The Trevor Project is encouraging lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender and questioning (LGBTQ) youth across America to “be proud and speak out” by sharing stories about experiences and issues they encountered living openly and proudly as LGBTQ young people. As the leading national organization focused on crisis and suicide prevention efforts among LGBTQ youth, The Trevor Project launched the “Rated Q” video initiative on National Coming Out Day, Oct. 11, 2009. The initiative is designed to empower young people to listen to and support one another in an interactive and dynamic forum.

“The ‘Rated Q’ video initiative is really about celebrating bravery, encouraging empathy and harnessing the power of creativity and community in self-expression,” said Charles Robbins, executive director and CEO, The Trevor Project. “Since LGBTQ youth remain up to four times more likely to attempt suicide than their heterosexual peers, it is important to think outside the box and provide fresh, ingenious outlets for them to share their feelings and experiences in a safe, supportive environment.”

Every day, counselors on The Trevor Helpline, the only nationwide, around-the-clock crisis and suicide prevention helpline for LGBTQ youth, talk to young people across the country struggling with issues surrounding sexual orientation, gender identity, family/peer rejection and feelings of despair and hopelessness. For every youth in crisis, there are many more who find acceptance from a friend, teacher or loved one. The Trevor Project is challenging LGBTQ youth to express their life experiences about topics including feeling harassed, bullied or singled out, finding support from others, and coming out to family and friends.

Youth between the ages of 13 and 24 can submit videos to the “Rated Q” video initiative between Oct. 11 and Nov. 15, 2009. Entries should be uploaded to The Trevor Project’s video portal hosted by Meme Labs at: memelabs.com/thetrevorproject. All eligible submissions will be part of an online showcase, and select entries will receive prominent placement on The Trevor Project’s Web site, official YouTube channel and other social networking sites. The public will be able to vote for their favorite videos and determine the top five submissions before a judging panel selected by The Trevor Project announces one grand prize winner and four runner-ups.

The grand prize winner’s video will be unveiled to a live audience in Los Angeles on Dec. 6, 2009 during Cracked Xmas 12, The Trevor Project’s largest, annual fundraiser.

About The Trevor Project
The Trevor Project is the leading national organization focused on crisis and suicide prevention efforts among lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender and questioning youth. Every day, The Trevor Project saves young lives through its free and confidential helpline, in-school workshops, educational materials, online resources and advocacy. The organization was founded in 1998 by three filmmakers whose film, “Trevor,” a comedy/drama about a gay teenager who attempts suicide, received the 1994 Academy Award® for Best Short Film (Live Action). For more information, visit TheTrevorProject.org.