This is a tough time for everyone, but especially for the LGBTQ+ community. Many people traveled home to be with family during the pandemic, but for a lot of LGBTQ+ people home isn’t a place where they feel comfortable. Also, large portions of the LGBTQ+ community live in major cities, which have been the hardest hit by the outbreak. LGBTQ+ people also have disproportionate amounts of financial and housing disenfranchisement. For all of these reasons, among many others, it’s easy to see how life in lockdown can make you feel anxious, scared, and frustrated. But you don’t have to go through this alone. Below is a list of LGBTQ+ mental health resources to help you get through the quarantine, or at any time help is needed.
LGBT National Help Center
The LGBT National Help Center offers various resources for anyone who needs a little extra support. From an online chat feature that puts you in contact with a peer support volunteer, to three national hotlines: one is general, one if for youth, and one is specifically for LGBTQ seniors. This organization is a resource for anyone needing to lighten their emotional load. They even have a great resource section, where you type in your zip code to find a list of LGBTQ organizations and services in your area.
The Trevor Project
According to a report by The Trevor Project, although youths and young adults may be the least susceptible to the life-threatening effects of COVID-19, they’re actually in a very vulnerable spot. The report states that social distancing decreases their amount of positive social interactions, and potentially increases the negative (from being in unsafe households, and increased presence on social media). Also, the economic fears of young adults just entering the job market are tremendous, as they yet have to form a solid framework in the work world. Luckily, The Trevor Project has 24/7 phone, text, and online chat with trained counselors for any young person in need of support.
National Suicide Prevention Lifeline
For anyone in need of critical support, the National Suicide Prevention Hotline is a great resource, and they even have their own webpage on LGBTQ+ resources. The line is staffed by trained counselors and is for anyone in distress or those who are caring for someone who is. The main thing to remember is that you should never feel too afraid to call. Everyone needs a little extra help sometimes.
Trans Lifeline
The Trans Lifeline has been dedicated to remaining open through the pandemic. According to their website, “the trans community already faces disproportionate poverty, isolation, and lack of access to medical care, and more of us are immunocompromised and deal with chronic stress…” So it’s no wonder that the trans community would be feeling increased amounts of stress during these tumultuous times. Luckily, the Trans Lifeline is dedicated to giving the community immediate help through their hotline, while also providing internships, micro-grants, and more!
The Center (The LGBT Community Center)
According to the National Institute on Drug Abuse, the rates of substance abuse and addiction amongst the LGBTQ+ community is significantly higher than that of heterosexuals. Because of the lockdown, many people struggling with addiction can’t connect with others to help them through rough times…plus, the stress and isolation of quarantine is more likely to cause people to relapse. Luckily, The Center has a great list of 12-step and addiction resources that are online or by phone and are open during lockdown.
