Trevor Project Offers Holiday Survival Guide

WEST HOLLYWOOD, Calif. - The Trevor Project, a benevolent organization dedicated to preventing GLBTQ youth suicide, has published "The Holiday Survival Stocking: A Holiday Guide for LGBTQ Youth." The one-page document is an essential reference for anyone who knows or loves a young person dealing with the stress of growing up gay in a straight world.

 

"Although the holiday season is a joyous time when most people celebrate with their families and friends, it can present difficult challenges for others - especially lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender and questioning (LGBTQ) youth," Trevor Project communications manager Jacqueline Wing told GAYVN.com in an email. "The holidays can be extremely painful for LGBTQ youth who are experiencing family acceptance issues and therefore do not feel like they can be true to themselves in a supportive home environment.

 

"Even without the stress and pressure of the holiday season, LGBTQ youth face everyday challenges at school and/or home that place them at an increased risk for self-harm," she added. "In fact, the Suicide Prevention Resource Center just released a publication citing new research that shows a higher proportion of lesbian, gay and bisexual youth consider and attempt suicide compared to their heterosexual peers. This confirms what we already knew: LGBTQ youth are up to four times more likely to attempt suicide than their heterosexual peers, and LGBTQ youth who come from a rejecting family are up to nine times more likely to attempt suicide."

 

"The Holiday Survival Stocking" is an attempt to change this disheartening fact. The youth-friendly, one-page document offers tips about how to survive the holiday season when feeling depressed, helpless, hopeless or even suicidal.

 

Among the items the guide suggests those suffering holiday depression have on hand are comfort foods and snacks or favorite music, contact information for supportive friends and family, online resources through which to connect with other LBGTQ youth, and Trevor Helpline's phone number: (866) 4-U-TREVOR.

 

"The tips were created with youth in mind, but can certainly apply to all LGBTQ people - or anyone having difficulty with the holiday season," Wing said.

 

The Trevor Project operates the only nationwide, around-the-clock crisis and suicide prevention helpline for lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender and questioning youth. Every day, the Trevor Project saves lives through its free and confidential helpline, website and educational services.

 

"The Holiday Survival Stocking" is free and available on request from the Trevor Project.