LGBTQ Advocate: Jonah DeChants’ Mission with The Trevor Project
In the ongoing battle against youth suicide and homelessness within the LGBTQ community, Kalamazoo College alumnus Jonah DeChants ’09 stands as a key figure in the efforts of the international nonprofit, The Trevor Project.
As a senior research scientist for The Trevor Project, DeChants has been a prominent voice in major media outlets like NBC News, Time magazine, USA Today, and PBS. His work focuses on providing crucial support for LGBTQ youth in crises, advocating for policies that safeguard their rights, conducting research to enhance services for at-risk individuals, and fostering peer support through safe spaces and social networking.
In an exclusive interview, DeChants emphasized the vital role of The Trevor Project’s services, particularly for LGBTQ individuals whose mental health is often compromised due to what he calls the “minority stress framework.” This framework suggests that marginalized individuals facing anti-LGBTQ sentiments experience adverse impacts on mental health, rendering them more vulnerable.
DeChants attributes his preparedness for this challenging role to his education at Kalamazoo College, highlighting the effectiveness of the lessons he learned in research evaluation and argument assessment. His study abroad experience in France further bolstered his confidence in public speaking—a skill he finds indispensable in his advocacy work.
After completing his undergraduate studies, DeChants dedicated two years to AmeriCorps VISTA in Kalamazoo, contributing to the local nonprofit PeaceJam. He then pursued a master’s degree in social policy at the University of Pennsylvania, focusing on LGBTQ issues, and later worked in Philadelphia’s Department of Human Services. His academic journey continued with a doctoral program at the University of Denver, examining youth homelessness with a focus on the LGBTQ community.
Despite facing job scarcity during the pandemic, DeChants found a fitting role at The Trevor Project. Working remotely, he concentrates on writing for peer-reviewed journals and The Trevor Project’s website, along with performing statistical work.
Reflecting on the current surge in anti-LGBTQ legislation, DeChants underscores the importance of their work in providing information to young people at a critical juncture when legal rights are at stake. He expresses gratitude for the positive impact The Trevor Project has on individuals, citing instances where attendees at his presentations have personally thanked him for the organization’s support.
DeChants concludes by acknowledging the power of outreach, recounting moments when people have approached him to express gratitude for The Trevor Project’s services. The organization’s recent extension of its partnership with the 988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline ensures that LGBTQ individuals receive competent and inclusive care through phone, text, and chat support, available 24/7.
For those in crisis or seeking support, The Trevor Project offers assistance through its website, connecting individuals to crisis counselors around the clock via phone, chat, or text. The organization remains a beacon of hope for LGBTQ youth navigating challenging times.
Sources:
- Brown, A. (2023, December 13). K alumnus works to prevent suicide, homelessness through the Trevor Project. News and Events.
- Banales, M. (2014, February 20). PFLAG | Definition, Mission, History, & Facts. Encyclopedia Britannica.