LGBTQ Youth Release Video in Support of “Power On” Campaign

Today, a group of youth who are LGBTQ (lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, and questioning) and who are members of The Trevor Project's Youth Advisory Council released two new videos in support of the technology donation campaign called, "Power On" (#PowerOn). These new, inspiring videos encourage young people to donate their laptops, tablets and smart phones to Power On and help bring technology and online resources to at-risk LGBTQ teens. The videos can be viewed and shared at http://youtu.be/Lrz8FXZxcbo, and http://youtu.be/PjKAxeqbnYM.

"Through the internet we access life-affirming resources, find role models, and meet friends who share our experiences. I worked with other members of the Trevor Youth Advisory Council to create these testimonial videos because online resources and online communities like TrevorSpace.org and other social media were, and continue to be, indispensable sources of support for us as LGBTQ youth," said Thomas Woermer, a student-athlete at American University organizing the Power On campaign for his community project with The Trevor Project's Youth Advisory Council.

The Power On campaign, which was announced in August by Josh Hutcherson of Straight But Not Narrow (SBNN), is a partnership of SBNN, The Trevor Project and human I-T that seeks to provide LGBTQ youth in shelters and community centers with access to computers and important online resources. Donated hardware is refurbished, free of charge, by human I-T with the latest up-to-date security and open-source technology, as well as resources for LGBTQ youth, including access to The Trevor Project's accredited instant messaging service for youth in crisis, TrevorChat, and the organization's social networking platform for LGBTQ youth, TrevorSpace. Other pre-loaded resources will connect LGBTQ youth to CenterLink, the national network of LGBT community centers, the GSA Network, GLSEN, PFLAG National, Gender Diversity, Lambda Legal, and more.

The newly refurbished laptops, smart phones, and tablets donated through Power On will be distributed to LGBTQ centers and shelters around the country that serve rural and underprivileged communities. The Power On campaign is collecting donations of hardware through "LGBT Spirit Day" on October 16, 2014. Information about hardware donation and about registering a homeless youth shelter or youth community center to receive a Power On donation is available at Trvr.org/PowerOn and human-i-t.org/ally.

"A donated smartphone, tablet or computer can give a young person the support they need to be who they are, to ask for help, and to power on," said Woermer. "We hope you will be inspired to join the campaign by watching and sharing our videos, and let us know how you are helping LGBTQ youth Power On [#PowerOn] on Instagram and Twitter."

Straight But Not Narrow:
Founded in 2011, Straight But Not Narrow has quickly become a leading ally organization. With the help of celebrities and other young influencers, SBNN is a 501c3 non-profit charity primarily focused on straight youth & young adults, and strives to positively influence the perception of, and behavior toward, their LGBT peers. http://www.wearesbnn.com @WeAreSBNN (Twitter)

The Trevor Project:
Founded sixteen years ago by the creators of the Academy Award-winning short film TREVOR, The Trevor Project has become the nation's leading organization providing accredited crisis intervention and suicide prevention services to lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender and questioning (LGBTQ) young people ages 13-24 on the phone, through text and IM. A leader and innovator in suicide prevention, The Trevor Project offers the largest safe social networking community for LGBTQ youth, best practice suicide prevention educational trainings, resources for youth and adults, and advocacy initiatives. Learn more at TheTrevorProject.org, and follow us on Twitter @TrevorProject and Instagram.com/TrevorProject.

human I-T:
At human I-T our mission is simple; transform unwanted or inoperative technology into operational and educational tools for the millions in need. Too many people are getting left behind as the digital age moves forward, and our society suffers. human I-T services individuals, businesses & corporations by giving them the ability to go beyond recycling to make a difference - all while providing 100% Data Security. It is absolutely crucial that our communities and businesses are donating any unwanted technology, so it may be reused by others in need. Learn more at smarthuman.org. Follow us @right2tech.