What You Can Do
Xavier Quinn's tips for helping an LGBTQ+ survivor (and sexual assault survivors in general) state the following:
Listen, but do not demand details.
Ask them what you can do to benefit them. For example, offer to walk them home at night.
Tell them you believe them and that it is not their fault.
Do not insist that they use systems that may not be welcoming to their LGBTQ+ identity (ie police, hospitals, or college administration services).
Recommend medical services tailored to LGBTQ+ people.
Campaigns that are working to spread awareness:
If you or someone you know has been sexually assaulted, there are some LGBTQ+ friendly resources listed below, provided by the Human Rights Campaign:
Let's Talk About It: A Transgender Survivor's Guide to Accessing Therapy
National Sexual Assault Hotline – can also refer you to a local rape crisis center
1-800-656-HOPE (4673) 24/7 or Online Counseling at https://ohl.rainn.org/online/
1-866-331-99474 (24/7) or Text “loveis” 22522
Hotline 212-714-1124 (Bilingual 24/7)
National Hotline (1-888-843-4564) or National Youth Talkline (1-800-246-7743)
Online Peer Support Chat (https://www.glbthotline.org/peer-chat.html) or Weekly Youth Chatrooms (https://www.glbthotline.org/youthchatrooms.html)
National Domestic Violence Hotline
1-800-799-7233
Text LOVEIS to 22522
FORGE– serves transgender and gender nonconforming survivors of domestic and sexual violence; provides referrals to local counselors
The Network La Red– Bilingual
Hotline - 617-742-4911
Northwest Network– can provide local referrals
Hotline– 206-568-7777