Why Trevor

A lot of people ask why I send a percentage of our profits to The Trevor Project and not some other charity.

The Trevor Project is an American non-profit organization that operates the only nationwide, around-the-clock crisis and suicide prevention helpline for straight, lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender and questioning (LGBTQ) youth. The Trevor Lifeline, a toll-free number, is a confidential service that offers trained counselors. The Trevor Project also provides 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.

When I was in Jr High I was short and chubby with a mullet. It was 1992 and the mullet was still cool....I promise. I dressed the way I wanted when I wanted. I wore green corduroy pants and cowboy boots. Silk shirts with weird designs and a bowler hat. Giant skater shorts and oversized tshirts. I'd wear a top hat and walk with a cane if I felt like it. I was trying to be...myself.

However......
Some of the kids in Jr. high didn't know how to react to me so, as some kids do they turned to violence. They would tie me up with jump ropes during Gym class and beat me up. The teachers would dismiss it because they either didn't care or they didn't know what to do. I would get beat up in between classes and I would be scared to go to school. I came home at least once a week with a bloody nose. Also being Jewish and having my Bar Mitzvah didn't help.

However....
I was lucky.I had a mother that loved me and I was doing theatre with Coast Kids Theatre and the Jewish Community Center. I told my mom what was happening and she did something. My mother pulled me out of school just as the bullying was getting out of control. Not everyone is lucky enough to have a support system.

This is why I believe the Trevor Project is so important. Whether you buy a shirt from me or just donate to them on your own it is a great cause. I get a lot of letters talking to me about being bullied and I always respond as soon as I can but if you need someone to talk to right away and your parents or your school counselor aren't available then give the Trevor Project a call.

Also....remember....the bullies that i had to deal with in Jr. high ended up in jail or working a terrible job or hating their lives. On the other hand Im on tv and I rule...

Much love to you all,
Stephen Kramer Glickman

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