Pride Cares, a division of New Orleans Pride, is designed to give back to the community. It’s events attempt to bring individuals from all origins together to promote tolerance, education to end homophobia, and prevent bullying in both the work place and school.
We are very pleased to be partnering with GE Capital, Alpha Graphics and Ivy Images Photography, on a Suicide Prevention and Anti-bullying Campaign here in New Orleans. On June 14, 2014, Phase one of the “I’m Bigger Louisiana” Program officially kicks off with an “I’m Bigger Than Bullying” Photo shoot and party. The photo shoot is designed to raise awareness of Bullying and the increasing suicide rates.
In recent years, a series of bullying-related suicides in the US and across the globe have drawn attention to the connection between bullying and suicide. Though many adults still see bullying as “just part of being a kid,” it is a serious problem that leads to many negative effects for victims, including suicide. Many people may not realize that there is also a link between being a bully and committing suicide. Bully victims are between 2 to 9 times more likely to consider suicide than non-victims, according to studies by Yale University. Also, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, more people now die of suicide than in car accidents. In 2010 there were 33,687 deaths from motor vehicle crashes and 38,364 suicides.
Pride Cares will be launching three phases of the statewide campaign to educate on and raise awareness for Anti- Bullying and Suicide Prevention among 14-24 year old individuals. Phase two will be launched in August 2014 and Phase three will be launched in June 2015.
