Neil Patrick Harris and Dustin Lance Black are elected to The Trevor Project’s board of directors

Because they live their own lives as gay men out loud and are so eloquent about it, it just seems perfect that Neil Patrick Harris and Dustin Lance Black would be elected to the Board of Directors of The Trevor Project, the leading national organization focused on crisis and suicide prevention efforts among lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender and questioning (LGBTQ) youth.

Neil’s recent talk show appearances, where he has been so comfortable with and cool about his gayness, have made me think about the young people out there watching. If I had someone like that as an example that being gay does not equal misery, I would have had a far less complicated life!

Then there’s Lance who, when he won the Academy Award last year for his Milk screenplay, used the occasion to speak directly to the gay kids who might be out there watching: “If Harvey [Milk] had not been taken from us 30 years ago, I think he’d want me to say to all of the gay and lesbian kids out there tonight who have been told that they are less than by their churches or by the government  or by their families that you are beautiful, wonderful creatures of value and that no matter what anyone tells you, God does love you.”

Gives me goose bumps just reading that speech again.

Lance said in a statement Wednesday: “All of the work we’re doing today to win LGBT equality is for these young people’s futures. So it is vital that we ensure they survive today’s challenges so they might know tomorrow’s freedoms. “I’m honored to have the opportunity to continue and expand my involvement with this lifesaving organization.”

Here is Neil’s statement: “I’ve been a longtime supporter of The Trevor Project, and I’m excited to become even more actively involved in raising awareness of its unique and vital mission. I hope that my involvement with The Trevor Project will help bring attention to the need for effective crisis and suicide prevention services for LGBTQ youth nationwide.”