In mid-July, it was announced that the special line dedicated to supporting LGBTQ+ youth – which anyone could access when calling the 988 Suicide and Crisis Lifeline – would be discontinued. The line was operated by the Trevor Project, a highly regarded organization that works to specifically support queer folks who are experiencing mental health crises. In the United States, queer youth are estimated to be at two to four times increased risk of attempting suicide than their heterosexual peers.
When someone calls the 988 emergency mental health hotline (which is funded by the federal government through the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA)), they can still access trained support. However, they will not be offered the option to connect with the Trevor Project’s crisis support line.
But what if a person wants to receive mental health support that is specifically targeted towards queer folks? Several resources remain available, and here are a few specifically available to Texans, with some operating nationally:
The Trevor Project
The end of the collaboration between SAMHSA and The Trevor Project does not mean the end of the Trevor Project, who will still operate their 24/7 hotline for queer youth, independent of 988 and federal support. Their trained crisis counselors are available any time, and can be reached by calling 866-488-7386, texting ‘START’ to 678-678, or online at trvr.org/get-help.
In addition to their support line, the Trevor Project also offers peer support, conducts research and advocacy efforts, and provides public education for queer folks and the community.
Trans Lifeline
The Trans Lifeline is, as their website states, “a grassroots hotline and microgrants 501(c)(3) non-profit organization offering direct emotional and financial support to trans people in crisis – for the trans community, by the trans community.
Transgender people seeking trans-specific support can call their hotline at 877-565-8860, which operates 24/7.
The LGBT National Help Center
The LGBT National Help Center also has a National Youth Talkline, which is reachable by phone at 800-246-7743. This line is not 24/7, though its hours are outlined clearly on its home page. They also offer Moderated Youth Chatrooms. The LGBT National Help Center writes of their services,
“We provide a confidential safe space where callers of any age can speak about sexual orientation or gender identity/expression issues. This includes coming out issues, relationship concerns, family, bullying, school issues, HIV/AIDS anxiety, safer sex information, suicide, and much more.”
Out Youth
Within the LGBTQ community in Austin, OutYouth (a 501(c)(3) nonprofit) is a premier organization known for supporting the queer community. Its website states that it “serves Central Texas LGBTQIA+ youth and their allies with programs and services to ensure these promising young people develop into happy, healthy, successful adults.”
Out Youth offers counseling, support groups, transportation support, help navigating systems with regards to gender affirmation, and a variety of programs. Find more information online at OutYouth.org.
PFLAG Austin
PFLAG is 501(c)(3) nonprofit that offers support groups and education for the queer community and its allies. Per PFLAG’s website, “The organization hosts confidential support group meetings and participates in several educational, fundraising, and political activism events throughout the year to help drive awareness and community focus.” Note that PFLAG also offers services to the family and community members of queer people, in an effort to spread education and support more broadly.
For those living in Central Texas, PFLAG offers a handful of support groups that meet in various cities, both in-person and online. More information can be found at PFLAGAustin.org.
Transgender Education Network of Texas (TENT)
According to its website, TENT is “the largest statewide, BIPOC trans-led, trans-focused policy, education, and advocacy organization in the state of Texas.” TENT has resources for parents of transgender kids and information about education, advocacy, and empowerment for transgender youth and allies.”
Find out more at TransTexas.org.
The Q Austin
The Q Austin (link leads to their Instagram account) is a program of Vivent Health, which is a community health clinic and resource center in Austin. The Q Austin “mobilizes LGBTQIA+ individuals to build a safe & affirming community.” The organization’s LinkTree offers several tabs that link to information on live events, Vivent Health, appointment requests, ways to get involved in the community, and more.
Not looking to receive direct support, but wanting to do some supporting? Most of the organizations listed above offer volunteer opportunities. And if you’re eager to get involved in political advocacy for queer people, it’s worth checking out Equality Texas. According to their website, Equality Texas is the “largest statewide nonprofit fighting for equality for LGBTQIA+ Texans.” Through Equality Texas, you can attend events, testify, join a steering committee, and more.
The LGBTQIA+ community faces discrimination that often bars sufficient access to culturally specific care and representation. In the state of Texas, this is particularly true, and many queer folks may feel at times even further isolated in the cultural and political landscape of our state. While those feelings are warranted and valid, there are resources ready and waiting to support the LGBTQIA+ community already. We hope you will utilize them if you need to.
And as always, Austin Family Counseling therapists are available to support our community members. If you’re interested in starting therapy with a queer-affirming counselor, we’d love to hear from you.
