Co-founders of Brave Trails, Kayla Ryan Weissbuch and Jessica Ryan Weissbuch hosted their 4th Annual Camp Out Benefit Soiree on April 22 to benefit LGBTQ youth ages 12 to 18 and LGBTQ families.
www.bravetrails.org/donate-here
Given the current climate of inequality in our world, there is a need to empower the next generation of LGBTQ leaders and give them the tools to continue in the quest for justice and civil rights, for all. And that is what Brave Trails stands for.
Camp Out is Brave Trails annual fundraiser gala to raise over 100K in vital funds for programs and operations to benefit LGBTQ youth. Celebrities are already rallying around their endeavor.
Jodi Foster recently made a substantial donation to the organization to help them achieve their goal.
Also, Karamo Brown (Queer Eye), Hayden Byerly (The Fosters), Jai Rodriguez (Bravo’s Queer Eye for the Straight Guy) and Jamel King attended the Benefit Gala as special guests.
Brave Trails was formed to respond to the needs of the large and growing population of LGBTQ youth. There is not a summer camp anywhere, which specifically serves LGBTQ youth in a leadership capacity. The camp provides a unique outlet to build leadership and community while exploring the outdoors and just having some good old fun!
According to statistics found in the Human Rights Campaign (HRC) study, “Growing Up Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Transgender (LGBT) in America” LGBT youth have experienced the following:
- A 40% higher rate of suicidality
- Half as likely to report being happy as compared to their non LGBT peers
- 29% feel that they do not have a trusted adult to confide in
- Over half are likely to experiment with drugs and alcohol, as compared to 22% of their straight counterparts
- Over half report being verbally bullied and harassed
- 77% believe things will get better in the future
In the face of these statistics, Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Transgender, Questioning/Queer (LGBTQ) youth are found to be resilient, innovative individuals.