Where to get support (and inspiration) as an LGBTQ individual in 2025

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Being part of the LGBTQ community can be a journey filled with discovery, pride, and, at times, challenges. Whether you're navigating your identity, facing discrimination, or simply looking for connection, support is out there. This guide rounds up some of the best support resources available in 2025 for LGBTQ individuals of all backgrounds.

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Key takeaways

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• There are crisis lines, helplines, live chats, and resources tailored specifically for LGBTQ individuals.

• Community support groups (both local and online) can offer connection, understanding, and empowerment.

• Dedicated resources exist for youth, BIPOC individuals, and other intersectional identities.

• Therapy, activism, and chosen family are powerful forms of support that can help you feel less alone.

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Finding LGBTQ support

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Support comes in many forms, from official services to personal connections. One of the most important and heartening forms of support is your chosen family. These are the people who love, affirm, and stand by you, whether or not you share blood ties.

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Building or finding your chosen family can be transformative, especially when biological families fall short of offering the support you need, but it isn’t always easy to know where to start with forging connections. If you’re seeking community, you can consider:

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• Looking for local meetups and LGBTQ-friendly events.

• Engaging with online groups where you can connect with others who truly see and celebrate you.

• Finding out whether your school or college campus has a dedicated space or club for LGBTQ students.

• Volunteering at LGBTQ organizations, charities, and events.

• Joining an inclusive sports team, arts program, or hobby club.

• Attending pride parades.

• Reading, listening, and watching LGBTQ media such as podcasts, articles, and TV shows.  

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LGBTQ crisis resources

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When you’re in crisis, timely, inclusive support is vital. These organizations offer confidential help when you need someone to talk to or are facing a mental health emergency.

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The Trevor Project

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The Trevor Project is a 24/7 suicide prevention and crisis intervention nonprofit organization for LGBTQ young people. They offer text, chat, and phone support from trained counselors as well as a dedicated online resource center.

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Crisis Text Line

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Texting ‘741741’ connects you with trained crisis counselors who are inclusive and LGBTQ-affirming. The Crisis Text Line also has 24/7 online chat and WhatsApp communication options.

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Trans Lifeline

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Trans Lifeline is a peer-run support and crisis line dedicated to the trans community, staffed by trans operators. You can call (877) 565-8860 Monday–Friday, 10 AM to 6 PM (Pacific).

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THRIVE Lifeline

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The THRIVE Lifeline is a text-based, trans-led support service focused on suicide prevention and empowerment for underrepresented individuals from the LGBTQ community, including those living with disabilities, the neurodiverse, and BIPOC. To begin a conversation 24/7/365, text ‘THRIVE’ to +1.313.662.8209.

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LGBT National Hotline

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You can reach the LGBT National Hotline at 888-843-4564 Monday to Friday, 11 AM - 8 PM/Pacific time, 2 PM - 11 PM/Eastern time, and Saturday 9 AM - 2 PM/Pacific time, Noon - 5 PM/Eastern time. The hotline provides peer support and information with a listening ear from LGBTQ volunteers.

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988 Lifeline

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The 988 Suicide and Crisis Lifeline now includes LGBTQ-sensitive responders trained in inclusive care. It's available 24/7/365, and you can call, text, or chat with a counselor online. There's also a videophone option for the deaf and hard of hearing.

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LGBTQ support groups

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Support groups offer connection, healing, and empowerment. Whether in-person or virtual, these spaces can help you feel seen, heard, and supported.

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PFLAG

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One of the oldest LGBTQ+ ally organizations, PFLAG offers support for LGBTQ individuals and their families.

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LGBT Life Center

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The LGBT Life Center facilitates safe, affirming support groups for people living with HIV, LGBTQ elders, youth, and more.

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Q Chat Space

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Q Chat Space is a live, chat-based, adult-facilitated platform for LGBTQ teens looking for a safe, online place to connect.

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The Loft

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A non-profit institution founded in 1983, The Loft offers free, open-topic support groups led by trained peer facilitators for various LGBTQ identities and needs within New York.

LGBTQ online resources

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Sometimes, the most accessible support is digital. These online resources offer education, community, and advocacy at your fingertips.

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Safe Zone Project

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The Safe Zone Project provides free LGBTQ+ education and ally training materials to foster safer, more inclusive communities.

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Gay, Lesbian & Straight Education Network (GLSEN)

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GSLEN promotes LGBTQ+ inclusion in schools through research, training, and student support.

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GLMA Health Professionals Advancing LGBT Equality

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GLMA is an organization that champions equitable healthcare and helps connect individuals to LGBTQ-affirming healthcare professionals and research on queer health equity.

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True Colors United

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Focused on ending youth homelessness with a strong emphasis on LGBTQ+ youth and intersectionality, True Colors United offers toolkits, research, and reports.

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Human Rights Campaign

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The Human Rights Campaign website is filled with advocacy, resources, and information on LGBTQ rights, policies, and community empowerment.

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Support for LGBTQ and BIPOC individuals

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Queer people of color often face unique challenges that require culturally specific support. These organizations provide safe, affirming care and advocacy.

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Call BlackLine

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Call BlackLine is a crisis line and peer support service for Black, Brown, and Indigenous LGBTQ+ individuals. Call 1 (800) 604-5841 or download the Call Blackline app.

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DeQH Helpline

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Trained South Asian LGBTQ peer support volunteers are reachable via the DeQH Helpline online contact form or telephone at 908-367-3374 for desi lesbian, gay, bi, queer, trans, non-binary, and questioning individuals.

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StrongHearts Helpline

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The StrongHearts Helpline provides support and resources for Native LGBTQ+ individuals experiencing domestic or dating violence. You can connect one-on-one with an advocate at 1-844-7NATIVE (762-8483) or through their online chat.

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Bienestar

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Bienestar is a California-based organization supporting Latinx LGBTQ+ individuals, especially those impacted by HIV.

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LGBTQ youth resources

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If you're a young LGBTQ person, you deserve spaces that are safe, supportive, and empowering. These organizations are here to help.

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LGBT National Youth Talkline

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The LGBT National Youth Talkline is a peer-led line offering emotional support for LGBTQ youth of all ages. It’s open Monday–Friday 11 AM - 8 PM/Pacific time, 2 PM - 11 PM/Eastern time, and Saturday 9 AM - 2 PM/Pacific time, Noon - 5 PM/Eastern time on 800-246-7743.

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It Gets Better Project

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A multimedia campaign sharing real-life stories, the It Gets Better Project is designed to inspire, uplift, and empower LGBTQ youth.

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Love Is Respect

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Love Is Respect provides information and support on what healthy, respectful relationships for young LGBTQ+ people should look like by covering topics such as setting boundaries, love bombing, dating abuse, and understanding consent.

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The National Runaway Safeline

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Operating 24/7, the National Runaway Safeline offers support and safe housing referrals for LGBTQ+ youth experiencing homelessness or running away. Call 1-800-RUNWAY or chat online, email, text, or visit the forum.

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LGBTQ activists and inspiring people

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In some instances, the greatest source of support is knowing you’re not alone, and that others have paved the way. These activists and public figures continue to inspire and uplift the LGBTQ community.

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Marsha P Johnson

Marsha was a Black transgender woman, drag queen, and tireless activist who played a pivotal role in the Stonewall uprising of 1969. As a co-founder of the Street Transvestite Action Revolutionaries (STAR), she worked to support homeless queer youth and trans women of color. Her legacy lives on as a symbol of radical love and resistance.

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Sylvia Rivera

A close friend and collaborator of Marsha P. Johnson, Sylvia Rivera was a Latina trans activist who spent her life advocating for the rights of trans people, people of color, and those experiencing poverty. She was one of the first to speak out against the marginalization of trans voices within the wider LGBTQ movement and remains a fierce example of courage and conviction.

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Harvey Milk

Harvey Milk made history as one of the first openly gay elected officials in the United States, serving on San Francisco’s Board of Supervisors in 1977. His political career was tragically cut short by assassination, but his bold stance on equality and representation left a lasting imprint on LGBTQ rights and American politics.

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Rachel Levine

Dr. Rachel Levine is the first openly transgender federal official to be confirmed by the U.S. Senate. A physician and public health leader, she has been instrumental in addressing issues such as mental health, substance use, and healthcare equity, and continues to be a visible advocate for trans inclusion in medicine and government.

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Laverne Cox

Best known for her role on Orange is the New Black, Laverne Cox is an Emmy-winning actress, producer, and vocal advocate for the transgender community. Through her work in media and public speaking, she’s opened doors for trans visibility and educated millions about the challenges trans people face, and their strength in overcoming them.

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Alok Vaid-Menon

A poet, author, performance artist, and fashion icon, Alok Vaid-Menon is known for challenging the gender binary and celebrating self-expression. Their work explores themes of identity, trauma, belonging, and joy. Through books, talks, and stage performances, Alok invites us all to imagine a freer, more compassionate world.

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Therapy for LGBTQ individuals

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Therapy can be a powerful way to support your mental health and process life’s challenges, especially with an LGBTQ-affirming provider. Whether you’re coping with trauma, coming out, or exploring your identity, a trained therapist can offer guidance and validation.

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Looking for more mental health support? For resources, recommendations, and advice on how to find an LGBTQ-friendly therapist, browse our blog.