A New Handbook Is Here to Help LGBTQ Young People Come Out

by Sam Manzella

1h ago

One of the nation’s leading LGBTQ nonprofits is honoring National Coming Out Day with a guidebook specifically catered to queer youth.

The Trevor Project, the world’s largest suicide prevention organization for LGBTQ youth, has released Coming Out: A Handbook for LGBTQ Young People, designed to make the coming-out process a little bit easier. Released ahead of National Coming Out Day, which occurs annually on October 11, the book includes easy-to-understand sections about gender identity, sexual orientation, coming out, how LGBTQ people can have healthy relationships, and self-care. The best news? It’s available for free as a downloadable PDF on Trevor’s website.

Your worth is inherent If you’re in crisis, we’re here 24/7 to support you at: 866.488.7386 or text/chat https://t.co/hxtScqt870
art by @sheisrecovering #lgbtq #trans pic.twitter.com/U4yhWiRAGo

— The Trevor Project (@TrevorProject) October 9, 2019

The handbook underscores just how vital resources and supportive peers and mentors are for queer young people. As NewNowNext previously reported, a pair of studies released by Trevor back in June found that a staggering 1.8 million queer Americans ages 13 to 24 consider suicide each year. However, Trevor also discovered that a key factor could significantly reduce the likelihood of a young LGBTQ person considering suicide: having at least one adult in their life to confide in or rely on for support.

Tia Dole, chief clinical operations official for Trevor, said in a statement that young LGBTQ people, and people questioning their gender identity or sexual orientation, often contact the nonprofit for guidance throughout the coming-out process.

“This handbook will help support LGBTQ youth as they explore what coming out safely can mean for them, even if that means choosing to not come out right now,” Dole said. “Fear of rejection is a common topic raised by the young people we support, and we want them to know that The Trevor Project is here for them 24-7 to let them know that their identities are valid and that they are loved.”

Visit The Trevor Project’s website to view the full handbook.