Rainbow Youth Project
Rainbow Youth Project USA is an American non-profit organization that aims to provide support for LGBT youth.[1]
According to the Communications Manager of the organization, the primary purpose of the group is to promote the health, safety and well-being of LGBTQIA+ youth, with a core program that provides meaningful access to free indefinite mental health counseling. The organization reported an average of 300 calls per day, in March 2023, with a large majority of callers mentioning cyberbullying. The organization also provides gender affirming care and support to many in areas affected by anti-LGBTQ+ legislation.[2] Following multiple legislation passed in Florida in 2023 the organization reported that multiple callers reported conservative political rhetoric as part of their calls, with others wanting to quit school causing the organization to pivot and look for alternative or virtual schooling methods.[3]
The services provided has led to false accusations of grooming and pedophilia by organizations such as Moms for Liberty and Libs of TikTok,[2] and death threats which have been followed up with local authorities.[4] Following the death of Nex Benedict, the Rainbow Youth Project was reported as receiving over 200 calls from Oklahoma in the weekend following Benedict's death, more than three times the usual amount.[5]
References[edit]
- ^ Richmond, Mckenzie (2024-02-20). "Crisis calls from the 2SLGBTQ+ youth community triple within 72 hours". KTUL. Retrieved 2024-02-21.
- ^ a b Haddad, Simha (2023-03-12). "Social media platforms: Primary source of anti-LGBTQ+ hatred". Los Angeles Blade: LGBTQ News, Rights, Politics, Entertainment. Retrieved 2024-02-21.
- ^ Del Rey, Michelle (2023-08-18). "'You can't be who you are': LGBTQIA+ students returning to school in Florida face impact of GOP laws". Reckon. Retrieved 2024-02-21.
- ^ Allday, Erin. "Hotline for California's LGBTQ kids got a death threat. They tracked the caller — to San Francisco". San Francisco Chronicle. Retrieved 2024-02-21.
- ^ Hennessy-Fiske, Molly (2024-02-21). "Okla. nonbinary teen died after school fight amid reported bullying". Washington Post. ISSN 0190-8286. Retrieved 2024-02-21.
External links[edit]
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