Today is a “show bidness” day. First there is Daniel Radcliffe who grew up under the fame glare but from all accounts seems like a decent fellow (similar to his other Harry Potter stars). The young British actor donated money to the Trevor Project. In a press release, Radcliffe makes a point not enough young gays and lesbians hear.

“I deeply hope my support can raise the organization’s visibility so even more despondent youth become aware of The Trevor Helpline’s highly trained counselors and Trevor’s many other resources. It’s vitally important that young people understand they are not alone and, perhaps even more important, that their young lives have real value.”

I’m old enough to remember certain young stars from back in the day (Leif Garrett anyone?) and it’s hard to imagine someone on the small and big screens doing something this gay positive and not having his/her manager jump in front of the Acela. Sure some cranky fundies will yelp, but the Potter juggernaut will continue and the British actor will still get work after his wand is put away.

On this side of the pond, Queen Latifah made the gossip pages recently because she was seen at a club’s lesbian night. Apparently the Queen is a regular–been to the same club, on the same night, twice–and likes to drink the fancy bubbly with a few biscuits (old man phrase for someone who is a looker). The rapper/actress has always been silent when the topic of her love life has come. For a few this is a problem. Meh.

I understand the culture we live in. Celebrity life is a business and we participate in it daily. However, I agree with Dave Chappelle. The alms at the altar of the acclaimed are fool’s gold, and the answers we are looking for are not going to be found trying to decide if a star likes men, women, or a little bit of both.

Family rejection is one of the top five issues that our 18,000 plus callers per year talk about on The Trevor Helpline. Lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender and questioning (LGBTQ) youth already face unique social challenges with their peers. When lacking supportive home environments as well, they often report feeling isolated, depressed, helpless and hopeless.

These feelings can lead to thoughts of suicide, which is why it is vital that organizations such as The Trevor Project exist.

The Trevor Project operates the only nationwide, around-the-clock crisis and suicide prevention helpline for LGBTQ youth. The helpline is free and confidential, and young people can speak with trained, volunteer counselors about anything at any time. Counselors can also connect callers with local community resources in order to help them find long-term support options and LGBTQ-oriented organizations.

Just this month, the Suicide Prevention Resource Center (SPRC) released a new publication funded by Substance Abuse Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA) that addresses the special concerns related to suicide prevention among LGBTQ youth.

It remains disheartening that LGBTQ youth are up to four times more likely to attempt suicide than their heterosexual peers, and as evidenced by Ms. Ryan’s study, those who come from a rejecting family are up to nine times more likely to do so. This is a preventable epidemic and the key to ensuring all young people are healthy and happy is to foster safe, accepting and inclusive environments for them, at home and at school.

This can be achieved at home when parents communicate with their children, love them unconditionally and embrace them regardless of their sexual orientation or gender identity. At school, educators can turn to The Trevor Project for essential tools to identify and help youth in crisis, and guidance on how to encourage students to create accepting environments for their peers.

Life is so valuable; yet in America alone, 32,000 people die by suicide each year.

Our young people today are the leaders of tomorrow; yet suicide is one of the top three causes of death among 15 to 24-year-olds and the second leading cause of death among college campuses. Thankfully, The Trevor Project offers young people hope and someone to talk to, 24/7.

We can all do our part to help combat suicide by recognizing warning signs, reaching out to people who might be at risk and helping them find resources.

Some warning signs of suicide include a tendency toward isolation and social withdrawal, substance abuse, expression of negative attitude toward self, expression of hopelessness or helplessness, loss of interest in usual activities, giving away valued possessions and expression of a lack of future orientation.

If a young person you know is exhibiting these signs, they can call The Trevor Helpline at 866-4-U-TREVOR.

To learn more about suicide warning signs and how you can help, visit our Web site at TheTrevorProject.org. Together, we can all create positive change and save young lives.

Charles Robbins is executive director and CEO of The Trevor Project.

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 .