Summer and Winter Break Resources for LGBTQ+ Students

Find Resources Wherever You Are

Find support resources in your community

Find Penn State resources

National Resources/Hotlines

The Trevor Project
(866) 488-7386
Live Chat with the Trevor Project

The Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual and Transgender National Hotline
(888) 843-4564

The LGBT National Youth Talkline
(Serving youth through age 25)
(800) 246-7743

Crisis Text Line: 741-741
Crisis Text Line Serves anyone, in any type of crisis, providing access to free, 24/7 support and information via text. Simple text 741-741 from anywhere in the USA, anytime, about any type of crisis. A live, trained Crisis Counselor receives the text and responds quickly, helping you "move from a hot moment to a cool moment." Please note that this Crisis Text Line is not specific to LGBTQ+ people.

The TransLifeline Transgender Crisis
(877) 565-8860

National Suicide Prevention Lifeline
(General Community)1-800-273-8255 (24/7)

I'm Alive Support Chat

The National Runaway Switchboard
1-800-RUNAWAY

LGBT Youth Line
The Lesbian Gay Bi Trans Youth Line exists to provide service for youth, by youth that affirms the experiences and aspirations of lesbian, gay, bisexual, transsexual, transgender, 2-spirited, queer and questioning youth in Ontario. Working within an anti-oppression and anti-racist framework, we provide leadership opportunities, outreach, confidential peer support and referrals by telephone, texting and online.

Resources for Coming Out and Family

The following sites have information about family relationships and tips for interacting with family and friends.

• Human Rights Campaign guide for coming out to your family and friends
• Want to Know Common Questions Parents Ask?
• Trans-Related Support
• Human Rights Campaign Coming Out as a Supporter of LGBT people

Travel Resources

• LGBTQ+ Traveler Resources/Information
• Airline Travel: Know Your Rights

Other Helpful Resources

Parents, Families, and Friends of Lesbians and Gays (PFLAG)
By meeting people where they are and collaborating with others, PFLAG realizes its vision through:

• Support for families, allies, and people who are LGBTQ+
• Education for ourselves and others about the unique issues and challenges facing people who are LGBTQ+
• Advocacy in our communities to change attitudes and create policies and laws that achieve full equality for people who are LGBTQ+

Gender Inclusive Pronoun Use

Non-Crisis Methods of Comfort

While not a method of direct communication, Your Holiday Mom has letters from "Holiday Moms" that write general letters to LGBTQ+/queer people in need of love, care, and affection during the holidays. Some of the Holiday Moms also read their letters out loud to create audio files so you can listen to them read their letter to you. If you struggle with your family over the holiday season and want feelings of universal support and parenthood, Your Holiday Mom is a great resource to make you feel less alone. Each season of letters begins with Thanksgiving Day and proceeds throughout the holiday season. Read and listen to letters from holiday moms here.