Prevention

noun: the action of stopping something from happening or arising.

• Being bullied or abused can cause children and adults to feel sad, unsafe, unloved, and at risk in the world. Victims might feel emotionally paralyzed and withdraw socially or worse as they attempt to cope with their reality.

• Teens face harassment, threats, and violence. A 1998 study in the US by Mental Health America found that students heard anti-gay slurs such as "homo", "faggot" and "sissy" about 26 times a day on average, or once every 14 minutes.

• The rate of suicide is higher among LGBT people. The American Foundation for Suicide Prevention has found that gay, lesbian and bisexual youth attempt suicide at a rate three to six times that of similar-age heterosexual youth.

• Discrimination, including physical or sexual violence against transgender people due to transphobia or homophobia, is a common occurrence. Hate crimes against trans people are common and "in some instances, inaction by police or other government officials leads to the untimely deaths of transgender victims."

MEC wants to end the cycle of pain and fear with our community. All children should have the opportunity to be their best selves, openly and without the fear of violence.

The Maui Equality Coalition and its supporters are people just like you from all walks of life. We are educators, community leaders, small business owners and your next door neighbors. We have a common cause. Prevention.

Many, if not most of us involved at MEC have experienced some or all of the above mentioned scenarios ourselves. We understand personally. Our goal is that YOU never DO.

If you or someone you know needs help; The Maui Equality Coalition is here to assist.