This photo above of Skyler, Andrew, and Tom, was the first time they’d seen each other in years. Tom, Skyler’s grandfather and Andrew’s dad, hadn’t understood or accepted his transgender granddaughter, so there was little contact between them until that afternoon convening with The Trevor Project.

Before I tell you more about Skyler, Andrew, and Tom, I ask you to make a gift, that will be matched $1 for $1, in support of The Trevor Project today. Recognizing the challenges that LGBTQ+ young people face and Trevor’s life-saving work, our proud partner H&M will continue doubling contributions until 11:59 PM.*

Your generosity will help protect and save young LGBTQ+ lives by supporting Trevor’s key programs: 24/7 crisis services, advocacy, education, peer support, and research.

Tom and his wife Sue Ellen didn’t understand that Skyler’s trans identity “was not a phase, that it was reality,” he said. They made what he described as “a feeble effort” to learn about the trans community — a decision for which Tom apologized to Andrew and Skyler.

“We should not have backed off because Skyler is more important and we are more important together than we are separate. That's really sad, and that's our fault. I'm sorry.”

— Tom, Skyler’s grandfather

After reuniting with Andrew and Skyler, educating himself, and meeting trans young people, Tom saw that “they’re like any kids.” He continued: “I'm so thankful that Andrew and The Trevor Project invited me because I'm going to go back and … educate some people.”

It’s going to take all of us to build a kinder, more inclusive world for LGBTQ+ young people. But Tom and Skyler’s relationship proves that change starts with one person.

Please be the one today to support LGBTQ+ young people who don’t have parents like Andrew or grandparents like Tom. Make your gift right now when there’s still time for every $1 you donate to become $2.

Thanks!

Duyen Spigelman
she/her/hers
Senior Philanthropy Manager

*Until 11:59 PM PT, Wednesday, December 27, 2023, H&M will match all online gifts up to $50,000, 1:1.