Finding Support in the LGBTQI+ Community
Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Transgender, Queer, Questioning, and Intersex (LGBTQI+) people often experience higher rates of health challenges related to mental health, drug, or alcohol issues. These increased rates of mental health and substance use difficulties aren’t caused by their identities, but are related to increased stress from discrimination, bullying, violence, and rejection which LGBTQI+ individuals face more frequently.
There is help out there from people who can understand what you’ve been through.
You can search online or ask people in your community for local LGBTQI+ support groups and programs. Some will be focused on mental health, drug or alcohol use, and recovery. Others may be groups to help connect you with community—like volunteering at a local food bank or raising money for a certain cause.
Being part of a group and sharing your life stories is an important part of support, health, and recovery.
There are also many national resources available including:
- Call 988 and press 3 to be connected to a trained counselor for LGBTQI+ youth and young adults 24/7. You can also text PRIDE to 988 or chat at 988lifeline.org.
- FindTreatment.gov finds mental health, drug, or alcohol treatment near you. Use the Special Programs/Groups Offered filter to select providers that support the LGBTQI+ community.
- The Trevor Project is available 24/7 via call, text, and chat for young LGBTQI+ people dealing with a mental health crisis.
If you need health care for mental health, drug, or alcohol issues, learn what type of care is most appropriate for LGBTQI+ people.
If you’re a health professional, learn about how to make your practice LGBTQI+ inclusive.