’m Glad I Failed” campaign, developed by Better World Advertising, seeks to educate lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender and questioning youth about The Trevor Helpline as a resource they can turn to and open the eyes of straight youth to the potentially life-shattering consequences of being disrespectful toward their LGBTQ peers. The campaign also aims to raise the consciousness of broader audiences to the harmful effects of intolerance. The series of print and online advertisements feature four young people, representing those who have attempted suicide because of prejudice and harassment, who are glad they did not complete suicide because their lives have since changed for the better. The campaign delivers the powerful message that the despair leading to suicide can be resolved in a way that leads to a happy and fulfilling life. “This campaign sends all young people the critically important message that homophobia and ignorance truly can lead a friend or peer to attempt suicide,” said Charles Robbins, executive director and CEO, The Trevor Project. “It speaks to youth at a relatable level and encourages them to be accepting and supportive toward one another in order to avoid a tragic loss of life.” We are working to continue obtaining placements of the “I’m Glad I Failed” vignettes in youth-friendly and LGBT-oriented media outlets and on Web sites throughout the country. The advertisements have already been placed in print publications including The Advocate, Cosmopolitan and IN Los Angeles with possible runs planned for Sports Illustrated Teen and Teen magazines. The online banner advertisements are currently running on nearly 40 Web sites and blogs, including GayWired.com, GoodAsYou.org, OutImpact.com and Continued on page 2

Trevor NY Raises Lifesaving Proceeds Trevor New York, our eighth annual summer gala, was a fun-filled evening of fabulous entertainment complete with extraordinary guests and the underlying heartfelt message of the need for The Trevor Project’s lifesaving programs. The June 30 event at The Mandarin Oriental Hotel in New York City was hosted by Alec Mapa, host of Transamerican Love Story and a recurring character on Ugly Betty. Heather Matarazzo, Stephen Schwartz and George Takei, who attended with his husband-to-be, Brad Altman, were among the 280 guests in attendance. The Colin Higgins Foundation presented the third annual Youth Courage Awards to Devon Beardon, Kyle Rapinan, and Perre Shelton – three remarkable young people who have triumphed over adversity as LGBTQ youth. Shelton received a standing ovation when he recited a powerful poem he wrote after accepting his award. We also presented our annual honoree awards at the gala, including the presentation to Alan Cumming of The Trevor Hero Award. In his acceptance remarks, Cumming said, “For a long time, I’ve admired the work of Continued on page 3

1


Turn static files into dynamic content formats.

Create a flipbook
Issuu converts static files into: digital portfolios, online yearbooks, online catalogs, digital photo albums and more. Sign up and create your flipbook.