I’m Jen and I’m a Crisis Services Digital Supervisor here at The Trevor Project. That means I support our chat and text counselors as they connect with LGBTQ youth across the country.

I spent my Thanksgiving at work, online with LGBTQ youth. During that 390 minute shift, there was one particular minute that I remember most--the minute a young person told me how grateful they were to have access to TrevorChat that day.

This young person identified as non-binary, and reached out for help via chat because they didn’t have to use their voice. At The Trevor Project, we never assume someone’s gender identity, but for a lot of young people, misgendering happens on a regular basis due to assumptions about their voices, the way they look, the clothes they wear, etc. For trans and non-binary young people who experience discomfort or dysphoria regarding their voice, chatting with trained, LGBTQ competent crisis counselors online can feel more affirming than reaching out over the phone. As a non-binary person myself, I know how difficult it can be to be recognized for the identity that feels true to myself. I felt so honored to support this young person in their vulnerability and bravery over a medium that felt comfortable for them.

While I had that conversation on Thanksgiving, you were probably sitting at a table with your friends and family enjoying a meal. Or maybe you were watching football or preparing for your holiday shopping trip. But my team and I weren’t doing any of these things — we were making sure LGBTQ young people felt valued and seen on a day where they may not have any other support.

The holidays can be hard for LGBTQ youth without a safe environment, but Trevor is always here for them. We make sure they are not alone, not for a single minute.

I know today is one of the  biggest days in the world for charitable giving — and when you’re making your choice about who to give to, I hope you consider giving your Giving Tuesday donation to The Trevor Project. Your dollars will directly support LGBTQ youth — who need us on holidays and year round. So please donate to The Trevor Project today and help us reach our Giving Tuesday goal: $100,000. We’re 25% there already, your donation can get us to our goal and help us reach more young people in need of our services. You can make a difference with a donation today.

In solidarity,

Jen Dihenia 
They, them, theirs
Crisis Services Digital Supervisor
The Trevor Project