LGBTQ+ Resources
No matter who you are, you matter. At The Lavender Rhino, we believe everyone should be able to live authentically, regardless of sexual orientation or gender identity. Unfortunately, bigotry and discrimination can make this difficult, especially for LGBTQ+ youth. Here are some resources for anyone who is struggling with their identity or mental health, or is facing discrimination. Don't forget: you belong and you are loved!
Mental Health Resources / Crisis Hotlines
988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline (support for anyone) — Call or text 988
Crisis Text Line (support for anyone) - Text HOME to 741741
The Trevor Project (support for LGBTQ+ young people) — Text START to 678-678 or call 1-866-488-7386
Trans Lifeline (support for transgender people) — 877-565-8860
The Steve Fund Crisis Textline (support for young people of color) — Text STEVE to 741741
LGBTQ+ Youth Resources
The Trevor Project Resource Center — learn about sexual orientations and gender identities and get tips on coming out, coping with anxiety, and much more
LGBT National Youth Talkline (a confidential safe space to discuss sexual orientation or gender identity/expression issues) - 1-800-246-7743
Safe Schools Coalition — find resources by topic or location
GSA Network — find and join a Gender and Sexualities Alliance (GSA) network in your area or start a GSA club at your school
Point Foundation — apply to college scholarships for LGBTQ+ students
Transgender Resources
Transgender Law Center — get legal information and support
National Center for Transgender Equality — up-to-date information on trans people's rights in the U.S. (including rights related to employment, housing, school, and more)
Gender Spectrum — access downloadable resources for gender non-conforming youth and their families
TransFamilies — discussion forums, support groups, and resources for families of trans folks
Black Trans Advocacy Coalition — get statistics about and support for Black transgender people
General LGBTQ+ Resources
LGBT National Help Center — find resources by location, join chatrooms, or call one of their hotlines for (non-emergency) support:
-General Hotline: 888-843-4564
-Coming Out Support Hotline: 888-688-5428
-Senior Hotline: 888-234-7243
-Youth Hotline: 800-246-7743
National Black Justice Coalition — toolkits and other resources for Black LGBTQ+ folks
Lambda Legal — help desk for legal information and support
National Center for Lesbian Rights — legal information and hotline for LGBTQ+ people
Immigration Equality — legal help for LGBTQ+ and HIV+ immigrants and asylum seekers
American Civil Liberties Union (ACLU):
-LGBTQ Rights — learn about your legal rights as an LGBTQ+ person in regard to employment, housing, schools, businesses, and more
-Reporting Discrimination — report and get assistance with LGBTQ+ and HIV+ discrimination