"The CDC reports that queer youth attempt suicide at nearly three times the rate of their straight peers. About half of all queer youth report recent symptoms of depression… but there's a ray of hope. You know what stops these numbers cold? A voice. Not my voice, not our voice: your voice. When a queer kid feels threatened, or ashamed, or isolated, one expression of reassurance, kindness or support, from a non-queer peer seems so little, but that can save a life."

Seattle Men's Chorus travelled to Mercer Island High and Middle Schools with a message of Allyship that resonated off the walls of the auditorium and beyond. Seattle Men's Chorus artistic director, Paul Caldwell, joins Coping 101, along with students from Mercer Island High School, to share the impact that straight allies and peers can create in the journey towards love and acceptance.

Coping 101 is an award-winning student-led podcast from c89.5, presented in partnership with Seattle Children's, Forefront Suicide Prevention, and other community-minded partners, where Seattle area high school students get real about mental health. Through honest conversations with peers, Artists and behavioral health professionals, they break down stigma and share tools for coping with life's challenges — because no matter your age or background, we all struggle sometimes, and there are healthy ways to cope.

Find more c89.5 podcasts at c895.org/podcast

• Seattle Men's and Women's Chorus: https://www.seattlechoruses.org/
• Seattle Men's Chorus Upcoming Events: https://www.seattlechoruses.org/seattle-mens-chorus-current-season/
• SMC on social: https://www.instagram.com/seattle.mens.chorus/
• KOMO News "New program uses music, student storytelling to tackle bullying against LGBTQ community": https://komonews.com/news/arc-seattle/new-program-uses-music-student-storytelling-to-tackle-bullying-against-lgbtq-community