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If you are in immediate danger, call 911. If you are thinking about suicide or self-harm, call or text 988. If searching may be unsafe on this device, use Quick Exit or call from a safer phone.
LGBTQ+ Support
Affirming support for LGBTQ+ people seeking safety, recovery, housing, mental health, and crisis help.
Everyone deserves help that respects who they are. LGBTQ+ people may face extra barriers when seeking support, including fear of being judged, misgendered, rejected, outed, or misunderstood. First Step VT helps connect users to affirming resources and gives people language they can use when asking for safe, respectful help.
You deserve support that respects your name, pronouns, identity, safety, and privacy.
Affirming Help
Support should feel safe, respectful, and nonjudgmental. You can ask whether a provider is LGBTQ+ affirming before sharing personal details. You do not have to disclose your identity to ask if a provider is safe and respectful.
Questions You Can Ask
- · Do you provide LGBTQ+ affirming support?
- · Will my name and pronouns be respected?
- · Is my information confidential?
- · Do you have experience supporting LGBTQ+ clients?
- · Do you offer support for trauma, domestic abuse, sexual assault, substance use, or mental health concerns?
- · Do you have LGBTQ+ specific groups or referrals?
- · Can I speak with someone who understands identity-based discrimination or violence?
Privacy and Safety
- If you are not out or worried about being outed, ask about confidentiality first.
- If someone monitors your phone, use a safer device if possible.
- Use Quick Exit if needed.
- You can choose how much information to share at first.
- If you are in immediate danger, call 911.
- If you are in emotional crisis or thinking about suicide, call or text 988.
Support Scripts
Use these scripts when calling or messaging for support. Tap Copy to save to your clipboard.
General affirming support
"Hi, I'm looking for support and I want to make sure the service is LGBTQ+ affirming. Can you tell me if my name, pronouns, identity, and privacy will be respected?"
Substance use support
"Hi, I'm looking for help with alcohol or substance use, and I'm also looking for LGBTQ+ affirming support. I want to know what treatment or recovery options are available and whether the environment is safe and respectful."
Domestic abuse / unsafe relationship
"Hi, I'm in a situation or relationship that does not feel safe. I'm LGBTQ+ and I need to speak with someone who understands safety, privacy, and identity-related concerns."
Sexual assault support
"Hi, I experienced sexual assault or sexual violence and I need support. I'm LGBTQ+ and I want to speak with someone who will respect my identity, privacy, and choices."
Mental health crisis
"Hi, I'm LGBTQ+ and I'm in emotional crisis. I need someone to talk to who will listen without judgment and help me figure out what to do next."
Trans / nonbinary peer support
"Hi, I'm trans, nonbinary, or questioning, and I need someone affirming to talk to. I'm looking for peer support or resources."
LGBTQ+ Resources
Pride Center of Vermont
LGBTQ+ Support / VermontVermont LGBTQ+ community center offering support, referrals, community programs, and SafeSpace anti-violence advocacy for LGBTQ+ Vermonters who have experienced violence, abuse, bias, hate, or discrimination.
🔒 If you are worried about being outed or monitored, use a safer device if possible and ask about confidentiality before sharing details.
The Trevor Project
LGBTQ+ Youth Crisis SupportFree, confidential crisis support for LGBTQ+ young people by phone, text, and chat.
🔒 If you are in immediate danger, call 911. If you are thinking about suicide or self-harm, you can also call or text 988.
Trans Lifeline
Trans / Nonbinary Peer SupportPeer support hotline run by trans people for trans and questioning people. Offers support even if someone is not in crisis.
🔒 If you are in immediate danger or cannot stay safe, call 911 or 988. Trans Lifeline may have limited operating hours — verify current availability.
You deserve safe and respectful support.
You do not have to figure this out alone. Asking for help is progress. One call is enough to start.
