“He later joined popular Toronto group Grant Smith and the Power, but left, citing a desire to play more original material. In a later interview with John Mars for Blitz, Marco stated ‘there was no originality happening in that band. That’s why Wayne Stone, Steve Kennedy, Smitty [William Smith] and myself left to form Motherlode.'”
Motherlode found more success in the U.S. than Canada and played pop festivals throughout 1969 including the Rock and Roll Revival in Toronto, one featuring Chuck Berry, with John Lennon attending. The group’s single ‘When I Die’ was a major hit, with Billboard noting that “When I Die … was one of the first Canadian-produced discs to score internationally.”
In the U.S., the single (on Buddah) peaked at No. 18 on the Billboard Hot 100 in October and it became Billboard’s No. 71 song of 1969. In Canada, the single went gold, occupying RPM’s No. 1 position for two weeks. “When I Die” charted on CHUM Radio at No. 5 and was Cashbox’s No. 12, and earned Motherlode a BMI Certificate of Honour in 1970. In 2011, the song was inducted into The Canadian Songwriters Hall of Fame, and it earned a SOCAN award for over 100,000 radio airplays.
The band toured extensively in the U.S., but their two albums could not duplicate the success of the hit single, and the original lineup broke up at the end of 1969.
Marco, Steve Kennedy and Wayne Stone went on to become members of the Doug Riley-led band Dr. Music in Toronto, and Marco played on the band’s self-titled 1972 album.
Marco then went on to play with David Clayton-Thomas and Blood, Sweat and Tears before doing recording sessions with the likes of Etta James and Jackie De Shannon and sitting in with Doc Severinsen and the Tonight Show Band, during the time he spent living in Los Angeles.
In an obituary posted to Facebook, the Saskatoon Musicians’ Association noted that “Kenny Marco had a remarkable career in the professional music business. Always a proud member of the musicians’ union, Kenny was a Life Member of the Saskatoon Musicians Association (AFM-CFM) Local 553.
“Marco left his hometown of Brantford, Ontario, at the age of 15 to pursue his dreams of playing Rhythm and Blues with the greats of the ’70s era. This meant having to relocate to Los Angeles to fulfill his dreams. Along the way he played guitar with notable supergroups such as Motherlode, Dr. Music, and David Clayton-Thomas (Blood Sweat & Tears). While with David Clayton-Thomas in 1972 he was part of the pilot episode of the long-running PBS series the Midnight Special. Other musical greats on the pilot episode included none other than Linda Ronstadt, the Everly Brothers and Helen Reddy.”
Saxophonist/songwriter Steve Kennedy (he co-wrote “When I Die” with William ‘Smitty’ Smith) was a bandmate and close friend of Kenny Marco. He offered this tribute to Billboard Canada: “Kenny Marco was a special guy, both as a musician and a human being. An ‘under the radar kind’ of guy. No theatrics, no ‘Look at me!’ It was all about the music.
“We first met in 1968 when he took over for the guitarist with Grant Smith and the Power. Four bars in, I thought to myself, ‘We got one.’ He wasn’t just in the rhythm section, he was the rhythm section.
“Ask any guitarist, Kenny Marco had a sound and style that was instantly recognizable. For instance, the guitar licks in ‘When I Die’ are all Kenny Marco. I can’t imagine the song without them. Pure happiness. Kenny was a joy to play with – and sing with. He grew up surrounded by soul music and it showed in his own incredibly soulful voice. But it was also authentically his own.”
“He was a wonderful friend for almost 60 years – loyal, enthusiastic, supportive and kind. We talked on the phone a couple times a week (and boy, could Kenny talk). For the past seven years, we sent the same stupid birthday card back and forth to one another. It’s hard to think I won’t get it again.”
David Clayton-Thomas paid tribute to his longtime friend and bandmate on Facebook: “Remembering Kenny Marco… A close friend for 50 years. From the early days of touring the world together with BS&T thru our LA years and right up to the present… we phoned each other at 10:30 nearly every morning for the past 20 years… we talked about everything from hockey to politics. Kenny was well read, well informed… on top of everything…. Our conversations were always stimulating… He had strong opinions and he stood his ground but he was always open to discussion. I’ll miss our talks. I’ll miss my friend. RIP Kenny.”
Veteran Toronto guitarist Bernie LaBarge offered this tribute to Billboard Canada: “I spent many high school days being ‘home schooled’ at the local record store, and I remember the day that the Motherlode album arrived. The rule was that every new release had to be played in its entirety, because in 1969 music was like a candy store. ‘When I Die’ was the opening cut. It was perfect in every way, but the part that grabbed me at once was Kenny Marco’s guitar. It had its own voice, even at the end of a decade full of guitar wizards.
“I became good friends with Kenny over the years. He maintained his guitar and vocal chops, but that became secondary to us just enjoying each other’s company. I’m not sure he ever realized how influential he was to a generation of budding musicians. Kenny nicknamed me Cool Breeze, and I had a guitar built just so I could give it that name. I’m going to miss that kind, soulful, and humble man. Thanks, Kenny.”
Read an extensive interview of Marco by Blitz correspondent John Mars here.
Donations in Marco’s memory can be made to Royal University Hospital Emergency Department –here. A celebration of life event will take place this summer in Saskatoon. For further details email k.fyfe@sasktel.net
Paul Dutton, a Canadian poet, novelist, essayist. and oral sound artist, died on May 27, at age 81.
From 1970–1988, the Toronto born and based Dutton was a member of the legendary Four Horsemen sound poetry quartet, along with Rafael Barreto-Rivera, Steve McCaffery and the late bpNichol.
Dutton joined his soundsinging oralities and harmonica-playing to John Oswald’s alto sax and Michael Snow’s piano and synthesizer in the free-improvisation band CCMC (1989 to the present). He appeared in poetry festivals in Germany, France and Venezuela, and at music festivals in Canada, the Netherlands, and Argentina. An accomplished writer, in addition to his published books, he has written dozens of published essays on music and writing.
Dutton collaborated with a wide range of musicians, including fellow oral sound artists Jaap Blonk, Koichi Makigami, Phil Minton, and David Moss in the group Five Men Singing, John Butcher, Lee Ranaldo (of Sonic Youth), Christian Marclay, Günter Christmann, Thomas Charmetant, Xavier Charles, and Jacques Di Donato. His soundsinging has been called “fascinating, inventive, grippingly obsessive” (The Wire).
More recently, he formed Quintet à Bras in company with two French poets and two French instrumentalists, and in 2009, Dutton performed at The Scream In High Park, an annual literary festival in Toronto. In 2007, he received the Dora Mavor Moore award from the Toronto Association of Performing Arts, 2007.
Recordings on which Dutton is featured include Blues, Roots, Legends, Shouts & Hollers (1980), Mouth Pieces (2000) and Oralizations (2005).
To celebrate his 70th birthday in 2014, Dutton’s peers and friends organised a star-studded tribute event in Toronto. Noted author Gary Barwin opened the show by highlighting the many hats Dutton has worn — “poet, novelist, musician, improviser, essayist, mentor, collaborator, soundsinger, critic, friend.”
“Over the past forty years,” he continues, “Paul has created an impressive body of great work: sound poems, visual poems, collections of poetry, short fiction, a novel, CDs, countless performances (both as a solo artist and as a part of groups such as the Four Horsemen and CCMC). He has been a significant part of major works by R. Murray Schafer and has performed and collaborated with a wide array of other artists.
“Paul is a sensitive, exacting, witty, and inventive performer and explorer of language out of the human. As a writer, he has plumbed the musicality of the paragraph, the sentence, and the word. As an oral sound artist, Paul has helped redefined the musical potential of human utterance.”
Read more about that tribute here.
As word of his passing spread, admirers of Dutton’s multi-faceted work offered tributes on social media. On Facebook, filmmaker and cultural curator Jim Shedden recalled that “In 1979 my CanLit class went to a conference where the extraordinary sound poetry quartet, The Four Horsemen, was performing. The wonderfully, anarchic, joyous creativity of Paul Dutton, bpNichol, Steve McCaffrey, and Rafael Barretto-Rivera absolute blew me away, and paved the way for my interest in the form, as well as all the other projects of the four characters: concrete poetry, DIY publishing, etc.
“I got to know Dutton, and he came in and out of my life frequently over the past 45 years. Besides the Horsemen, he was a core member of the free improvisational group CCMC with Michael Snow, John Oswald, and a revolving cast of characters including Nobuo Kubota, John Kamevaar, and Al Mattes.
“I saw CCMC frequently, programmed them a handful of times at the AGO, and joined the Board (with Dutton and others) of their venue/splinter organization, The Music Gallery. In addition to his own intensive creative work, Dutton could be counted on to show up at concerts, readings, and galleries around Toronto, not to mention salons organized by the composer Jim Tenney, filmmakers Bruce Elder and Stan Brakhage (when he was living in Toronto), and myself.Thanks for everything you brought to life and letters Paul.”
Toronto-based musician and composer Nick Storring posted this tribute on Facebook: “Very sad to have learned of the passing of Paul Dutton. I first met him when I was very young and still living in Kitchener Waterloo. He was MCing and performing at the Open Ears Festival of Music & Sound there.
“He was very generous and gregarious with me, despite our gap in age and wisdom and it left a huge impression. When I moved to Toronto some time later, he was one of the first more established players that supported me as a fellow improviser. Miss you, Paul. Thank you so much for your brilliant contributions.”
Cem Zafir, producer of acclaimed Hamilton avant-garde festival Something Else, on Facebook: “I am saddened to hear that Paul Dutton passed away. One-of-a-kind wordsmith, vocalist, ‘soundsinging’ specialist and all around joy-to-be-around kind of a mensch…his work with CCMC and other greats let him shine through with his original voice. Zula Presents Something Else had the great pleasure to present him with Joe Sorbara, then with Joe, Gregory Betts, David Lee and Gary Barwin in 2017, as part of Voice Will Be Voice. In February 2020, as our final event before the world shut down, we had CCMC grace our stage. Both events at The Art Gallery of Hamilton were delightful. Safe travels, dear Paul…
Cliffy Short (born Clifford Legere), a pioneering Canadian country singer and musician, died on May 28, at age 91.
Canadian country music authority Larry Delaney (Cancountry) informs Billboard Canada that “Short was born in Minto, New Brunswick, where he launched his music career in the duo “Cliffy & Jerry” (with Jerry Banks), releasing several singles on Quality Records.
“He moved to Toronto in the 1950s where he headed his own country band and hosted the Crang Plaza, Massey Hall and Club Kingsway Jamborees as well as guesting on the Tommy Hunter TV show. He also appeared on the ‘WWVA Jamboree’ in Wheeling, West Virginia.
“Cliffy Short hosted The Caribou Show on CHCH TV, Hamilton, with The Caribou Showband, which later evolved into the Johnny Burke & Eastwind band. Short also toured and recorded with The Harry Hibbs Showband. During the 1990s, Cliffy Short returned to the studio and recorded a series of solo albums including his It’s Never Too Late CD, on which he wrote eight of the ten songs featured.”
Short also recorded the albums Just Plain Old Country andTime That’s Passing By.
International
Table of Contents
- International
- The Significance of Celebrity Endorsement
- Impact on Mental Health Resources for LGBTQ+ Youth
- Available Resources for LGBTQ+ Individuals and Allies
- Why This Matters: The Data Speaks
- Practical Tips for Supporting LGBTQ+ Mental Health
- First-Hand Experience: The Impact of Affirmation
- The Role of Social Media
- Case Studies: Organizations Making a difference
- Looking Ahead: Sustaining the Momentum
- Allyship in Action
Rick Derringer (born Richard Dean Zehringer), a legendary rock guitarist, songwriter, vocalist and producer, died on May 26, at age 77. A cause of death has not been given.
He was the man behind such hits as “Rock and Roll, Hoochie Koo” and “Real American,” and his long resume included production and playing on albums from an eclectic range of artists.
An obituary in Billboardreported that “Shaped by his proficiency on guitar, Derringer’s career as a performer, songwriter and producer spanned six decades. In addition to finding fame as part of the McCoys with hits such as 1965’s ‘Hang On Sloopy’, the Ohio native and Florida resident also worked on music for a wide variety of artists, including ‘Weird Al’ Yankovic, for whom he produced six albums.”
He worked extensively with Johnny and Edgar Winter, and he also racked up credits on albums by Barbra Streisand, Todd Rundgren, Alice Cooper, Meat Loaf, Bonnie Tyler, Steely Dan and Cyndi Lauper.
Billboard notes that “Over the course of his time in the music industry, Derringer charted four albums on the Billboard 200 — starting with All American Boy, which reached No. 25 in 1974. Spring Fever and The Edgar Winter Group with Rick Derringer would later enter the chart in 1975, followed by Derringer Live in 1977. Derringer also had one LP make it onto the Jazz Albums chart: 2002’s Free Ride.
“Two of the most important pieces of Derringer’s legacy, however, will always be the songs ‘“Rock and Roll, Hoochie Koo’ and ‘Real American.’ The former reached No. 23 on the Billboard Hot 100 in 1974 — marking Derringer’s highest career peak on the chart — while the latter is known for its use as pro wrestler Hulk Hogan’s theme song.” That latter track was also used as campaign music for both Barack Obama and Hillary Clinton, as well as sitting president Donald Trump.
According to his Spotify, Derringer was still releasing music up until 2022, with a track called “Let It Be the Blues.”
Derringer made a splash as a teenager in his first band, The McCoys, who scored a Number One hit with the garage-pop classic, “Hang on Sloopy.” After the band broke up, Derringer continued to work with Johnny Winter and his brother, Edgar, on their various projects. That work included production of two Edgar Winter classics, “Frankenstein” and “Free Ride.”
His debut solo album, 1973’s All American Boy, featured his biggest solo hit, “Rock and Roll, Hoochie Koo.” The song cracked the Top 40, peaking at Number 23 on the Billboard Hot 100, and it became a classic rock radio staple.
Amongst those paying respect to Derringer on social media were many notable Canadian musicians and music industry types. Superstar rock producer Bob Ezrin (Alice Cooper, Pink Floyd) recalled on Facebook that “Rick Derringer played lead guitar on ‘Under My Wheels’ by Alice Cooper back in 1971. I was producer. We were children. I wasn’t yet 22 and he was turning 23 as were most of the band.”
“We were all super excited about making the new album after having had a foundational hit with I’m Eighteen on Love It To Death, our first album together and my first real production – under Jack Richardson’s tutelage and watchful eye, of course. When we were at the latter stages of recording on Killer, Rick was in town for a Johnny Winter show and we all thought it would be insanely cool to get him to do a guest turn on ‘Under My Wheels.’ The song needed a blistering guitar solo – but something a little more sophisticated than what we’d been doing up to that point.
“Knowing Rick was around and wanted to pop down to the studio made it impossible not to invite him to play. We were all huge fans of his. He arrived as a fully realized rockstar – in all the right gear, with a guitar that was almost as big as him, a leather jacket studded jeans, scarf and Highway Patrol sunglasses. We hadn’t yet met and I was prepared for rockstar vibes but was completely disarmed by his smile and demeanor. Genuine, warm and enthusiastic, he exuded a sense of authentic excitement mixed with a kind of quiet, humble professionalism that put the band and me at total ease. He was funny, swift, smart and profoundly proficient.”
“He may have been there for all of an hour as I recall, most of which we all spent laughing about the road and the lifestyle. The nerves the band and I all had before he arrived melted away into a warm camaraderie and joyful sense of collaboration. He played the solo that is on that record now. One take. Brilliantly. We all exploded in the control room and cheered out loud once it was done. I shouted ‘that’s it!’ and went out to the studio to thank him.”
“I saw Rick a few times after that and always stayed on top of his musical adventures. I was and am still a huge fan of him as a musician and as a human being. As you know, I don’t normally comment on the passing of contemporaries – and there have been far too many of those lately – but this news hit me particularly hard because it feels like just yesterday that we were kids playing together, and because he made such a huge impression on all of us.”
Toronto blues/rock guitar ace Mike McKenna (Mainline, Downchild Blues Band) posted this tibute on Facebook: “Sad ..he rocked.. met him and his band when they came down to see APOSTLES at Boriss when he played at Maple Leaf Gardens ..We talked geetars for a bit. Nice guy, really liked our band ..and was interested in my maestro fuzz tone..lol!:…RIP.”
Alf Clausen, the Emmy-winning TV and film composer whose music provided essential accompaniment for the animated antics of The Simpsons for 27 years, died on May 29, at age 84. He had been struggling with Parkinson’s disease for about a decade.
In its obituary, the Associated Press reported that “Clausen also scored TV series including Moonlighting and Alf (‘no relation,’ he used to joke) and was nominated for 30 Emmy Awards, 21 of them for The Simpsons, winning twice.
“Al Jean, an early Simpsons writer who was one of the key creative figures on the show in the 1990s, said in a post on X Friday that ‘Clausen was an incredibly talented man who did so much for The Simpsons.'”
date: 2025-06-03 03:27:00
Sabrina Carpenter, Ariana Grande, Dua Lipa & More Sign Open Letter for LGBTQ+ Suicide Prevention
In a powerful display of solidarity and support, numerous prominent figures in the entertainment industry, including Sabrina Carpenter, Ariana Grande, Dua Lipa, kesha, Hayley Kiyoko, JoJo Siwa, and manny others, have signed an open letter addressing the critical issue of LGBTQ+ suicide prevention. This collective action underscores the urgent need for increased awareness, resources, and affirmative support for LGBTQ+ youth and adults facing mental health challenges.
The Open Letter: A Call for Action
The open letter, spearheaded by leading LGBTQ+ advocacy organizations, highlights the alarming rates of suicide attempts and ideation within the LGBTQ+ community, particularly among young people. It emphasizes the critically important impact of discrimination, social isolation, and lack of affirming support systems on mental well-being.The letter calls upon lawmakers, educators, community leaders, and individuals to take concrete steps to create safer, more inclusive, and supportive environments for LGBTQ+ individuals.
Key Points Addressed in the Letter:
- Increased Funding for Mental Health Services: Advocating for greater investment in accessible and affordable mental health care tailored to the unique needs of the LGBTQ+ community.
- Implementation of Inclusive policies: Urging the adoption of non-discrimination protections and inclusive educational programs that promote understanding and acceptance of LGBTQ+ identities.
- Creation of Safe Spaces: Encouraging the establishment and support of safe spaces in schools, communities, and online platforms where LGBTQ+ individuals can connect, find support, and feel affirmed.
- Promotion of Affirming Media Representation: Highlighting the importance of positive and authentic portrayals of LGBTQ+ individuals in media and entertainment to combat harmful stereotypes and promote visibility.
- Education and Awareness Campaigns: Supporting public awareness campaigns that educate individuals about LGBTQ+ issues, mental health, and suicide prevention strategies.
The Significance of Celebrity Endorsement
The involvement of high-profile celebrities like Sabrina Carpenter, Ariana grande, and Dua Lipa brings significant attention to the cause. Their influence and reach can amplify the message of the open letter, inspiring millions of fans to learn more about LGBTQ+ issues and take action to support their LGBTQ+ friends, family members, and community members.
celebrity endorsements can:
- Raise Awareness: Increase public awareness of LGBTQ+ suicide rates and the challenges faced by the community.
- Reduce Stigma: Help to destigmatize mental health issues and encourage LGBTQ+ individuals to seek help when needed.
- Inspire Action: Motivate individuals and organizations to take concrete steps to support LGBTQ+ suicide prevention efforts.
- Provide Hope: Offer hope and reassurance to LGBTQ+ individuals who may be struggling with their mental health.
Impact on Mental Health Resources for LGBTQ+ Youth
With celebrities lending their voices, the increased visibility can drastically improve the discoverability and utilization of mental health resources specifically tailored for LGBTQ+ youth.
- Greater funding to these vital institutions.
- Enhanced public awareness campaigns.
- Increased volunteer applications from those wanting to help support LGBTQ+ youth.
Available Resources for LGBTQ+ Individuals and Allies
Several organizations are dedicated to providing support and resources for LGBTQ+ individuals struggling with their mental health. here are few key resources:
- The Trevor Project: Offers 24/7 crisis intervention and suicide prevention services for LGBTQ+ youth. They can be reached at 1-866-488-7386 or at TheTrevorProject.org.
- The LGBT National Help Center: Provides peer support, facts, and resources for LGBTQ+ individuals of all ages via phone, online chat, and email. You can call them at 1-888-843-4564 or visit their website at LGBTHotline.org.
- Trans Lifeline: A crisis hotline staffed by transgender individuals for transgender people. Their number is 1-877-565-8860 and website TransLifeLine.org.
- GLAAD (Gay & Lesbian Alliance Against Defamation): Works to reshape the narrative and provoke dialog that leads to cultural change. Check out their resources section at GLAAD.org.
- PFLAG (Parents,Families,and Friends of Lesbians and Gays): Supports LGBTQ+ individuals and their families through education,advocacy,and support group meetings. Learn more at PFLAG.org.
These resources offer a safe space for those who need it to receive mental health care,and can also help reduce the anxiety and stress in LGBTQ+ individuals.
Why This Matters: The Data Speaks
Understanding the prevalence and impact of mental health challenges within the LGBTQ+ community requires examining the data.studies consistently show that LGBTQ+ individuals experience significantly higher rates of depression, anxiety, and suicidal ideation compared to their heterosexual and cisgender peers.
For example:
- The Trevor Project’s National Survey on LGBTQ Youth Mental Health consistently finds that LGBTQ+ youth report significantly higher rates of attempting suicide compared to their heterosexual and cisgender peers.
- Research from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) shows that LGBTQ+ youth are more likely to experience bullying, discrimination, and rejection, which are known risk factors for mental health problems.
These statistics highlight the urgent need for targeted interventions and support systems to address the unique challenges faced by the LGBTQ+ community.
Practical Tips for Supporting LGBTQ+ Mental Health
Beyond signing petitions and sharing information on social media,there are many concrete steps individuals can take to support LGBTQ+ mental health.
- Educate Yourself: Learn more about LGBTQ+ issues,terminology,and the challenges faced by the community.
- Be an Ally: Speak out against discrimination and prejudice, and actively support LGBTQ+ rights.
- Create Inclusive Spaces: Foster environments where LGBTQ+ individuals feel welcome, respected, and valued.
- Listen and Validate: Offer a listening ear to LGBTQ+ friends and family members,and validate their experiences.
- Connect People with Resources: Share information about available mental health resources and support services.
- Use correct pronouns and names: Ask and use someone’s preferred pronouns and chosen name. It’s a simple act of respect that makes a big difference.
- Support LGTQ+ owned businesses: Spend your money with businesses that are run or supportive of the LGBTQ+ community.
First-Hand Experience: The Impact of Affirmation
The power of affirmation and support cannot be overstated. Consider this anecdotal situation:
“Growing up,I always felt different. It wasn’t until I found an online LGBTQ+ community that I realized I wasn’t alone. Sharing my experiences with others who understood made all the difference. Knowing that there were people who accepted me for who I am gave me the strength to come out to my family and friends. The support I received made a huge impact on my mental health and overall well-being.” – Anonymous
This experience highlights the profound impact of finding community,receiving affirmation,and feeling accepted. Such experiences can be lifesaving for LGBTQ+ individuals struggling with their mental health.
Social media can be both a blessing and a curse when it comes to LGBTQ+ mental health. on one hand, it offers a platform for connecting with others, finding support, and building community. On the other hand, it can also expose LGBTQ+ individuals to cyberbullying, discrimination, and harmful stereotypes.
Tips for using social media responsibly and positively:
- Follow LGBTQ+ positive accounts: Surround yourself with content that is affirming, uplifting, and inclusive.
- Be mindful of your own posts: Ensure that your posts are respectful and inclusive of all identities.
- Report harassment and bullying: Take action to report any harmful content or behavior you encounter.
- Take breaks from social media: Disconnect from social media regularly to prioritize your mental well-being.
- Use social media outlets for good and activism: Raise visibility by sharing links to petitions like this.
Case Studies: Organizations Making a difference
Several organizations are leading the way in LGBTQ+ suicide prevention through innovative programs and initiatives. Examining their strategies can provide valuable insights into effective interventions.
- The Trevor Project: Offers a wide range of resources, including crisis intervention, suicide prevention training, and educational programs for schools and communities.
- GLSEN (Gay, Lesbian & Straight Education Network): Works to create safe and inclusive schools for all students, irrespective of sexual orientation or gender identity.
- point Foundation: provides scholarships and mentorship to LGBTQ+ students,empowering them to achieve their full academic and leadership potential.
Success Table Example:
| Association | Impact area | Key Achievement |
|---|---|---|
| The Trevor Project | Crisis Intervention | Over 500,000 crisis contacts answered annually. |
| GLSEN | Education | Developed complete LGBTQ+ inclusive curriculum. |
| Point Foundation | Scholarships | Distributed millions in scholarships to LGBTQ+ students. |
Looking Ahead: Sustaining the Momentum
The open letter signed by Sabrina Carpenter, Ariana Grande, Dua Lipa, and other celebrities is a significant step forward in raising awareness and mobilizing support for LGBTQ+ suicide prevention. Though, sustained effort is needed to create lasting change.
Key priorities for the future include:
- Advocating for policy changes: Supporting legislation that protects LGBTQ+ rights and promotes equality.
- Expanding access to mental health care: Ensuring that all LGBTQ+ individuals have access to affordable and affirming mental health services.
- Promoting cultural competency: Educating healthcare professionals and other service providers about LGBTQ+ issues.
- Building stronger communities: fostering supportive environments where LGBTQ+ individuals can thrive.
- Continued open discussion: Continue to have mental health awareness conversations more frequently.
By working together, we can create a world where all LGBTQ+ individuals feel valued, respected, and supported.
Allyship in Action
Being an effective ally goes beyond simply expressing support. It requires active engagement, continuous learning, and a willingness to challenge your own biases.
Here are some additional ways to practice allyship:
- use inclusive language: Be mindful of the language you use and avoid making assumptions about someone’s sexual orientation or gender identity.
- Challenge homophobia and transphobia: Speak out against discriminatory remarks and behaviors,even when it’s uncomfortable.
- Support LGBTQ+ organizations: Donate to or volunteer with organizations that are working to advance LGBTQ+ rights and well-being.
- Amplify LGBTQ+ voices: Share stories and perspectives from LGBTQ+ individuals on social media and in your everyday conversations.
- Respect boundaries: don’t pressure someone to come out or share information about their identity if they’re not ready.
- Continuously learn: Stay informed about LGBTQ+ issues and challenge your own assumptions and biases.