As we all isolate ourselves for COVID-19 quarantines, it’s opened up the discussion about what a lack of community and connection can do to our mental health. But what if the communities that make us feel seen and safe were less visible to begin with? In 2019, only 4% of the general U.S. population said they had considered suicide in the past 12 months, while 48% of trans people had.
Trans Lifeline and Leo Burnett have joined forces to address this crisis of isolation. Tomorrow, on Trans Day of Visibility, #WeSeeUs will launch across social media. As trans and nonbinary influencers share their stories of being seen and seeing others, they’ll prompt their followers to share their stories and use #WeSeeUs.
“#WeSeeUs was born out of an insight that so much of the connection within the trans community takes place online. There’s so much power in seeing yourself online and in the world, but trans and nonbinary folks still face a crisis of isolation. Since everyone who works at Trans Lifeline is of the community — this work really came out of a community need.” said Lisa Ivy, Strategy Lead at Leo Burnett.
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“Seeing yourself represented and meeting people who are like you is huge. It’s the difference between surviving and thriving,” shared Britt Meyer, Art Director at Arc Worldwide and Égalité member.
No one should feel isolated because of their identity, and in a time where social distancing and telecommunications are of the utmost importance #WeSeeUs shows just how great the impact can be when we have the strength to share and the vulnerability to express ourselves.
SOURCE: Leo Burnett
