Talk To Me

So it's no secret that in high school I was bullied a lot. Not only in high school but for as long as I can remember. I was called every name in the book, every rumor that could possibly be spread, was spread about me. I had my good days but most of the time they were bad. Luckily I had someone to talk to. The "It Gets Better" project was introduced to me when I was a junior in high school. It provided a safe place to talk to people who understood where I was coming from. I couldn't talk to my parents, they just weren't emotionally available, but that's beside the point, I couldn't talk to my friends because yes, they were my friends but they had no idea how hard things were for me. The "It Gets Better Project" assured me that there is a life outside of high school. The closed mindedness, the immaturity, the unnecessary threats and general making my life hell every single day would all be gone eventually. This project was in partnership with "The Trevor Project" and the "Give a Damn" project which mainly focus on suicide prevention and advocacy for the youth of the LGBT community. Me, not being a direct part of this community at first didn't understand why I was being introduced to people and programs like this but after a while I realized that it doesn't matter whether I am gay, straight, bisexual, or any other orientation, these programs and project's main focus is providing support and help for those who need it. Anyone suffering from suicidal thoughts, gay or straight, can call the Trevor Project day or night and find a friendly voice to help them through the hard times. Even if you are just are just a victim of perpetual bullying like I was, you can become a part of It Gets Better and actually get better. I did.
5 years after being introduced to The Trevor Project and It Gets Better, The Trevor Project is now introducing the "Talk To Me Campaign" encouraging you to get out there and be available for people to talk to. It's National Suicide Prevention week and this campaign encourages you to make and wear a shirt that says Talk To Me on September 9th so that people know that you are open to conversation. You may get asked to explain what your shirt means but that's all part of the project. Get out there and talk. I would have been so much better of in high school had I known that there were people out there willing to listen and talk to me. By talking to someone, you could save their lives. There are several who have saved mine. Support The Trevor Project, It Gets Better, and the Talk to Me campaign. Life is easier with someone to talk to.