How to Save LGBT Lives During National Suicide Prevention Month

A few months ago, my family marched in the Trevor Project's contingent at Los Angeles Pride. My daughter, Kira Kosarin, marched alongside me as my husband, Danny Kosarin, took pictures to support the Trevor Project's community and advocacy efforts. The march took place shortly after the horrible Orlando incident that ended so many LGBTQ lives. The day we marched, a person with weapons was found near the site of Pride. It was so scary. But being with such a large crowd of Trevor's supporters was powerful. It showed LGBTQ youth that their lives mattered--that being LGBTQ is beautiful and that young people have support no matter where they go.

We are still living during a time when many LGBTQ people cannot always live their authentic lives safely. LGBTQ youth know this, which can lead to devastating consequences. Suicide is the leading cause of death among people ages 10 to 24. The rate of suicide attempts is four times greater for LGB youth and two times greater for that of questioning youth than that of straight youth. Nearly half of transgender people have seriously thought about taking their lives and one quarter have reported making a suicide attempt.

I started volunteering at the Trevor Project because one supportive person can up the chances of saving a life by 30 percent. I know I have been that person -- many times. During National Suicide Prevention Month this September, my husband directed my daughter in the Trevor Project's national public service announcement campaign to show people that we all play a part in the fight to end suicide. You too can save a life, no matter how involved you get with the Trevor Project.

For National Suicide Prevention Month, the Trevor Project has launched powerful resources that you can share with your community. By connecting, communicating, and showing you care for LGBTQ youth, we can help #SaveLGBTQLives. With Trevor's PSAs featuring my daughter Kira, a self-care guide, a suicide prevention guide, and a back-to-school guide on how to connect people to Trevor's resources, we can all share how to take action during National Suicide Prevention Month.

Every day, trained lifeline counselors at Trevor answer over 150 calls. Each year, Trevor handles over 54,000 crisis contacts. Last year alone, Trevor served over 200,000 youth through its crisis services, social media, and online resources.

Be a part of our fight to end suicide. Your voice can make a difference.

-Share Trevor's PSA on social media

-Practice self-care with Trevor's guide

-#SaveLGBTQLives with Trevor's suicide prevention guide

-Create Safe School Environments with Trevor's Back to School guide

-Share supportive messages on social media

You too can save a life. Find more resources at https://www.thetrevorproject.org/pages/save-lgbtq-lives.

LAUREN KOSARIN grew up in New York and spent 25 years working as a musical theater performer. Before moving to Los Angeles, she lived in Florida, where she worked as a volunteer for Jewish Adoption Foster Care Options. She is married to Danny Kosarin and is the proud mama of Kira Kosarin, a passionate LGBTQ advocate and star of Nickelodeon's hit show The Thundermans. Lauren has been a volunteer at the Trevor Project since February.