The National Football League will donate an additional $100,000 to The Trevor Project, gay former NFL player Carl Nassib announced on Friday, National Coming Out Day.
“I am pleased to announce that the NFL will continue its support by donating $100,000 to The Trevor Project,” Nassib said on NFL Network. Good morning football.“So for those who don’t know, young people. LGBTQ In fact, because people are four times more likely to self-harm, The Trevor Project will provide life-saving support to these children, and this $100,000 will go directly to the organization to continue its work . I really, really appreciate the NFL…this is a really positive step. ”
Nassib came out in 2021, becoming the first active NFL player to do so. He then served as a defensive end for the Las Vegas Raiders. During his career, he also played for the Cleveland Browns and Tampa Bay Buccaneers. When he came out, he Donated $100,000 to The Trevor Projectsupports LGBTQ+ youth facing suicidal thoughts and other crises, and the NFL matched.
He retired in 2023 and is now focused on his company, Rayze, which provides a social media app that connects nonprofits with donors and volunteers.
He calls himself “a pretty private person,” but after being released from the team multiple times, he felt he had nothing to lose by coming out. “At the end of the day, I was like, who cares if someone says something about me being gay? I couldn’t care less,” he said. defender this year.
As for Rayze, he said in the same interview: “I go to bed every night and can’t wait to go to work the next day. It’s crazy to work together. The passion they have for their mission is so encouraging.”
In announcing the donation, he issued the following statement: “When I came out in 2021, it was important to me to let LGBTQ+ youth know they were not alone. I used my platform to shine a light on The Trevor Project’s life-saving services. The Trevor Project is near and dear to my heart, so the NFL has renewed its $100,000 pledge to support the organization’s mission to end suicide among LGBTQ+ youth. What I did is especially meaningful to me.”
James Black, CEO of The Trevor Project, added, “Since partnering over four years ago, the NFL has been steadfastly committed to advancing LGBTQ+ inclusion in sports, and this year’s National Coming. We are extremely grateful for their generous donation on Out Day.” For sports leagues like the NFL to speak out in support of The Trevor Project’s mission sends a clear message to LGBTQ+ youth that they are welcome and accepted in sports environments. It will be.
“According to research by The Trevor Project, 68% of LGBTQ+ youth report having never participated in sports, with many facing discrimination or harassment from peers or coaches, or fear of their LGBTQ+ identity. They cite concerns about how others will react and policies that prevent them from playing on teams that match their gender identity. Now more than ever, it is important to create safe and positive spaces for athletes to openly grow as their authentic selves on and off the field.”
Jonathan Beane, NFL Senior Vice President and Chief Diversity and Inclusion Officer, said: The Trevor Project’s work advocating for LGBTQ youth and mental health is an inspiration, and we’re proud to support the positive progress they’re making to support communities in need. ”I
If you or someone you know is in need of mental health resources and support, call, text or chat with the 988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline or visit:988lifeline.org Get access to our free and confidential service 24/7. Trans Lifeline, designed for transgender or gender nonconforming individuals, can be reached at (877) 565-8860. This lifeline also provides resources to address other crises, such as domestic violence. The Trevor Project Lifeline for LGBTQ+ youth (24 and under) can be reached at (866) 488-7386. Users can also access chat services at: TheTrevorProject.org/Help Or text START to 678678.
Source: Advocate.com – www.advocate.com