Initiative to provide computers to underprivileged LGBTQ teens
Straight But Not Narrow, The Trevor Project and human I-T announced an initiative called “Power On,” to provide LGBTQ youth access to computers and important online resources. The organizations will work to encourage individuals to donate their laptops, tablets and/or smart phones to be distributed to LGBTQ resource centers across the US, so that LGBTQ teens can gain instant access to online resources. Technology donated through the campaign will be refurbished by human I-T to provide the latest up-to-date security and open-source technology, and will specifically include resources for LGBTQ youth.
According to GLSEN’s “Out Online” study, more than half (52%) of LGBTQ youth, who were not out to peers in person, had used the Internet to connect with other LGBTQ people. To reach this vulnerable group of youth, The Trevor Project has operated TrevorSpace.org since 2008, a social network specifically for LGBTQ youth and their straight ally friends. There are currently approximately 100,000 young people who find community through this platform. Through this new partnership, human I-T will refurbish computers donated through the Power On campaign to include resources like TrevorSpace, helping to connect LGBTQ youth in underserved areas to young people who share their experiences.
Josh Hutcherson, Straight But Not Narrow advocate, says “I’m kicking off the Power On campaign by donating one of my old computers, and it’s awesome to know that it’ll be used to help a young person out there who, before this campaign, wasn’t able to get access to information and resources that could really help them. I’ve always respected the work that The Trevor Project does, and to have an opportunity for Straight But Not Narrow to collaborate with them on a campaign like Power On is exciting.”
Those who would like to support the campaign can donate their old laptops, tablets, and smartphones. Please visit human-i-t.org to learn more about Power On and how to donate. human I-T will collect and refurbish all computers free of charge for our Power On computer initiative.
via press release