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You-Are-Loved Chalk Message Project

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The You-Are-Loved Chalk Message Project was an annual US-wide initiative that combated hateful rhetoric aimed at the lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, and queer (LGBTQ) community through the use of positive, uplifting chalk messages.[1][2] The project's mission was to send messages of hope to members of the LGBTQ community who were struggling with depression or feelings of isolation. It served as a suicide prevention awareness campaign for LGBTQ college students.[3][4][5]

The You-Are-Loved Chalk Message Project was founded at Drew University in 2005 in response to personal tragedy. It went nationwide in 2009 as a suicide prevention awareness campaign for LGBTQ college students.[1][6][7] The project continued annually each October until 2012. In May 2012, the Chalk Message Project became part of Active Minds' National Day Without Stigma program.[8]

Purpose

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The Chalk Message Project raised awareness about suicide prevention for LGBTQ college students[9] According to the Trevor Project (a 24/7 crisis intervention and suicide prevention lifeline), LGBTQ youth are four to eight times more likely to attempt suicide than heterosexual youth.[10]

While little research has been done on suicide among LGBTQ college students specifically, a 2010 study from Campus Pride suggested a "chilly" climate for America's LGBTQ college students.[11] Suicide is the second leading cause of death among college students in general. According to mental health advocacy groups like Active Minds, over 1,100 college students die by suicide each year.

History

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The project first began on the campus of Drew University in 2005.[12][13][14] It went nationwide on October 5, 2009 and was observed by universities[15] across the country.

By its sophomore year (2010), the campaign had grown considerably larger in size. In addition to gaining thousands of followers, the Chalk Message Project attracted positive reactions from the American Foundation for Suicide Prevention, Active Minds, NOH8 Campaign,[16] and occurred in hundreds of locations across country.[1][3][17]

In 2012, the Chalk Message Project became part of Active Minds' National Day Without Stigma programming.[8]

References

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  1. ^ a b c Bruno, Laura (2010-10-05). "Sidewalk chalk art conveys message of love". Usatoday.Com. Retrieved 2013-12-02.
  2. ^ Felix, Melvin (2010-12-17). "NYU Vigil For LGBTQ Youth Draws In Important Guests · NYU Local". Nyulocal.com. Retrieved 2013-12-02.
  3. ^ a b Harthorne, Michael. "Ballard students offer messages of acceptance to gay youth". Ballard News-Tribune. Retrieved 2013-12-02.
  4. ^ Anne-Marije Rook. "You are loved: Ballard students offer messages of acceptance to LGBTQ peers". Ballard News-Tribune. Retrieved 2013-12-02.
  5. ^ in Campus Pride by cpsiteadmin (2011-09-12). "You Are Loved Chalk Message Project – Spread the Love! | Campus Pride | The leading national organization for LGBT student leaders and campus groups". Campusprideblog.org. Archived from the original on 2012-06-25. Retrieved 2013-12-02.
  6. ^ "1st Annual Nationwide You-Are-Loved Chalk Message Project". Feministing Community. September 10, 2009. Retrieved September 17, 2021.
  7. ^ "Chalk Messages Counter Hate | Drew Today | Drew University". Drew.edu. Retrieved 2013-12-02.
  8. ^ a b "Chalk Messages Homepage". Chalk Messages. Retrieved 2013-12-02.
  9. ^ "Messages of Support - KHGI-TV/KWNB-TV/KHGI-CD-Grand Island, Kearney, Hastings". Nebraska.tv. Retrieved 2013-12-02.
  10. ^ "Suicidal Signs". Archived from the original on September 27, 2009. Retrieved June 24, 2021.
  11. ^ Wienerbronner, Danielle (2010-09-15). "LGBT Students Harassed At Colleges Nationwide, New Report Says". Huffingtonpost.com. Retrieved 2013-12-02.
  12. ^ "Drew Today | Drew University". Drew.edu. Retrieved 2013-12-02.
  13. ^ "| Issues | Human Rights Campaign". Hrc.org. Retrieved 2013-12-02.
  14. ^ Contributed by: Zaneta Rago (2011-10-06). ""You-Are-Loved" Chalk Message Project". Born Like This. Retrieved 2013-12-02.
  15. ^ "Chalk it Up at the You-Are-Loved Event | Bangor, Maine News, Sports, and Weather - WABI TV5". Wabi.tv. 2010-10-04. Retrieved 2013-12-02.
  16. ^ "NOH8 Heads to Texas". NOH8 Campaign. Retrieved 2013-12-02.
  17. ^ "'You Are Loved' demonstration reaches SWFL to prevent gay, lesbian suicides". Winknews.com. 2010-10-04. Retrieved 2013-12-02.
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