The Trevor Project, the non-profit organization that operates the only nationwide, around-the-clock crisis and suicide prevention helpline for lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender and questioning (LGBTQ) youth, today announced that it has received a major donation from Daniel Radcliffe, the critically-acclaimed star of the "Harry Potter" film series and Broadway's "Equus." The 20-year-old actor joined The Trevor Project's Circle of Hope, a community of major donors which plays an essential role in providing the financial leadership that makes the organization's lifesaving work possible.
The Trevor Project 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). Since its founding, The Trevor Helpline has received hundreds of thousands of calls from LGBTQ youth across the country. In the past year alone, call volume to The Trevor Helpline has increased more than 300 percent.
"I am very pleased to begin my support of The Trevor Project, which saves lives every day through its critical work," said Daniel Radcliffe. "It's extremely distressing to consider that in 2009 suicide is a top three killer of young people, and it's truly devastating to learn that LGBTQ youth are up to four times more likely to attempt suicide than their heterosexual peers. I deeply hope my support can raise the organization's visibility so even more despondent youth become aware of The Trevor Helpline's highly trained counselors and Trevor's many other resources. It's vitally important that young people understand they are not alone and, perhaps even more important, that their young lives have real value."
In addition to The Trevor Helpline, the organization operates a number of other important programs, including "Dear Trevor," an online question-and-answer forum for young people with questions surrounding sexual orientation and gender identity; The Trevor Survival Kit, an educational kit distributed to schools and youth service providers to help educators facilitate discussions about suicide, gender identity and sexual orientation; and TrevorSpace, an online social networking community for LGBTQ youth, their friends and allies. Radcliffe's gift will help fund these efforts as well as the organization's national education and advocacy work.
"We're incredibly grateful to Daniel for his truly inspiring and historic generosity and support," said Charles Robbins, executive director and chief executive officer, The Trevor Project. "He is setting a meaningful example for millions of young people around the world by embracing diversity and demonstrating that he cares deeply about the well-being of LGBTQ youth."
After becoming aware of The Trevor Project and its mission, Radcliffe decided to become involved with the organization. His involvement began with financial support to assist The Trevor Project's programmatic efforts. Moving forward, Radcliffe anticipates taking additional steps to help further broaden awareness of the organization.
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 or to make a donation, please visit either TheTrevorProject.org or Causes.com/TheTrevorProject (via Facebook.com).
Daniel Radcliffe has played the title role in all of the blockbuster films based on J.K. Rowling's best selling "Harry Potter" books. "Harry Potter" is now the top-grossing franchise in film history. Making his Broadway debut as Alan Strang in Peter Shaffer's play "Equus," Radcliffe won the award for Best Leading Actor at the Annual Theatre Fan Choice Awards, organized by Broadway World, as well as Best Leading Actor and Breakthrough Performance Awards at the annual Broadway.Com Audience Awards. He also received both Drama League and Drama Desk nominations for his performance in the play. Radcliffe had first played the role of Alan in 2007 to critical acclaim in London, which marked his West End Debut.
