This June, your purchase is doing more than scenting your space - it’s helping save lives. We’re donating 15% of each Born to Be Extra Candle sold on our US site to The Trevor Project, the leading organization providing crisis support services for LGBTQ+ youth. At Glasshouse Fragrances, we believe in the power of fragrance to uplift, inspire, and express who we are. By shopping with us this month, you’re joining us in standing for equality, compassion, and connection.
Q&A with Maggie Kennedy, Corporate Partnerships Manager
Pronouns: she/they
For those who may be discovering The Trevor Project for the first time through our partnership, can you share a little about your mission and the work you do with the LGBTQ+ youth community?
The Trevor Project is the leading organization working to end suicide among LGBTQ+ young people in the U.S. and beyond. Trevor operates several programs to help prevent and respond to the public health crisis of suicide among LGBTQ+ young people, including 24/7 free crisis services, innovative research, advocacy, public education, and peer support.
Pride is often seen as a celebration. Why is this a key time to talk about belonging, mental health, and support for LGBTQ+ young people?
Since 1970, LGBTQ+ people and our allies have observed Pride Month each June in the United States to honor the infamous June 1969 Stonewall riots. As we approach our 56th Pride Month, so much has changed for both our country and our community.
The Trevor Project envisions a world where all LGBTQ+ young people feel safe, seen and accepted exactly as they are. Unfortunately, we know from our research, that our world is not yet there.
Our research makes it clear: creating a safer, more welcoming world saves lives. The more accepting our world becomes, the less LGBTQ+ young people will be at risk for suicide. Celebrating Pride is a critical piece in this life-saving effort.
Pride is more than a celebration - it’s a commitment to ensuring LGBTQ+ young people know that they’re not alone.
Can you share a bit about this year’s Pride theme for The Trevor Project, “Always Here Always Forward”?
'Always Here, Always Forward' is a reminder of our steadfast support for LGBTQ+ young people of more than 28 years and a promise that we are working to build a better future for them no matter the obstacle. Hope for that future, requires all of us today. Pride is more than a celebration — it’s a legacy of bold trailblazers, chosen families, loving parents, resilient communities, and fierce allies moving forward together and taking collective action. Supporting The Trevor Project builds on that legacy and ensures no LGBTQ+ young person is alone when they need us the most.
The Trevor Project is committed to imagining a better future for LGBTQ+ young people. How can we strive towards meaningful allyship as we step into this future, especially beyond Pride month festivities?
Active allyship can save lives! We know from our research, that when an LGBTQ+ young person reports feeling accepted by an adult, their odds of attempting suicide are significantly reduced – in many instances, by more than 40%. Empowering yourself and other adults to be supportive for young people is the most tangible way to live out your allyship. Check out Trevor's Allyship in Action guide here.
Also, make sure to amplify your support throughout the year! See a sneak peek of our recommended activation calendar below and click here for the full list.
Your queerness is beautiful and deserves to be celebrated. Being your full self is the best gift you could ever give to your loved ones and yourself.
As we celebrate queer heritage this month, what message would you most like LGBTQ+ young people and their loved ones to carry forward?
I am a lesbian who came out at 25. I struggled with repression and shame for many years, having been fed the incorrect, bigoted message that queerness is wrong. I encourage you to celebrate Pride in whatever ways you're able. It could be a parade, but it could also be a meaningful, genuine, heart-to-heart conversation with a friend or family member.
To allies/loved ones of LGBTQ+ young people, I say: listen to your queer loved ones and then be LOUD in your allyship! Your voice may be just what someone on the fence needs to hear to move themselves to our community of allies. Never underestimate the power of authentic advocacy at all levels. Keep listening, learning, and showing up!
