3 LGBTQ Hotlines You Need to Know
The thought of calling a crisis number for mental health support can be scary, especially when you do not know what to expect. The good news is that you do not need to be in crisis to be able to reach out and call someone who can provide support. Having access to resources to help deescalate emotional distress and manage (or prevent) states of crisis can help empower individuals to take control over their mental health and well-being. Did you know there are specific resources designed for LGBTQ youth and the trans community? These are awesome resources to add to your national and local crisis resources. I would recommend that you save a few of these numbers to your phone so that they are readily available.
The 988 Lifeline is a well-known, accessible resource for suicide prevention as it offers confidential support for those struggling with suicide or emotional distress. 988 is an easy-to-remember number to call or text for immediate emotional support. Their website offers helpful resources on how to help yourself or someone who is struggling with suicide. When immediate support is needed by emergency medical responders or the police, then 911 should be called.
The Trans Lifeline specifically states on its website that it won’t call emergency services without your explicit request and can feel like an emotionally safer alternative when seeking someone to connect with someone who can listen and understand similar lived experiences. One of the principles is “community not cops” due to the disproportionate violence and mistreatment that trans people report during interactions with law enforcement and emergency responders; therefore, the emphasis is on peer support by connecting trans people.
While some hotlines offer crisis support, others are designed to offer a safe place to talk and listen. Feeling respected, affirmed, and accepted can be incredibly powerful. If you are feeling lonely, isolated, depressed, misunderstood, disrespected, confused, anxious, questioning, curious, and/ or looking for support and resources there is a number for you.
Here are 3 hotlines you need to know, plus some additional bonus resources:
#1 The Trevor Project
Who? You will be connected to a Trevor counselor who understands and is accepting of LGBTQ issues and experiences.
When? Available 24hrs/ 7 days a week, 365 days a year
Where? Nationwide
What? Free, confidential suicide prevention and crisis intervention for LGBTQ youth and young adults
Why? Information and support for topics such as struggles with coming out, LGBTQ identity, depression, and suicide
How? Call: 1-866-488-7386 or Text: 678-678
https://www.thetrevorproject.org/
#2 LGBT National Youth Talkline
Who? You will be connected to trained LGBTQIA+ volunteers.
When? Monday- Friday 3 pm to 11 pm & Saturday 11 am to 4 pm
Where? Nationwide
What? Free and confidential safe space for callers to talk and feel heard
Why? A place to discuss topics such as sexual orientation or gender identity/ expression issues, coming out, relationship, school, or family concerns, bullying, HIV/ AIDS anxiety, safer sex information, and suicide.
How? Call: 1-800-246-7743
https://lgbthotline.org/youth-talkline/
Additional Resources:
LGBT National Hotline (all ages)
1-888-843-4564
https://lgbthotline.org/national-hotline/
LGBT National Coming Out Support Hotline
1-888-688-5284
https://lgbthotline.org/coming-out-hotline/
LGBT National Senior Hotline
1-888-234-7243
https://lgbthotline.org/senior-hotline/
#3 Trans Lifeline
Who? Peer support phone service by trans people for trans and questioning peers
When? 12 pm to 8 pm
Where? Nationwide
What? Free, confidential peer support for someone to talk to for any reason, including crisis support
Why? A place to call if you need someone trans to talk to you or just listen
How? 1-877-565-8860
Written By: Charlotte Johnson, MA, LPCC
