#72 | Suicide Prevention Awareness: LGBTQ Youth Support, Ally Guidance, and Mental Health Resources from The Trevor Project
This podcast episode features an enlightening dialogue with Kevin Wong, the Vice President of Communications for the Trevor Project, which stands as the preeminent organization dedicated to suicide prevention and mental health support for LGBTQ youth. Central to our discussion is the alarming statistic that LGBTQ young individuals are over four times more likely to attempt suicide than their peers, underscoring the critical need for accessible and effective support systems. We delve into the multifaceted programs offered by the Trevor Project, including crisis intervention services, educational initiatives, and the empowering peer support platform known as Trevor Space. Moreover, we explore the imperative role that acceptance from even a single adult can play in significantly reducing the risk of suicide attempts among LGBTQ youth. This episode not only emphasizes the vital resources available but also provides actionable insights for parents and allies on how to approach conversations surrounding identity and mental health with empathy and understanding.
With September being suicide prevention month, it was imperative to have Kevin Wong on the podcast today. Kevin is the Vice President of Communications for the Trevor Project, and he shares with us all the amazing resources the Trevor Project has for LGBTQ youth and their parents. There are many stigmas when it comes to talking about suicide and Kevin and the team at the Trevor Project are bringing awareness, advocacy, and safe places for LGBTQ youth to have these conversations. Join Heather and Kevin as they discuss the importance of the Trevor Project and supporting children in the LGBTQ community.
Do not miss these highlights:
01:50 – A little about Kevin
03:58 – Who the Trevor Project is
08:46 – How to get this information to our children
11:23 – Moderators on the site
12:45 – Resources for questions and support children can get on the Trevor project site
14:55 – The Trevor Project & advocacy work
18:33 – How to be an advocate
21:47 – What signs parents can look for in their kids, that may show they want to come out or are struggling
23:33 – The acronym C.A.R.E for helping a kid in a moment of crisis
27:32 – The stigma of these topics
30:40 – How to receive your child when they come out
Hi, I’m Heather Hester, and I’m so glad you’re here!
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At the heart of my work is a deep commitment to compassion, authenticity, and transformative allyship, especially for those navigating the complexities of parenting LGBTQ+ kids. Through this podcast, speaking, my writing, and the spaces I create, I help people unlearn bias, embrace their full humanity, and foster courageous, compassionate connection.
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About our guest:
Kevin Wong (he/him) is the Vice President of Communications for The Trevor Project, the world’s largest suicide prevention and mental health organization for LGBTQ young people. He oversees the organization’s communications strategy, including media relations, celebrity engagement, internal and executive communications, speaking engagements and awards, crisis communications, and more.
Kevin works closely with The Trevor Project’s marketing and creative teams to develop 360-degree campaigns that promote the organization’s crisis services, resources, partnerships and innovations, as well as its research, education, and advocacy initiatives. He leads a team of 12 that PR Daily recently awarded as Communications Team of the Year.
How to learn more:
Takeaways:
- The Trevor Project serves as the world's largest organization dedicated to suicide prevention for LGBTQ youth.
- Statistical evidence reveals that LGBTQ young people are significantly more prone to suicidal thoughts compared to their peers.
- Peer support is a critical aspect of mental health, providing safe spaces for LGBTQ youth to connect.
- Parental acceptance can drastically reduce the risk of suicide among LGBTQ children and adolescents.
- The importance of active listening and non-judgmental responses cannot be overstated when engaging with LGBTQ youth.
- The Trevor Project offers a range of resources and advocacy efforts aimed at improving the lives of LGBTQ young people.
Links referenced in this episode:
More Human. More Kind. formerly Just Breathe: Parenting Your LGBTQ Teen explores connection, courage, and community for every concerned parent, mom, or ally navigating fear, grief, and bigotry with hope, resilience, and empathy. Through open-minded education, inclusive parenting guidance, and advocacy for mental health, safety, and a human first approach, we support LGBTQ youth and stand for human rights and social justice. More Human. More Kind. empowers listeners to shift their mindset, embrace activism and allyship, and lead with kindness, healing, and purpose.
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