You are receiving this newsletter because you know that protecting LGBTQ+ youth requires inclusive and affirming laws and policies. To keep you better informed on Trevor’s advocacy work, we will be sharing regular updates highlighting some of our key efforts and successes.

It can be easy and understandable to feel disheartened these days, especially given the unprecedented attacks on the LGBTQ+ community we’ve seen in the past few years. Below, you will learn not only about those challenges but also about our most recent celebrations, including: our 2024 state legislative victories, the two-year anniversary of the 988 Suicide and Crisis Lifeline (which Trevor helped create), and our most recent victory making Pennsylvania the 28th state to ban the dangerous and discredited practice of so-called “conversion therapy". 

Underlying all of this is not only the work of Trevor’s Advocacy Team but also that of a community and movement of LGBTQ+ advocates who courageously make their voices heard, from state houses to school board meetings every single day. None of this could happen without you, so thank you for your continued commitment to supporting LGBTQ+ young people and their mental health. 

If you want to join the impact, text TREVOR to 50457 or sign up here to receive advocacy alerts to your phone.

In community, 

Take A Closer Look at Our 2024 Legislative Wins and Initiatives

A legislative season of hard-fought victories amidst unprecedented attacks 

While discriminatory bills targeting LGBTQ+ people often make headlines, it's important to recognize the progress we’ve made in supporting legislators who champion key legal advancements. With over 260 LGBTQ+-affirming bills introduced in 40 states—20 of which have become law—there’s a lot to celebrate! 

Thanks to our collective efforts, The Trevor Project helped defeat 75% of anti-LGBTQ+ bills and pass 19 new laws protecting LGBTQ+ young people, including those safeguarding transgender health care and ensuring safe, affirming schools. These victories are a testament to the dedication of state-based advocacy organizations and their communities.

Celebrating two years of the 988 Suicide and Crisis Lifeline

It has been two years since the historic launch of the national 988 Suicide and Crisis Lifeline. This landmark and bipartisan victory to expand access to mental health care across the country was made possible by Trevor’s leadership, along with our LGBTQ+ and mental health movement partners. But our work doesn’t end there - Trevor continues to advocate to Congress to ensure that 988 crisis services are available to all those across the country who need it, especially LGBTQ+ youth who can now connect with specialized inclusive services.

If you or someone you know needs support, The Trevor Project offers 24/7 crisis counseling at 1-866-488-7386, TheTrevorProject.org/Get-Help, or by texting START to 678678. LGBTQ+ young people can also access specialized support through the 988 Lifeline by pressing 3 after dialing, texting PRIDE to 988, or opting in for LGBTQ+ support via chat at 988lifeline.org/chat/.

Ending conversion therapy in the Keystone State

The Trevor Project’s 2022 National Survey revealed that 5% of LGBTQ young people in Pennsylvania had experienced conversion therapy, with another 11% threatened by it. Additional research uncovered that Pennsylvania had the highest number of licensed practitioners linked to conversion therapy, highlighting the urgent need for regulatory action.

In our latest blog, Advocacy Associate Tanner Mobley takes you behind the scenes of how these findings led to Pennsylvania's regulatory boards adopting policies against these harmful practices.

Support from individuals like you enables The Trevor Project to continue our work to end LGBTQ+ youth suicide through our crisis services as well as the development of resources and guides like these to promote education and allyship.