Newsletter: NOH8 Heading to Texas MONDAY!

Continuing with our theme of bringing the campaign to areas of the country that need our help, the NOH8 Campaign has announced plans to hold an open shoot hosted by Texas A&M University, right in the middle of the massive state of Texas; one of the more conservative areas of our country. Many of you Texans out there have written messages telling us how badly you want to speak out; so here's your opportunity!

The shoot will be held at the Rudder Theatre in College Station, TX. You can find the complete details of the shoot, as well as other upcoming shoots, in the EVENTS section of our website.

The NOH8 Campaign will also be joining forces with Texas A&M's GLBT Resource Center to participate in the 2nd Annual "You-Are-Loved" Chalk Message Project, a nationwide LGBTQ event held the Monday prior to National Coming Out Day. The 'You-Are-Loved" project spreads awareness and positive, affirming messages that are meant to give hope.

With the deeply saddening news this week of Asher Brown, a gay 13 year old from Texas who took his life due in part to constant bullying and bashing, taking part in the You-Are-Loved Chalk Message Project at Texas A&M is incredibly important to us. Suicide continues to be an all too common occurance among LGBT Youth today; and taking part in the Chalk Message Project wherever you are is imperative.

We encourage you to grab some friends or classmates on Monday, buy some sidewalk chalk, and write on any sidewalk you can find. Spread hope! You never know who might walk by your message, and what that message might do for the people that see it. Sometimes something that simple is all it takes to give someone just a glimpse of hope, and it's one of the easiest things to do. Make sure to take pictures!

Counselors from The Trevor Project pose for NOH8.

If you or anybody you know might be contemplating suicide, please know that there are people out there that want to help you and WILL help you. You are NOT alone. One of our favorite non-profits is an organization called The Trevor Project, a 24/7 Suicide Prevention Hotline and Resource for LGBT Youth. If you need to talk to somebody, PLEASE call them at 866-4-U-TREVOR (866-488-7386) or visit their website at http://www.trevorproject.org.