Everyone deserves a place where they can feel safe and be themselves. LGBTQIA+ Support can help people feel heard, valued, and less alone. It can also help during times of stress, fear, change, or self-doubt.
Being yourself should not require an apology. You deserve respect, kindness, safety, and the freedom to live as who you are.
You Are Valid
Your identity is part of who you are.
You do not need another person’s approval to know your worth. You also do not need to have everything figured out today.
Take your time.
Ask questions.
Learn about yourself.
Change how you describe yourself if another word feels better later.
Your journey belongs to you.
Find People Who Support You
Support can make hard days feel less lonely.
Spend time with people who listen and treat you with respect. This may include friends, family, teachers, counselors, support groups, or members of your community.
Online groups can also help some people find a sense of community.
Look for people and spaces where you can feel safe being yourself.
Take Care of Your Mental Health
Your mental health matters.
Try simple things that help you feel calm and steady. Listen to music. Take a walk. Write in a journal. Rest. Stretch. Take slow breaths. Spend time doing something you enjoy.
Small steps can help when life feels heavy.
Dealing With Hard Times
Bullying, rejection, hate, or feeling misunderstood can hurt.
You may feel sad.
May feel angry.
You may feel scared or alone.
Talk to someone you trust when things feel too hard. Asking for support can help you find a way through the moment.
Hard days do not decide your future.
Support Across the LGBTQIA+ Community
Our resources aim to support people across many identities, including:
- Lesbian
- Gay
- Bisexual
- Transgender
- Queer
- Intersex
- Asexual
- Non-binary
- Two-Spirit
- Questioning
Every person’s story is different. Therefore, good support starts by listening to what each person needs.
Supporting Someone You Love
You do not need to know everything about LGBTQIA+ identities to support someone.
Listen without judgment.
Use the person’s name and pronouns.
Respect their privacy.
Ask what they need.
Learn instead of expecting them to teach you everything.
Most of all, remind them that your care for them has not changed.
Be an Ally
Anyone can help create a kinder community.
Speak up against bullying and hate. Use respectful words. Listen when someone shares their experience. Support equal access to safe schools, workplaces, health care, and community spaces.
Small acts of respect can help people feel that they belong.
Find LGBTQIA+ Support and Resources
You may need different kinds of support at different times.
Our LGBTQIA+ ecosystem brings together mental wellness tools, educational resources, books, apps, coping tools, and information that can help people and families find their next step.
You can also find resources for crisis support, peer connection, family support, and LGBTQIA+ communities.
You Have a Future
A hard time does not have to become your whole story.
There are people you have not met yet.
Are places you have not been.
Are things you have not done.
There is more ahead.
LGBTQIA+ Support is about more than getting through difficult days. It is also about building a life where you can grow, connect with others, find joy, and be yourself.
You are seen.
Are valued.
You belong.
