Talking with someone who cares and understands what you’re going through can make a huge difference. Here are some people who might be able to help.
Find a trusted and supportive adult
Are there any adults you know who are LGBTQIA+ friendly? This could be a family member, doctor, teacher, school counselor or nurse, coach, therapist, neighbor, religious or spiritual mentor, or one of your friend’s parents.
LGBTQ+ online and telephone counselors
These hotlines offer a safe space where you can speak anonymously with someone caring and respectful. You can talk about anything, including coming out issues, gender and/or sexuality identities, relationship concerns, bullying, workplace issues, HIV/AIDS anxiety, safer sex information, suicide, and much more.
- LGBT National Youth Talkline 800-246-7743
- LGBT National Hotline (for all ages) 888-843-4564
- The LGBT National Help Center also offers an anonymous one-on-one online chat.
Crisis Hotlines
Find Community
Meeting other LGBTQIA+ people can be life-changing, validating, and fun! It can be easier to express yourself or “try on” different identities in a supportive group of like-minded people, and you might even make some new friends. You can find local LGBTQ+ youth groups by checking The GSA Network, PFLAG, and GLSEN. If you want to chat with LGBTQ+ teens online, try Q Chat Space, TrevorSpace, or the LGBT National Help Center Youth Chatrooms. For older LGBTQIA+ people, local LGBTQ+ centers can be a great place to get information and resources, meet people, and find a community, including older people who have already experienced what you’re going through. Visit CenterLink or GLBT near me to see if there’s one near you.
