Dustin Lance Black and Neil Patrick Harris Elected to the Trevor Project Board Of Directors

The Trevor Project, the leading national organization focused on crisis and suicide prevention efforts among lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender and questioning (LGBTQ) youth, today announced that writer, producer and director Dustin Lance Black and actor, producer and director Neil Patrick Harris have been elected to its Board of Directors.

"Because Dustin Lance Black and Neil Patrick Harris have already demonstrated their tireless commitment to LGBTQ youth and The Trevor Project, we are thrilled to welcome them to our leadership team," said Charles Robbins, executive director and CEO, The Trevor Project. "As prominent members of the entertainment community, they will certainly help raise awareness about The Trevor Project's programs and their insight will be invaluable as we work to empower young people with the crisis intervention skills and suicide prevention resources they need."

Dustin Lance Black, winner of the 2008 Academy Award(R) for Best Original Screenplay for "Milk," the biopic of the late gay rights activist Harvey Milk, was recognized by The Trevor Project last year with The Trevor Hero Award, which annually honors an individual who, through his or her example, support, volunteerism and/or occupation, is an inspiration to LGBTQ youth.

"All of the work we're doing today to win LGBT equality is for these young people's futures. So it is vital that we ensure they survive today's challenges so they might know tomorrow's freedoms," said Dustin Lance Black. "I'm honored to have the opportunity to continue and expand my involvement with this lifesaving organization as a member of the Board of Directors."

Neil Patrick Harris, the Emmy(R)-nominated star of the hit sitcom, "How I Met Your Mother," was honored by The Trevor Project with The Trevor Life Award last month, recipients of which are annually selected based on the same criteria as that of The Trevor Hero Award. Harris gained notoriety as the beloved title character in "Doogie Howser, M.D.," and has continued to demonstrate his creative versatility on screen in such films as "Clara's Heart" and "Harold & Kumar Go to White Castle," and on stage in the Broadway productions of "Assassins," "Proof" and "Cabaret." Harris also served as the host of the 61st Annual Primetime Emmy Awards(R) and the 63rd Annual Tony Awards(R).

"I've been a longtime supporter of The Trevor Project, and I'm excited to become even more actively involved in raising awareness of its unique and vital mission," said Neil Patrick Harris. "I hope that my involvement with The Trevor Project will help bring attention to the need for effective crisis and suicide prevention services for LGBTQ youth nationwide."

The Trevor Project's 30-person Board of Directors unites leaders from diverse personal and professional backgrounds to govern the organization and help further its mission and financial goals.

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(R) for Best Short Film (Live Action). For more information, visit TheTrevorProject.org.

Photo credit: Linda Lenzi