LGBTQ+

Online Resources: If you’re a LGBTQ teen or ally, there are lots of resources to help you get the support and info you need.

Here are a few ideas of where to start:

GLSEN (Gay, Lesbian and Straight Education Network)

Q Chat Space (Live chat, facilitated, LGBTQ+ online discussion groups)

GLBT National Youth Talkline: 1-800-246-PRIDE

Connect Safely

LGBTQ Resources

Community Resources

PFLAG SCV

The Trevor Project

SCV LGBTQ Center

Los Angeles LGBT Center

LGBT National Youth Talkline

LGBT National Youth Talkline (1-800-246-7743): The Talkline is open daily, with trained peer counselors ready to talk about mental health, dating, coming out, sexual health, or anything you need. They also maintain an LGBT youth resource center, where you can connect to support in your area. This talkline is not open 24/7, so if you need immediate help, it’s a good idea to connect to one of the other resources.

Love is Respect

Love is Respect (1-866-331-9474): LGBTQ teens experience dating violence, too, and it’s never alright. Many young LGBTQ people aren’t out to their families or communities, and many anti-violence organizations lack expertise in helping LGBTQ people. Because of these circumstances it can be even harder to get help. Love is Respect has resources for LGBTQ young people to learn about healthy relationships and their counselors are available 24/7 to offer education, support, or to talk through your options.

Traveling Bravely Toward a Better Life

Being LGBTQ can be hard! It’s scary to realize that your life path may be different than those around you and face stigma for the bravery of living the way you need and want. While we’ve come far, we still have a long way to go before LGBTQ people can live lives of equal dignity, safety, and material security.

But your LGBTQ identity is also a great strength. It can help you see the world in a different and special way, and can allow you to love amazing people. It makes you a member of a beautiful, welcoming community of people from across the world and across history who have dared to live according to their truth. Remember, whether it’s your high school friends eating lunch together in the library, or any of the organizations listed in this article, you’re never, ever alone.

How can I help support my LGBTQ friends?

Educate yourself

Learning about the experiences and history of LGBTQ people is an important way to understand the issues that are affecting your friends. It’s not the responsibility of LGBTQ people to educate you, so step up to the plate and explore the books, blogs, and videos, out there.

Speak Up

If you notice bullying or oppressive language, say something. Anti-LGBTQ comments and jokes are hurtful. If you see a young person being hurt or bullied because of their gender identity or sexual orientation, let an adult know.

Being an ally is about supporting equal rights and justice for LGBTQ folks, and it’s also about helping your friends know that you have their back and they aren’t alone.

Listen!

There are many, many different LGBTQ experiences and stories, and listening to a diverse group of voices is one way to understand the issues that affect the people you care about.

Don’t Assume

It’s impossible to know what a person’s gender identity or sexual orientation is just by looking at them, so don’t make assumptions. But do assume there could be LGBTQ people in every space you’re in. Assuming that everyone around you is straight makes things harder for LGBTQ people.

Never “out” someone.

It’s important to let people come out in their own way, and on their own terms. Telling people that a friend is LGBTQ without their permission can break trust and even put them in danger. It is never okay to out someone without their permission.

(Planned Parenthood, 2020)