Notice changes
Pay attention to hopelessness, withdrawal, major mood changes, self-harm talk, or increased substance use.
Support • Safety • Connection
LGBTQ+ Youth Wellness Hub
A welcoming starting point created for LGBTQ+ and questioning young people looking for help with identity, school, relationships, mental health, safety, and finding community.
Support is available right now
You do not need to wait until a situation feels unbearable. If one option does not feel right, try another or reach out to a trusted adult.
- 988 Lifeline: Call or text 988, available 24/7
- Connecticut 211: Dial 211 for local services, available 24/7
- LGBT National Youth Talkline: 800-246-7743; Monday–Friday 2–11 p.m. Eastern and Saturday noon–5 p.m. Eastern
- Kids in Crisis: 203-661-1911, 24-hour Connecticut helpline
Mental health and everyday wellness
Stress can grow when someone faces rejection, bullying, discrimination, isolation, or pressure to hide who they are. Support and connection can make a difference.
Tell someone
Reach out to a trusted adult, counselor, health provider, coach, family member, or affirming friend.
Stay connected
Make time for people and spaces where you feel respected, supported, and able to be yourself.
Use healthy coping
Try movement, music, art, journaling, rest, time outside, routines, or another activity that helps you reset.
If someone talks about suicide or self-harm: take it seriously, stay with them when it is safe to do so, involve a trusted adult, and call or text 988. Call 911 when there is immediate danger.
Resources for young people
Choose what fits what you are dealing with right now. These links lead to established youth programs, official information, and confidential support.
Identity and coming out
Explore identity, pronouns, and coming out at your own pace. You decide whether, when, and with whom you share.
School, bullying, and rights
Get help responding to harassment, finding an affirming adult, or making your school safer and more supportive.
Dating, consent, and safety
Learn what healthy relationships look like and get confidential help if someone is controlling, threatening, or hurting you.
Health questions
Find affirming information and Connecticut care for physical health, sexual health, mental health, and gender-related questions.
Mental health and coping
If anxiety, depression, family stress, or substance use feels hard to manage, you deserve support without judgment.
Meet other young people
Find welcoming Connecticut groups where young people can connect, talk, create, and spend time together.
Supporting a friend
- Listen without judging or pushing for details.
- Use the name and pronouns they ask you to use.
- Do not share someone’s identity without permission.
- Help connect them with a trusted adult or professional.
Protect your privacy online
- Avoid sharing your address, school, schedule, or live location.
- Block and report threats, harassment, or pressure.
- Save evidence if it is safe to do so.
- Tell a trusted adult when an online situation feels unsafe.