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The LGBTQ+ community is diverse and made up of different experiences, identities, and challenges. However, members of the community are disproportionately at-risk for suicide and other mental health struggles. This section has information and resources for yourself and to help support loved ones who identify as a member of the LGBTQ+ community.

How To Take Care Of Yourself

If you're struggling, you can call or chat with the Lifeline. We're available 24/7 and confidential. There are crisis counselors available to listen and support you without judgment.

Know you are not alone. In addition to the Lifeline, there are resources at the bottom of this page where you can connect with other members of the LGBTQ+ community. You can also check out the stories of hope and recovery below in the resources section to learn how some LGBTQ+ people have coped during hard times.

Build a support network. Develop a support network in your life that will help keep you safe and that you can lean on if you feel depressed or suicidal.

Talk to someone. Don’t keep thoughts of suicide to yourself. Lean on your support network, find a therapist or a support group, or get in touch with the Lifeline.

Make a safety plan. Have a step-by-step plan ready for if/when you feel depressed, suicidal, or in crisis, so you can start at step one and continue through the steps until you feel safe.

How To Help

We all have a role in preventing suicide. Learn how to support and be an ally to your LGBTQ+ loved ones.

Be an ally. Publicly show your support for the LGBTQ+ community. Ensure that you are supporting loved ones by affirming their identity, using their pronouns, and being committed to providing a non-judgmental and safe space for all.

Know the facts. Over 80% of LGBTQ+ youth have been assaulted or threatened, and every instance of victimization in an LGBTQ+ person’s life more than doubles the likelihood of self-harming.

Ask and listen. Be an active part of your loved ones’ support systems and check in with them often. If they show any warning signs for suicide, be direct and ask. Tell them it’s OK to talk about suicidal feelings. Listen to their story without offering advice or judgment. For more guidance on steps you can take to help someone thinking of suicide, visit www.bethe1to.org.

Link them to resources and remember to take care of yourself. Collaborate with your loved one to get them any help they might need. If you’re not sure where to start, the Lifeline is always here to talk or chat, both for crisis intervention and to support allies.

Strong family bonds, safe schools and support from caring adults can all protect LGBTQ youth from depression and suicidality (Committee on Adolescence 2013).

Family and community support. Support from family, trusted adults, and friends make all the difference for transgender children and youth. A recent study found that transgender children whose families affirmed their gender identity were as psychologically healthy as their non-transgender peers (Olson 2016).

Stories of Hope and Recovery

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  • Out trans Army sergeant Shane wants others like him to know that they're not alone.

    "We as a nation need to start the healing by showing and supporting our own humanity."

    Read Shane's Story
  • For Grace, all it took was one day for her to change her life and her mindset. Grace is the founder of the Best Day Project, a LGBTQIA youth suicide prevention web series.

    "I challenged myself from that day to just be the exact kind of person I want to be and live the exact kind of life I want to, and it’s just–it was up to me to do it. So, I just started living for the day, just enjoying everything I could [and] really making good decisions."

    Read Grace's Story
  • When Anna came to terms with her sexuality, she realized that everyone's journey to happiness is unique.

    "There is not one way to accept yourself, as there is not one way to fall in love, or to be happy, or to pick your favorite color."

    Read Anna's Story

Get in touch

Call the Lifeline

Call the Lifeline anytime, 24/7

988

Disaster Distress Helpline

Call or Text 1-800-985-5990

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