| NEW YORK, N.Y. February 9th, 2019 – Supermodels Unlimited Magazine (SU) hosted a #NYFW runway show that was designed to raise awareness for Suicide Prevention. Suicide is the second leading cause of death amongst all young people. Every life is precious, whether you identify as straight and cisgender, or lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, or questioning (LGBTQ). Sadly, LGBTQ youth are nearly five times more likely to attempt suicide than their peers. To raise awareness of suicide prevention resources and programs, SU invited the media to share this journey during their annual runway show; benefiting The Trevor Project – the world’s largest suicide prevention and crisis intervention organization for LGBTQ youth. This season’s benefit was titled #YOLO: You Only Live Once. As countless teens across America are facing discrimination and bullying – SU curated a collective of strong voices to inspire and motivate teens to stand up to societal pressure; encouraging young adults to reach out for support. “If somebody like Kate Spade can’t talk about what she’s going through, then how can we teach these kids to talk about it?” said Kimberly Clark, publisher and editor-in-chief of Supermodels Unlimited Magazine. Saturday’s show was hosted by Jordan Kimball from ABC’s The Bachelorette, and Bachelor in Paradise, with celebrity DJ James Kennedy from Bravo’s Vanderpump Rules. Walking the SU runway were models from diverse backgrounds including: Laura Kirkpatrick and Jeana Turner from America’s Next Top Model (ANTM), and Kasey Cohen from Bravo’s Below Deck. Joining them were other noted influencers, who walked honoring family members, friends and designers such as Kate Spade and L’Wren Scott. Fashion designers Michael Costello, Edmond Newton, and Kelly Dempsey from Project Runway showed their support to the cause by presenting custom designs at the show, with powerful and lasting messages for the audience. Making her runway debut was Mira Mariah, a social media maven and the personal tattoo artist for Ariana Grande. Joining her, was military and fashion photographer Erika Barker, who has appeared on MTV’s True Life and Oxygen’s STRUT. Erika walked in support of trans military personnel facing political persecution in America. The show’s finale was a moving music tribute by Effie Passero from American Idol, who led the models out onto the runway, singing live as they traversed the catwalk. As she sang, the models presented photos of teens, designers and celebrity icons lost to suicide. When the song concluded, the photos were reversed to reveal a message to the entire audience, “YOU ARE NOT ALONE.” Following the finale, was a check presentation from SU to The Trevor Project for $8,000.00. “This money from Supermodels Unlimited will contribute to the important work still needed to end this crisis,” said Jordan Kimball. SU wants every individual who may need support to know that help is always available; individuals who do not identify as LGBTQ are able to access services, thanks to the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline, at 1-800-273-TALK (8255) or through the Crisis Text Line – text TALK to 741-741. |
FACTS YOU CAN’T IGNORE
More than half (51 percent) of trans male teenagers have attempted suicide between 2017 and 2018, according to research published last year.
Researchers at the University of Arizona found that more than four in 10 (42 percent) of non-binary adolescents and 30 percent of trans female teens had attempted suicide.
Now let’s talk fun facts – I asked some of the stylish people at the #YOLO show what time they woke up this morning ???? Thank you SU Magazine, The Trevor Project, #NYFW, Richard Lowe III and Jordan Kimball for the fashion show party with the charitable twist.
Influencers attend The #Yolo Show
