Carl Nassib didn’t just come out for himself. The Las Vegas Raiders defensive lineman became the first active NFL player on a team roster to publicly announce he's gay to create a more inclusive world.
And a huge part of that is supporting the Trevor Project, the leading suicide prevention organization for LGBTQ youth. Nassib pledged $100,000 to the group at the end of his big reveal.
“I actually hope that one day, videos like this and the whole coming out process are not necessary, but until then I will do my best and my part to cultivate a culture that’s accepting and compassionate and I’m going to start by donating $100,000 to the Trevor Project,” Nassib said in his Instagram video, which has tallied nearly 740,000 likes. “They’re an incredible organization, they’re the number one suicide-prevention service for LGBTQ youth in America and they’re truly doing incredible things. I’m very excited to be a part of it and help in any way that I can and I’m really pumped to see what the future holds.”
Others are helping as well. Since Nassib’s announcement, the Trevor Project has raised at least $300,000 in committed contributions, a spokesperson told Outsports. The NFL matched Nassib with a $100,000 donation, as did Booking.com. (The NFL also released a new video Monday stating its unequivocal support for LGBTQ players, coaches and fans.)
In addition, the organization says it’s seen a 100 percent increase in online donations over the last week.
“It’s inspiring to see, especially since these donations will help us scale our organization to meet the needs of the 1.8 million LGBTQ young people who we estimate to seriously consider suicide each year just in the U.S.,” said communications manager Rob Todaro.
Studies show that LGBTQ youth who have an accepting adult in their life are 40 percent less likely to attempt suicide, which is why coming out is so important. Visibility saves lives.
Nassib’s video may have been short, but its impact will be felt for years to come. The recent surge in donations to the Trevor Project is one way he’s already making a big difference.
