Amid Pride celebrations last month (of all times), the Trump administration decided to defund the specialized services for LGBTQ+ youth on the 988 Suicide and Crisis Lifeline. This was an option on the hotline that connected queer and trans people in crisis with counselors specifically trained to assist them. It goes into effect this week.
Removing this option is a blow to a vulnerable population who are far more likely to attempt suicide than their non-queer peers. Defunding the lifeline for queer youth is yet another example of the current administration’s mission to isolate and weaken queer and trans communities across the country. The biggest factors that prevent LGBTQ youth suicides, though, are having supportive adults as well as having access to other queer people to create a community with.
Amidst this attempt at erasure, it’s important to note that this isn’t the ’80s, and — nice try, Trump — but hotlines aren’t our only means of seeking and receiving identity-affirming support. We’re aggressively online, and there are social media communities designed to engage and support us.
And while the specialized service on 988 is a crucial resource that we need to fight for, it is one tool in a kit. Here are a few online resources and social media accounts that young LGBTQ+ people — especially those who don’t live in cities with visible IRL communities — can tap into to strengthen their support networks now. We won’t be weakened because we will support each other in these spaces and beyond.
Get Lex (App)
Available on iOS and Android, Lex is a free social app for queer people, initially geared towards women, trans, and non-binary individuals. The app functions like a forum, where queer people nearby can initiate conversations and plan meetups. Although Lex is sometimes used as a dating platform, it’s also centered on community and friendship.
Join The Queer Farmer Network
Created in Iowa, the Queer Farmer Network was founded to build community among queer farmers and folks in very rural areas across the country. They have a massive directory of queer farms in their network, and their website also includes a guidebook for creating your own queer farmer convergence in your community.
Find Yourself In TrevorSpace
The Trevor Project was leading the Suicide Hotline’s LGBTQ efforts, and luckily, they have other resources for queer people to connect. TrevorSpace is an international community for LGBTQ young people ages 13-24. You can join their network and start a chat here.
Follow Supportive Queer And Trans Influencers On Instagram And TikTok
Given the dominant anti-LGBTQ discourse we’re seeing pretty much everywhere right now, it’s more important than ever to expose yourself to queer people who are thriving. Some of our favorite empowering queer leaders spreading positivity online are Bretman Rock and Dylan Mulvaney. Others focus specifically on mental health, including Kenny Ehan Jones and Bunny Michael.
Call Non-Government-Funded Hotlines
Trans Lifeline is a trans-led hotline with hundreds of operators specifically trained to talk to trans folks. The LGBT National Help Center also relies on donations and community support, so it’s less likely to be affected by government defunding. “We are saddened by the cruel decision to end the operation of the LGBTQ+ youth-specific services on 988,” their website reads. “Please know that our services and support are not affected.”