When you are struggling with mental health, knowing where to turn can be life-saving. For LGBTQ+ people, who face higher rates of depression, anxiety, suicidal ideation, and isolation, affirming support matters.
That support took a hit when the Biden-era LGBTQ+ specialized services within the 988 Suicide and Crisis Lifeline were discontinued under the Trump administration. In the absence of those dedicated services, these four hotlines remain vital lifelines, offering confidential, culturally competent help specifically for LGBTQ+ individuals.
If you or someone you know is in immediate danger, call 911 or go to the nearest emergency room.
The Trevor Project
Call: 1-866-488-7386
Text: Text “START” to 678-678
Chat: thetrevorproject.org
Geared toward LGBTQ+ youth under 25, The Trevor Project offers 24/7 support via phone, text, or chat. Counselors are trained to understand issues facing queer and trans youth.
Volunteer with The Trevor Project
Trans Lifeline
Call: 1-877-565-8860
Website: translifeline.org
A peer support line run by and for trans people, Trans Lifeline is available across the U.S. and Canada. Unlike some other lines, operators here don’t call emergency services without consent, making it a safer space for many trans folks. So far, the Trans Lifeline has answered over 150,000 calls and trained more than 600 operators.
LGBT National Help Center
Call: 1-888-843-4564
Youth Line: 1-800-246-7743
Website: glbthotline.org
This hotline has been offering support to all LGBTQ+ individuals for nearly 30 years and has four separate lines: one for general LGBTQ+ support, one for coming out support, plus lines for LGBTQ+ youth and seniors. There are also peer and youth chatrooms available. LGBT National Help Center answers all their own calls with no outsourcing and does not report calls to outside organizations.
Support the LGBT National Help Line
Volunteer with LGBT National Help Line
BlackLine
Call: 1-800-604-5841
Website: callblackline.com
Founded as a space for Black LGBTQ+ people, BlackLine is a volunteer-run crisis line primarily staffed by Black counselors. The line supports those experiencing distress, abuse, or feeling marginalized by traditional crisis services. Blackline now has an app that users can download through Apple App or Google Play.