If you or someone you know is in crisis, help is available right now. Every hotline listed here is free, confidential, and staffed by trained counselors who understand LGBTQ+ experiences.
The Trevor Project is the leading national organization providing crisis intervention and suicide prevention services for LGBTQ+ young people ages 13 to 24. Counselors are specially trained in LGBTQ+ youth crisis support.
1-866-488-7386A grassroots hotline staffed entirely by transgender people. Offers peer support for trans people in crisis. Calls are answered by trans individuals who truly understand your experience.
877-565-8860The National Suicide and Crisis Lifeline. Dial or text 988 from any phone in the United States. Press 3 to be connected to the LGBTQ+ specialized line with trained LGBTQ+ affirmative counselors.
988Free, 24/7 crisis counseling by text. Particularly helpful if calling feels difficult or you are not in a safe space to speak out loud. Trained crisis counselors respond quickly.
Provides telephone and online peer-support services to LGBTQ+ people. The Senior Hotline specifically supports older LGBTQ+ adults, and the Youth Talkline serves people through age 25.
1-888-843-4564SAMHSA's National Helpline for mental health and substance use disorders. Free, confidential, and available in English and Spanish. Can provide treatment referrals and information.
1-800-662-4357Coming out is deeply personal and there is no single right way to do it. These guides offer practical, real-world advice for different audiences. You do not have to come out to everyone at once, or ever, if it is not safe to do so.
Choose a calm, private moment. Have the conversation in person if possible. Keep it simple at first. Use "I" statements. Give them time to process. Be prepared for a range of reactions.
Start with the friend you trust most. Gauge their reaction to LGBTQ+ topics in conversation before coming out. Coming out to friends often carries less risk than family but still deserves care.
You are not legally required to disclose. Review your employer's nondiscrimination policy first. Consider your workplace culture, your relationship with your manager, and your industry before deciding.
Family rejection is one of the most painful experiences an LGBTQ+ person can face. Research shows it significantly increases risk of depression, substance use, and homelessness in youth. But many families do come around with time and education. You are not without options.
PFLAG is the nation's largest organization for LGBTQ+ people, their parents, families, and allies. They provide support groups, educational resources, and trained volunteers who can speak with your family directly. Visit pflag.org or call 1-202-467-8180.
Research-based resources for families to support their LGBTQ+ children and reduce serious health risks. Available in multiple languages. familyproject.sfsu.edu
Resources for young people building emotional bravery, coping with unkindness, and creating a more accepting world. bornthiswayfoundation.org
LGBTQ+ youth account for up to 40% of homeless youth in the United States despite being approximately 7% of the general youth population. If you need housing support, the following organizations can help.
Works to end youth homelessness with a focus on LGBTQ+ young people. Provides a shelter finder and advocacy resources. truecolorsunited.org
24/7 hotline providing crisis support and connections to local safe housing. Call 1-800-786-2929 or text 66008. 1800runaway.org
Use the QueerLine resource finder to locate LGBTQ+ affirming shelters and crisis housing in your area by zip code.
If you are in immediate danger, call 911. If you cannot speak safely, text 911 in areas where it is available. Local domestic violence hotlines (1-800-799-7233) also provide emergency housing referrals regardless of the type of crisis.
Legal help for LGBTQ+ people facing discrimination, harassment, or rights violations. lambdalegal.org/help-desk
Policy advocacy and rights resources for transgender people. transequality.org
Thousands of personal stories affirming that life improves. Especially valuable for LGBTQ+ youth. itgetsbetter.org
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