Tyler Oakley teams with Trevor Project for 24/7 lifeline
With the help of a $1 million contribution from AT&T, The Trevor Project has expanded their text and chat services to be 24/7.
YouTube star Tyler Oakley shared his own experiences of loneliness and having no one to reach out to in honor of the expansion.
‘There were times and places in my life growing up when I longed to talk to somebody about my feelings and identity,’ Oakley says in the announcement video.
‘Moments at school or at church or even at the dinner table surrounded by my family, I was lonely and didn’t know how to start to open up.’
The Trevor Project is a non-profit focused on helping LGBTI youth. Their phone and chat lines have existed for years as a way for youth who are depressed, isolated, or suicidal to reach out and talk to someone.
Anytime, Anywhere
The new 24/7 expansion is known as Anytime, Anywhere.
‘Moments of crisis are different for everyone, and I hope that by sharing mine, LGBTQ youth know there’s no reason too big or small to reach out to The Trevor Project,’ Oakley added.
‘Asking for support isn’t always easy — it’s important to meet LGBTQ young people where they are, with counselors who are trained to meet their unique needs, and on platforms, they’re comfortable using.’
The contribution from AT&T helped make the expansion possible.
Valerie Vargas, SVP of advertising and creative services at the company, said this work is ‘especially meaningful’.
‘We’re proud to make millions of connections every day and those connections are never more important than in a time of need or crisis,’ she continued. ‘As one of the first corporate allies of the LGBTQ community, providing resources and support– whether it’s through our technology or our dedicated employees – to help save lives of LGBTQ young people is a crucial part of our mission.’
Anyone can call the lifeline at 1-866-488-7386, text START to 678678, or vist the chat service here.
Need support? LGBTI helplines for those in crisis or seeking advice
See also
Abercrombie & Fitch expands partnership with LGBTI group, The Trevor Project
We need to talk about the loneliness many LGBTI people experience
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Author: Anya Crittenton
