LOS ANGELES—The Trevor Project, the world’s largest suicide prevention and crisis intervention organization for LGBTQ young people, and AT&T Turn Up the Love, the company’s campaign to support and engage LGBTQ people and allies, today launched Anytime, Anywhere featuring Content Creator and LGBTQ Advocate, Tyler Oakley.
Suicide is the second leading cause of death among young people, and lesbian, gay, bisexual, and transgender youth are more than four times more likely to attempt suicide than their peers. Anytime, Anywhere highlights Tyler Oakley’s moments of feeling hopeless and alone during his youth, and tells LGBTQ young people that The Trevor Project’s text and chat counseling services, TrevorText and TrevorChat, are now available 24/7 for the first time in the organization’s 21-year history of saving young LGBTQ lives.
“The Trevor Project wants every young LGBTQ person to know that they are never alone and can always reach out to us for help,” said Amit Paley, CEO & Executive Director of The Trevor Project. “Now that our text and chat services are available around the clock, thanks to financial support, products, services, and employee volunteers provided by AT&T, we can provide life-saving support to even more of the 1.5 million LGBTQ young people we estimate to need our services every year. With the help of Tyler Oakley and AT&T, we’re able to reach LGBTQ youth nationwide so they know how to connect with trained crisis counselors at any time, who can tell them that they are loved, valued, and never alone.”
The organization expanded TrevorText and TrevorChat’s availability with Generation Z in mind. As the first mobile-native generation that grew up with smartphone technology, they are more comfortable with text and chat services than with speaking on the phone or in-person interactions. In fact, in a third-party evaluation of The Trevor Project’s services, the majority of youth (63%) who used its text and chat services reported doing so because they felt like it was easier to be themselves. Tyler Oakley, who has a massive social media following of more than 23 million fans and over 7.5 million YouTube subscribers, connects directly with young people daily through content that resonates uniquely with them.
“Moments of crisis are different for everyone, and I hope that by sharing mine, LGBTQ youth know there’s no reason too big or small to reach out to The Trevor Project,” said Tyler Oakley. “Asking for support isn’t always easy—it’s important to meet LGBTQ young people where they are, with counselors who are trained to meet their unique needs, and on platforms they’re comfortable using.”
The 24/7 transformation of The Trevor Project’s text and chat services is powered by AT&T, which recognizes the importance of connectivity and of being able to support LGBTQ youth in crisis at all hours of the day.
“Our work with The Trevor Project is especially meaningful to AT&T. We’re proud to make millions of connections every day and those connections are never more important than in a time of need or crisis,” said Valerie Vargas, SVP of advertising and creative services, AT&T. “As one of the first corporate allies of the LGBTQ community, providing resources and support– whether it’s through our technology or our dedicated employees—to help save lives of LGBTQ young people is a crucial part of our mission.”
Proud supporters of The Trevor Project’s expansion to provide 24/7 text and chat support for LGBTQ youth in crisis also include The Coca-Cola Foundation and Wells Fargo Foundation.
The Trevor Project also supports LGBTQ youth in crisis through TrevorLifeline, its flagship, confidential phone lifeline, which has been available 24/7 since the organization’s inception 21 years ago.
ABOUT THE TREVOR PROJECT
The Trevor Project is the world’s largest suicide prevention and crisis intervention organization for lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, queer & questioning (LGBTQ) young people. The Trevor Project offers a suite of 24/7/365 crisis intervention and suicide prevention programs, including TrevorLifeline, TrevorText, and TrevorChat as well as the world’s largest safe space social networking site for LGBTQ youth, TrevorSpace. Trevor also offers an education program with resources for youth-serving adults and organizations, a legislative advocacy department fighting for pro-LGBTQ legislation and against anti-LGBTQ rhetoric/policy positions, and conducts research to discover the most effective means to help young LGBTQ people in crisis and end suicide. If you or someone you know is feeling hopeless or suicidal, our trained crisis counselors are available 24/7/365 at 1-866-488-7386 and www.TheTrevorProject.org/Help.
ABOUT AT&T COMMUNICATIONS
We help family, friends, and neighbors connect in meaningful ways every day. From the first phone call 140+ years ago to mobile video streaming, we innovate to improve lives. We have the nation’s fastest wireless network.** And according to America’s biggest test, we have the nation’s best wireless network.*** We’re building FirstNet just for first responders and creating next-generation mobile 5G. With DIRECTV, DIRECTV NOW and WatchTV, we deliver entertainment people love to talk about. Our smart, highly secure solutions serve nearly 3 million global businesses—nearly all of the Fortune 1000. And worldwide, our spirit of service drives employees to give back to their communities.
**Based on analysis by Ookla® of Speedtest Intelligence® data average download speeds for Q1 2019.
***According to America’s biggest test as announced by Global Wireless Solutions last fall.
[From a News Release]
