Alamo Drafthouse Becomes Silver Sponsor for the Trevor Project

Ahead of this weekend's Austin Pride Parade, the Alamo Drafthouse today announced a major donation to LGBTQ suicide prevention nonprofit the Trevor Project.

With LGBTQ people – especially young people – increasingly under threat, it's really time for companies that claim they are allies to put their money where their mouth is. The Alamo Drafthouse has done just that, with the announcement that it has raised nearly $60,000 for the Trevor Project.

The news comes on the eve of the Austin Pride Parade, and the Drafthouse will be present on a float themed around the upcoming comedy Bottoms from writer/director Emma Seligman (Shiva Baby). In total, the Drafthouse has raised $58,891 to help support the Trevor Project.

Founded in 1988 by filmmakers Celeste Lecesne, Peggy Rajski, and Randy Stone as a solution to the lack of suicide prevention resources for LGBTQ youth, the charity has provided support through a multiple platforms, and saved countless young lives.

The funds were raised through a series of gift-giving options for Alamo guests and customers through the Alamo's Pride Month Pride at Alamo Drafthouse campaign, including exclusive merch, and ticket sales for special screenings and events. The fundraising will continue throughout August, with an option to add $1, $3, or $5 donation to any ticket.

“I think it’s really important to stress that a large portion of these contributions came directly from our guests,” Alamo Drafthouse Founder and Executive Chairman Tim League wrote. “Cinema is for everyone. We always strive to be as welcoming and inclusive as possible, and I think that attitude has fostered a community of empathetic people all connected by their love of cinema that we’re very proud of.”

In a statement, newly appointed Alamo Drafthouse CEO Michael Kusterman said, “One of our core values is to Do the Right Thing, and supporting organizations like the Trevor Project definitely falls under that. If our contribution has a positive effect on just one person’s life in even a small way, it will have been more than worth it.”

If you are an LGBTQ young person, and feel you need or can benefit from the support provided by the Trevor Project, there are multiple ways you can reach out to them:

• You can call them directly at 1-866-488-7386

• You can also text their counsellors and volunteers at 678-678

• Alternatively, you can chat with a counsellor online at thetrevorproject.org/webchat

• Or find all this information at thetrevorproject.org.

Austin Pride celebration kicks off tomorrow, Aug. 12, with the Pride Festival (Fiesta Gardens, 2101 Jesse Segovia), 11am-6pm, with games, carnival rides, drag queen story time, vendors, refreshments, and more: Admission is $20 for adults, $10 for kids 7-17, and children 6 and under get in free. Then the fun goes on the road with the Pride Parade, starting at 8pm at the Texas State Capitol Building, down Congress Avenue to the Ann Richards Bridge. Find out more in this week Qmmunity column.