A new short film from The Trevor Project is shining a light on the power of family acceptance. Learn with Love: Haylin and Mat tells the story of a Hawaiian mom who not only embraced her transgender son but also turned that journey into a mission to help other LGBTQ+ young people.
A Family Story at the Heart of It
The film centers on Haylin, a marriage and family therapist in Honolulu, and her 17-year-old son, Mat. Growing up in a religious household, Haylin admits that acceptance didn’t come overnight. But her story shows that change and growth are possible, even in environments where support may not feel guaranteed.
Her experience inspired her to open Spill the Tea Café, a nonprofit mental health clinic. The café is more than a gathering space, it’s a lifeline for young people of all identities who need affirming care in a state where access is limited.
Why This Story Matters
The Trevor Project launched the Learn with Love series to highlight authentic stories of LGBTQ+ families. Jaymes Black, CEO of the organization, said the film provides a reminder that parental support can make a life-saving difference.
“Even if a parent doesn’t understand everything about their child, they can still love and support them unconditionally,” Black said. “When LGBTQ+ youth have supportive parents, their odds of suicide risk lower significantly, and their ability to thrive skyrockets.”
The short film is part of a three-year campaign to raise awareness of LGBTQ+ youth suicide and connect young people to vital resources.
The Numbers Paint a Stark Picture
Suicide remains one of the most pressing challenges facing LGBTQ+ youth. According to The Trevor Project, LGBTQ+ young people are more than four times as likely to attempt suicide as their peers. An estimated 1.8 million LGBTQ+ youth in the U.S. seriously consider suicide each year, with one attempt occurring roughly every 45 seconds.
In Hawaii, the statistics are just as alarming. Thirty-two percent of LGBTQ+ youth in the state reported seriously considering suicide in the past year. More than half said they wanted mental health care but were unable to access it. Only a quarter described their homes as affirming, with that number dropping even lower for transgender and nonbinary youth.
A Call to Care
By sharing their story, Haylin and Mat hope to encourage families everywhere to lead with empathy. Their message is clear: acceptance saves lives.
If you or someone you know is in crisis, The Trevor Project offers 24/7 support. Call 1-866-488-7386, text START to 678678, or visit TheTrevorProject.org/Get-Help for confidential assistance.
