More Than One Third Of LGBTQ Youth Have Seriously Considered Suicide

The Trevor Project, the world’s largest suicide prevention and crisis intervention organization for LGBTQ youth, has released the results of its first-ever National LGBTQ Youth Mental Health Survey, and the results are deeply concerning.

Conducted between February 2018 through September 2018, the massive survey includes responses from 34,808 LGBTQ young people.

The results show a staggering 39 percent of respondents had seriously considered attempting suicide in the previous 12 months.

When looking at just transgender/non-binary respondents, 54 percent said they’d seriously considered suicide.

Eighteen percent of the respondents admitted to attempting suicide in the past 12 months; 29 percent of trans/non-binary youth reported a suicide attempt.

Sixty-seven percent reported someone had attempted to change their sexual orientation or gender identity through so-called 'conversion therapy.' 

Of those who underwent conversion therapy, 42 percent admitted to attempting suicide.

When you break down the numbers, 32 percent of LGB youth who underwent conversion therapy reported a suicide attempt in the last 12 months, while the number jumped to 57 percent for trans/non-binary youth.

Conversion therapy has been discredited as ‘pseudoscience’ and widely denounced by leading professional medical associations including the American Medical Association, the American Academy of Pediatrics, and the American Psychological Association.

Currently, 18 states have outlawed conversion therapy involving minors.

The research also showed that 71 percent of LGBTQ youth reported being discriminated against, and 21 percent reported experiencing physical threats or abuse.

Discrimination definitely had an impact on suicidal thoughts as 23 percent of those who experienced discrimination reported a suicide attempt in the last 12 months as opposed to 11 percent of respondents who did not.

The survey is part of The Trevor Project’s commitment to compile data and research to aid in improving the organization’s life-saving services for LGBTQ youth.

In sharing the results, The Trevor Project aims to elevate the voices and experiences of LGBTQ youth and shed more light on the dangerous practice of conversion therapy.

You can find the full results of the new survey here.

If you or someone you know is feeling hopeless or suicidal, reach out to The Trevor Project 24 hours a day, 365 days a year at 1-866-488-7386 or www.TheTrevorProject.org/Help

Perfect For Pride - 'Shave With Pride' Set From LGBTQ Ally Harry's

Even though I'm a beard kinda guy, I still have to shave to trim things up to look neat and presentable (for those times when I'm not at my computer blogging).

So, I was stoked to see this 'Shave with Pride' set by Harry's - the men's grooming company.

I discovered Harry's shaving blades years ago and I'm a fan. They're high quality and their prices can't be beat.

But their Shave with Pride set is way cool.

Encased in a colorful, distinctive box designed by artist José Roda to represent the individualism of the LGBTQ community, the set comes with a rainbow no-two-are-alike iridescent handle, three blades, shave gel and a travel cover to protect fingers when fishing in a dock kit while traveling.

But wait - there's more!

While the set costs just $25, Harry's is donating 100% of the proceeds to The Trevor Project, the leading national organization providing crisis intervention and suicide prevention services to LGBTQ youth.

You're basically making a donation to The Trevor Project and getting this way cool shave set as a bonus!

Makes a great Father's Day gift, too, folks :)

Harry's has a long history as an ally for the LGBTQ community.

In April, the grooming company released a new ad that causally includes a transgender man in the spot with narration that tells them, “You can shave to feel like you.”

The one-minute spot by the men’s grooming brand, titled ‘Shave, or Don’t,’ makes it clear Harry’s has your back whether you shave or not.

Last year, the shaving giant debuted their Shave with Pride set (designed by Craig & Karl) celebrating Pride Month with 100% of the profits going to GLAAD, which works through entertainment, news, and digital media to share stories from the LGBTQ community that accelerate acceptance.

And, Harry’s is a proud sponsor of London Pride.

“Harry’s has a proud history of working with organizations that help challenge out-dated stereotypes and who aim to shift attitudes and behaviors that devalue marginalized groups,” said Harry’s co-founder Jeff Raider.

“Our support for Pride is a natural extension of that. As a company, we embrace individuality and celebrate diversity, so we’re extremely proud to be an LGBTQ+ ally.”

The men’s grooming brand also produced an acclaimed three-minute short film on the meaning of ‘masculinity’ featuring a young boy explaining how to be a man to an alien.

I'm told the Shave with Pride set has been so popular, Harry's website was cleaned out. But, you can still order by clicking over to Target here.

Ryan Murphy Plans To Give Millions To Help Elect Pro-LGBTQ Politicians

Ryan Murphy (Credit: Getty on behalf of The Trevor Project)

Out producer/director/writer Ryan Murphy announced at The Trevor Project’s annual gala on Sunday night that he is on a mission to vote out of office anti-LGBTQ lawmakers.

The Trevor Project is the leading national organization providing crisis intervention and suicide prevention services to lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, queer & questioning (LGBTQ) young people under 25.

Janet Mock presented the Hero Award to Ryan Murphy and the cast of POSE.

Murphy accepted the award and shared, “When I was 19, in Indiana, I myself called a suicide hotline. Overwhelmed by the AIDS crisis, by the fact that I was the only ‘out’ person in my friend group, the only ‘out’ person I knew at the time, and alienated from my family, I felt profound despair. I made a call one late night in November. I made a connection, got some hope, and carried on. It’s powerful life saving work this organization does. In my roundabout way, I know this first hand.”

Murphy also told the audience he will launch a multi-million dollar initiative in 2020, “Pose Gives Back,” to target those legislators in Congress who work against the rights of LGBTQ Americans, according to Variety.

“Why don’t we consider ever targeting the people who are causing the problem here?,” the TV guru asked the crowd. “The homophobes, the trans naysayers, and the small restricted and dangerous minds who are causing so many young people to needlessly hate themselves and doubt themselves…”

Noting the results of this year’s midterm elections which saw over 20 anti-LGBTQ politicians defeated in a single night, Murphy says he felt inspired.

“We are going to send a message which says you cannot make discrimination against us a political virtue anymore,” said the 54-year-old producer of Pose and American Horror Story. “You can’t keep killing our vulnerable young people by promoting and nationalizing your rural, close-minded anti-constitutional viewpoints.”

Calling out some lawmakers by name, including Senators Susan Collins, Lindsey Graham, Mike Lee and Congressman Steve King, Murphy said, “I want these hateful and wrong politicians to go, and to stop polluting our moral and ethical ether.”

According to Murphy, “Pose Gives Back” will provide financial support to at least 20 pro-LGBTQ candidates in 2020 in conjunction with corporate sponsors.

He ended his speech announcing a $50,000 donation to The Trevor Project.

You can watch Murphy’s acceptance speech and announcement below from The Trevor Project’s livestream below. Trans activist/writer Janet Mock introduces Murphy at the 124:00 mark.

Tune in to enjoy the official Livestream of TrevorLIVE LA 2018! Honoring Ryan Murphy and the Cast of Pose, Amandla Stenberg and AT&T. With appearances by Nico Santos, Lauren Ash and Jussie Smollett. Hosted by Eugene Lee Yang.  Presented by Revry. https://t.co/eiLHRcPf5F

— The Trevor Project (@TrevorProject) December 3, 2018

The gala evening raised over $1.5 million Sunday night for The Trevor Project's mission to help LGBTQ teens in crisis.

On a lighter note, Pose stars MJ Rodriguez and Billy Porter thrilled the gala audience with a reprise of their duet of “Home” from The Wiz. Watch below.

MJ Rodriguez and Billy Porter (Credit: Getty on behalf of The Trevor Project)

More power at #TrevorLIVE with @MjRodriguez7 and @theebillyporter pic.twitter.com/LCHNRbYaTX

— Marc Malkin (@marcmalkin) December 3, 2018

Music Video: Eli Lieb "When You Need A Friend"

Eli Lieb

Out singer/songwriter Eli Lieb shares this uplifting music video for his song, "When You Need a Friend," which Eli wrote in the aftermath of a young, male transgender student as his old high school committing suicide.

Backed by The Trevor Project, Eli returned to his old school to reach out to kids there and spread some love.

Premiering the new video on NewNowNext, Eli shares:

“I wrote, ’When You Need A Friend’ inspired by his memory, but also for anyone in need,” he says. “I wanted people to know that times can be really tough but if you keep fighting through them, there’s a bright future ahead. I also wanted people to feel like they have a friend in me, even if they don’t know me personally. I want people to feel like when they play this song, that I am there with them offering support.”

If you read The Randy Report with any regularity, you know I'm a big fan of Eli and his music. Click here for more of my coverage of Eli.

Hit play on the video below, and you can also check out my recent interview with Eli for The Randy Report podcast.

Out Music: Ty Herndon "Fighter"

Out country star Ty Herndon shares the music video for his new single, "Fighter," from his album House On Fire with this warning via Facebook:

WARNING- The version of this video contains strong and disturbing images. I wanted to share this version of the video #FIGHTER with you guys. We did this powerful imagery for my performance The Trevor Project Trevor Live. Some of you may find it disturbing. I know i certainly did. Most of you know me as a country singer. I am also a man who believes in the power of love not hate. And I often sing about it. When I was first approached about using these images, I rejected it. Then after much thought and prayer I realized that this is the truth for many young LGBTQ youth in the world today. I see it often when I travel around making appearances for organizations like GLAAD Human Rights Campaign LA Pride Dallas Pride ChicagoPride.com & so many more. It is my greatest prayer that we can all stand together and love one another- No matter what color or shape our spots are. I know this one fact clearly- from my own journey- None of us are perfect. As my Maw Maw use to say, We are all just beautiful messes. So be strong and journey on with a big open heart - And pay it forward with grace- knowledge and love. Just a reminder that all proceeds from the download of this song go towards The Trevor Project.

Ty's new album, House On Fire, available here.

I previously shared the first single from the album, "That Kind of Night," here. It was also one of my Top 5 LGBT songs of 2016.

Hunger Games star Josh Hutcherson launches new POWER ON initiative to help connect LGBTQ youth

Hunger Games star Josh Hutcherson hosted on Friday the third annual Celebrity Basketball Game Benefiting Straight But Not Narrow. SBNN is an ally organization that prepares and trains young adults on how to become allies of their LGBTQ peers.

At the event, Hutcherson noted not only the progress made in recent years but the ground yet to be covered:

“There’ve been some great stepping stones and we’re moving in the right direction, but [the battle] is definitely not won.  I mean, marriage equality is great, but it doesn’t help a lot of people, especially young people who are in school. They can’t even get married yet. So those are the ones who are dealing with [bullying] and at such a formidable age well.”

Hutcherson also announced a new campaign - Power On - in conjunction with Straight But Not Narrow, The Trevor Project, and human I-T.

Noting that more than half of LGBTQ youth who were not out in person had used the internet to connect with other queer people and like minded individuals, the program will encourage teens to donate their unused laptops, tablets, and smartphones to be refurbished and distributed to LGBTQ resource centers across the United States.

Those interested in donating to the initiative can find instructions at human-i-t.org/ally. The organization will collect and refurbish all donated devices free of charge.

(via OUT)

Vassar College raises over $40K for The Trevor Project

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 accepts Trevor Hero Award at Trevor Live 2012

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 tonights TREVOR LIVE event

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.  

Brigham Young University students: It Gets Better

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).

GLEE episode movingly highlights LGBT youth bullying and suicide

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.

Daniel Radcliffe for The Trevor Project

Debuted during GLEE last night.

Animation from Trevor Project Gala 2011

This video premiered at the Trevor Project Gala honoring Lady Gaga on December 4, 2011.

White House to honor The Trevor Project

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.

Matt Zarley's "We Belong" - The Advocate's #3 item on "Hot Sheet" this week

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!


Click here to download from Amazon.com

Matt Zarley: "We Belong - The Trevor Project Single"

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.

With gay bullying becoming a national topic of discussion, The Trevor Project continues to be a leading provider of life-saving and life-affirming resources including nationwide, 24/7 crisis intervention lifeline, digital community and advocacy/educational programs that create a safe, supportive and positive environment for everyone.

I recently spoke with Matt while he was in the studio putting the finishing touches on “We Belong.”

Randy: How did this project come about?
Matt: I was approached by DJ Bill Bennett last year about doing a charity single for The Trevor Project. I thought "We Belong" would work beautifully and is a song that is very uniting. Plus it's never covered. It felt like a great fit.

R: Why The Trevor Project?
M: I've had a personal connection with TTP for a few years. With the abundance of media attention this past year regarding the bullying epidemic, I wanted to find a way to raise some visibility to the cause. The work that they do is so important.

R: Why do you think this song is relevant to the Trevor Project and it's mission?
M: I assume that the song (when Pat Benatar recorded it) was a love song. But if you listen to the lyrics, it can really be open for interpretation. I hear the song as more of an anthem of unity. I think that regardless of your orientation or viewpoint, we are all of the same earth... and we are all the same. We truly all belong TOGETHER.

R: Is there a particular lyric in "We Belong" that you hope gay and lesbian teens hear or take to heart?
M: Definitely..."whatever we deny or embrace, for worse or for better, we belong together."

R: In a perfect world, what would you like people to get from listening to this recording?
M: To have a sense of hope, and to remember that we are all one in the same. We need to support and love one another, not bully and hate.

R: While we’re talking music, what can you tell us about the new CD?
M: Well, I’ve got several tracks in production right now, and we’re looking at a summer release date. Tentatively titled “Change Begins With Me.”



“We Belong” is available on all major music download sites.

Click here to download from iTunes.

Click here to download from Amazon.com