Policy

Advocacy

 ADVOCACY

PUBLIC POLICY AND ADVOCACY

Ending suicide for LGBTQ youth involves supporting laws that help create a safe, supportive, and positive environment for everyone. The Trevor Project actively works at the local, state, and federal level to influence public policy and nonpartisan advocacy efforts to meet the needs of LGBTQ youth, especially in areas that address mental health and suicide prevention.

 

At the federal level, The Trevor Project supports:

  • Full funding for youth suicide prevention, crisis intervention, and research

o This includes the reauthorization of the Garrett Lee Smith Memorial Act;

  • Data collection of LGBTQ youth health and risk behaviors;

  • Safe schools for all students

o Including legislation such as the Safe Schools Improvement Act and the Student Non-Discrimination Act;

  • Increased access to health care and mental health care for all youth that is inclusive, nondiscriminatory, and culturally competent.

   

 

At the state and local level, The Trevor Project supports:

  • Mandatory annual professional development for educators on youth suicide prevention;
  • Comprehensive and inclusive suicide prevention policies in all school districts;
  • Inclusive laws that prohibit school bullying and harassment;
  • Nondiscrimination laws to protect LGBTQ youth;
  • Laws that prohibit dangerous practices like efforts to change sexual orientation ("reparative therapy") for young LGBTQ people;

  • Eliminating barriers to LBGTQ youth accessing mental health care

    o   This includes addressing age limits for consent and lack of confidentiality;

  • Eliminating laws which isolate or stigmatize LGBTQ youth.
 
 
Check out these advocacy resources and help The Trevor Project improve the lives of LGBTQ youth.