(Los Angeles, Calif.) The nation’s only around-the-clock crisis and suicide prevention helpline for LGBT youth is launching its first social marketing campaign to increase awareness of gay teen suicide.

The campaign, by the non-profit Trevor Project, was developed by Better World Advertising and will coincide with National Suicide Prevention Week, which is sponsored by the American Association of Suicidology. It will run Sept. 7-13, 2008.

The series of print and online advertisements feature four young people, representing those who attempted suicide because of intolerance and harassment, and expressing how glad they are that they did not complete suicide because their lives have since changed for the better. 

The vignettes deliver the message that the despair leading to suicide can be resolved in a way that leads to a happy and fulfilling life. The Trevor Project said it hopes to place the advertisements pro-bono in media outlets and on Web sites nationwide.

“It is significant that our first social marketing campaign will launch during National Suicide Prevention Week because suicide is one of the top three killers of all young people, and LGBTQ youth are up to four times more likely to attempt suicide than their heterosexual peers,” said Charles Robbins, executive director of The Trevor Project.

“It is time for young people to rise above homophobia and work together to create inclusive, respectful environments for one another.”

The Trevor Helpline, 866-4-U-TREVOR, is a free and confidential service that offers hope through its trained counselors. 

It also provides lifesaving guidance and vital resources to parents and educators in order to foster safe, accepting and inclusive environments for all youth, at home and at school. 

The organization was founded by three filmmakers whose film, Trevor, about a gay teenager who attempts suicide, received the 1994 Academy Award for Best Short Film (Live Action). 

The “I’m Glad I Failed” print and online advertisements can be downloaded free at TheTrevorProject.org/ImGladIFailed .