The Trevor Project
Hotline for LGBTQ Students
1-866-488-7386
thetrevorproject.org
TrevorText - Available Fridays (4:00 p.m. - 8:00 p.m.). Text “Trevor” to 1-202-304-1200.
TrevorChat - Available 7 days a week (3:00 p.m. - 9:00 p.m.)
Trans Lifeline
Hotline for transgender people experiencing a crisis.
1-877-565-8860
TransLifeline.org
Like all students, LGBTQ (Lesbian, Gay, Bi-sexual, Transgendered, and Queer/Questioning) students are at risk for suicide. Research findings vary, there is consensus that LGBTQ college students are one of the groups at high risk for suicide. LGBTQ individuals who are “coming out” are at increased risk for depression, substance abuse, and suicide. Transgender individuals age 18- 24 have the highest reported lifetime suicide attempts of 45% (AFSP (PDF)). In addition to general Risk Factors, student members of the LGBTQ community may experience the following.
Risk Factors:
- Being misunderstood by others
- Conflicting religious and/or cultural beliefs
- Feelings of isolation
- LGBT youth who experienced severe family rejection
- Lack of support from family members, community and school environment
- Lack of connectedness
- Prejudice, discrimination, homophobia
- Political legislation supporting discrimination
- Victimization/bullying, including social media
- To learn more about LGBTQ risks go to The Trevor Project
Protective Factors:
- Caring adults
- Family acceptance and connectedness
- School safety
Source: (Eisenberg & Resnick, 2004)
Remember, you are not alone at UofL there is hope and help available. See our Resource Section.
You can help prevent suicide. See the Warning Signs and learn What To Do.
Additional Helpful Resources
University of Louisville Area Resources
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The Counseling Center
Check out the UofL Counseling Center website, where students can get more information about initial assessments, and groups and workshops covering a range of issues, including those impacting the LGBTQ population. - The LGBT Center works to strengthen and sustain an inclusive campus community at the University of Louisville, one that welcomes people of all sexual orientations, gender identities, and gender expressions through support, educational resources, and advocacy.
- Get involved at U of L by joining a LGBTQ student group or organizations. Contact the LGBT Center at 502-852-0696 to learn more about RSOs and groups.
- Trans @ UofL A resource for students offering Trans* 101 an interactive discussion, support group, preferred name options and gender inclusive bathrooms on campus.
- TSTAR For more information on the collaboration or to learn about services for transgender students, contact the LGBT Center at lgbt@louisville.edu
- Louisville Youth Group (LYG) The Louisville Youth Group is a community resource dedicated to providing LGBTQIA Youth ages 14 through 20 of the Louisville, Southern Indiana, and surrounding areas a safe a supportive environment.
- Religious/spiritual support can be found on campus at the Interfaith Center on campus and at the Community Empowerment Center in Louisville.
Become an Ally
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UofL PEACC Center
The PEACC Center is a violence prevention program that specifically focuses on sexual assault, intimate partner violence and stalking. Staff is available for one-on-one sessions to discuss options and resources with students, staff & faculty. The PEACC Center provides education and training programs, conduct awareness programming and act as a liaison between students, faculty & staff. PEACC LGBT Resources - Safe Zone Ally Project The university’s Safe Zone Project is a workshop designed to give faculty and staff the tools and resources they need to understand LGBT students and create a welcoming, affirming campus environment for all. This fun and informative half-day session can be tailored for any setting or group, and focuses on basic information and understanding. You don’t have to be an expert in sexuality or gender identity/expression to attend, just someone who is interested in helping all members of the campus community succeed.
- Show your support by becoming a University of Louisville Ally by visiting the Show Your Support page and signing up to be a person our LGBTQ students might be able to turn to on our campus for encouragement or support regarding issues of sexual orientation and gender identity/expression.
- National Center for Transgender Equality Supporting the Transgender People in Your Life: A Guide to Being a Good Ally. Learning to be an ally to the transgender people in your life, or to transgender people overall, is an ongoing process. Some ways to be a good ally are relatively simple and easy, while others require more time, energy, and commitment. Whether you’re looking for information on supporting a transgender person in your life or looking for tools that will help you to change the world to be better for transgender people overall, this guide can help.
- Parents, Family, and Friends of Lesbians and Gays (PFLAG): Provides a support group to the LGBTQ community and their families and friends (Louisville)
- Ways Parents/Guardians Can Influence the Health of Their LGBTQ Youth
- More research is needed to better understand the associations between parenting and the health of LGB youth. Following are selected research-based steps parents can take to support the health and well-being of their LGB teen:
- Talk and listen. Parents who talk with and listen to their teen in a way that invites an open discussion about sexual orientation can help their teen feel loved and supported. Parents should have honest conversations with their teens about sex, and about how to avoid risky behavior and unsafe or high-risk situations.
- Provide support. Parents who take time to come to terms with how they feel about their teen’s sexual orientation will be more able to respond calmly and use respectful language. Parents should develop common goals with their teen, including being healthy and doing well in school.
- Stay involved. Parents who make an effort to know their teen’s friends and know what their teen is doing can help their teen stay safe and feel cared about.
- Be proactive. Parents can access many organizations and online information resources to learn more about how they can support their LGB teen, other family members, and their teen’s friends. (Source: CDC)
- Get more information from the CDC Fact Sheet: Parents’ Influence on the Health of Lesbian, Gay, and Bisexual Teens(PDF)
- American Association of Suicidology LGBT Resources
National Resources
The Trevor Project
866-488-7386
LGBT National Help Center
888-843-4564
TransLifeline.org
877-565-8860
For more information, visit our Resource Section.