LGBTQ news and entertainment
In response to the Westboro Baptist Church’s decision to protest Vassar College over supposed promotion of the “fag agenda”, the school has quickly raised over $40,000 for The Trevor Project.
The initial goal for the school was $4,500 – they have exceeded that goal by over 1,000%.
Let’s hear it for the good guys!
Katy Perry was presented with the Trevor Hero Award at Trevor Live on December 2, 2012 at the Hollywood Palladium.
In the video, she describes how her own thoughts about the LGBT community have evolved, and she explains how meaningful her time spent at The Trevor Project has been.
Darren Criss rehearsing for Trevor Live, an evening of irreverent comedy and musical performances.
Each year the The Trevor Project will also honors and individual and a corporation for their positive commitment to increase visibility and understanding of the LGBTQ community.
The red carpet will be livestreamed – make sure you catch it from 5-7pm PST tonight.
Click here for more info on the event.
I know a lot of these videos are out on the internet now, which I think is terrific. I wish I had this message available to me when I was in high school.
Living in Las Vegas – which has a huge Mormon population – I know a lot of folks who fight with intrinsically knowing who they are but afraid of the Mormon Church’s position.
I really enjoyed interviewing Justin Utley, award-winning gay singer/songwriter who grew up in Utah as a Mormon, about his journey to reconcile his life and his faith. You can listen to him tell his story on an episode of The Candi & Randy Show. Very honest and direct. I like Justin. And his music.
And I like this video. Again – direct and honest. Good job BYU kids.
From the YouTube page: USGA (Understanding Same-Gender Attraction) is an unofficial group of Brigham Young University students, faculty, and friends who wish to strengthen families and the BYU community by providing a place for open, respectful discussions on the topic of same-gender attraction.
If you’d like to add your voice to the messages of hope and love, please make a video, upload it to YouTube and send us the link. Thanks!
Find USGA on Facebook at: facebook.com/groups/byuusga
“IT GETS BETTER”
The It Gets Better Project was created to show young LGBT people the levels of happiness, potential, and positivity their lives will reach — if they can just get through their teen years.
The It Gets Better Project wants to remind teenagers in the LGBT community that they are not alone — and it WILL get better. The website itgetsbetter.org is a place where young people who are lesbian, gay, bi, or trans can see how love and happiness can be a reality in their future. It’s a place where straight allies can visit and support their friends and family members. It’s a place where people can share their stories, take the It Gets Better Project pledge, watch videos of love and support, and seek help.
If you are considering suicide or need help, call the Trevor Project now: 866-4-U-TREVOR (866-488-7386).
For those who missed it, last week’s controversial mid-season finale episode of “Glee” may have shocked fans, but one LGBT youth advocacy group has seen a number of benefits as a result.
As Entertainment Weekly is reporting, The Trevor Project saw their web traffic spike and their phone calls triple after the episode, which depicted former bully Dave Karofsky (beautifully played by Max Adler) attempting suicide — to the tune of Young the Giant’s “Cough Syrup” — after being outed as gay to his classmates.
“What was great about the show is that they worked in conjunction with us so we knew in advance that there was going to in all likelihood be an increase in volume,” Trevor Project co-founder Peggy Rajski tells EW. “What happened was the volume went up about 300 percent, but we were ready.”
The Trevor Project is ready to help LGBTQ youth who feel they may be in crisis. If you feel you need help, please reach out 1-866-488-7386.
In high school, I weighed a lot of what raced through Dave Karofsky’s mind in this episode. All those moments compacted in the quick video above that led to his suicide attempt happened to me at some point. But lucky for me, I kept moving forward.
The phrase “it gets better” has, thankfully, entered our daily lexicon. But it’s not a cliche, it’s the truth. I want to encourage everyone to think about the power of our words, because you never know when you may be teasing the next Dave Karofsky.
Forward.
Debuted during GLEE last night.
This video premiered at the Trevor Project Gala honoring Lady Gaga on December 4, 2011.
On August 25, 2011, the White House will honor The Trevor Project as a leading innovator in the realm of suicide prevention as part of the “Champions of Change” initiative.
The Trevor Project is the leading organization selected for this honor representing youth suicide prevention and crisis intervention among lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender and questioning youth, specifically.
Accepting the honor and speaking with Administration officials about priorities for improving suicide prevention nationally will be David McFarland, Interim Executive Director and CEO of The Trevor Project. The event occurs ten days prior to National Suicide Prevention Week, (Sept. 4-10, 2011).
ABOUT CHAMPIONS OF CHANGE
The White House initiative, “Champions of Change, Winning the Future across America” profiles individuals and organizations that are helping the country rise to the challenges of the 21st century. Champions of Change are doing extraordinary things in their communities to out-innovate, out-educate and out-build the rest of the world. Each week, the White House invites new Champions to share ideas and best practices to win America’s future. Beginning the week of August 29, 2011, The Trevor Project will be featured on the Champions of Change website.
ABOUT THE TREVOR PROJECT
The Trevor Project is the leading national organization providing crisis intervention and suicide prevention services to lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender and questioning youth, ages 13-24. Every day, The Trevor Project saves young lives through its free and confidential lifeline, in-school workshops, educational materials, online resources and advocacy. For more information, visit TheTrevorProject.org.
So proud of the response Matt Zarley has gotten from his new anthem for LGBT youth that benefits The Trevor Project.
Click here to see on Advocate.com – go to #3 on The Hot List!
Out singer/songwriter Matt Zarley has spent the last several years climbing the Billboard Dance charts with his hits “While You See A Chance” and “Where Did You Come From” while his music videos & interviews have been featured on “The Hit List” and CBS News on LOGO.
In addition to his music, Matt is also known for his appearances in principal roles on Broadway and breaking ground as the first openly gay man featured in People Magazine’s “Most Eligible Bachelors.”
While in the studio for his upcoming CD, he’s also taken time to cover the 80s iconic Pat Benatar hit “We Belong” as a charity single to benefit The Trevor Project. The song is available as a two-song download: pop version and DJ Bill Bennett dance remix. Continue reading “Matt Zarley: “We Belong – The Trevor Project Single””