Our readers know just how important LGBT suicide prevention really is to us, so to hear that The Trevor Project is finding its way on to more people’s radar is really inspiring to us.
Last week, Glee’s winter finale tackled the difficult but topical issue of gay youths committing suicide. Gleeks watched on as Dave Karofsky, played by Max Adler, attempted to take his life after being humiliated and bullied for being homosexual by his classmates. Following the shocking scene, a PSA ran for The Trevor Project starring Daniel Radcliffe, that prompted viewers to visit the organizations website or call their hotline if they or someone they loved felt they needed help.
The response was more than anyone could have imagine, including Trevor Project cofounder Peggy Rajski. This week, she explains just how tremendous the reaction was, saying the Trevor Project toll-free number fielded triple the number of calls normally received and added:
├óΓé¼┼ôWhat was great about the show is that they worked in conjunction with us so we knew in advance that there was going to in all likelihood be an increase in volume,├óΓé¼┬¥ says cofounder Peggy Rajski. ├óΓé¼┼ôWhat happened was the volume went up about 300 percent, but we were ready … On average, our site probably attracts about an average of 1500 visits a day. Tuesday we got 10,000. There├óΓé¼Γäós the power of network TV.├óΓé¼┬¥
How inspiring! We’re really moved!
We’re so proud of not only The Trevor Project for offering such an important resource, but for the people over at Glee for making sure their young viewers are aware of programs like TP. We all have a responsibility to the younger generation to give them every chance to succeed … and that includes helping them envisioning their own futures.
[Image via FOX.]