Youth's Lives Every Day
It’s a sad reality that parts of the world are hostile to sexual and gender minorities. Because of this, coming out or seeking help through certain avenues can be very dangerous. It is important to consider your own situation and cultural context before sharing your identity with others.
Finding ways to cope with difficult situations is an important tool for everyone, especially for those who have limited access to help or support. Practicing self-care, which means doing something for your own mental, physical, or emotional wellbeing, is sometimes the best thing to do. Self-care can mean playing a sport, listening to music, playing games, writing in a journal, watching TV, or creating art – whatever helps you relax, avoid stress, and promote happiness.
No matter where you live, you can access TrevorSpace, a safe and secure social networking site for LGBTQ+ young people and their allies. The Trevor Project makes sure that the only people allowed on the site are ages 13 to 24, and no hate-speech, discrimination, or bullying of any kind are allowed. Please know that visiting TrevorSpace may leave a record on your computer or browser, just like any website does after you visit it. While The Trevor Project does everything we can to ensure TrevorSpace is a safe digital community, we hope that you also take steps to avoid dangerous or unsafe situations in your own area.
Frequently Asked Questions Regarding International LGBTQ+ Support
- What The Trevor Project does is amazing, but I can’t use the Trevor Lifeline, TrevorChat, or TrevorText unless I’m in America. How can I find international suicide prevention resources?
- It is illegal to be LGBTQ in my country. Where can I find a community?
- Help! How do I get asylum to the United States for being LGBTQ?
Question 1: What The Trevor Project does is amazing, but I can’t use the Trevor Lifeline, TrevorChat, or TrevorText unless I’m in America. How can I find international suicide prevention resources?
Answer: We wish that The Trevor Project could support LGBTQ+ youth all over the world, but unfortunately that is not the case. It’s hard when countries don’t have the funding or resources for suicide prevention, or when they aren’t accepting of the LGBTQ+ community at all. The most important thing to do is stay safe, and find support where you can. Here are two great resources that include comprehensive lists of international suicide prevention resources:
Everyone deserves support and understanding. We wish you the best of luck!
Question 2: It is illegal to be LGBTQ+ in my country. Where can I find a community?
Answer: All around the world, many young LGBTQ+ people face similar fears and challenges. Growing up in a society that doesn’t accept who you are is extremely difficult, especially if there are explicit laws against LGBTQ+ people, or religious teachings that negatively target LGBTQ+ people. We hope you know that being LGBTQ+ is normal, and there is nothing wrong with you because of who you love or how you identify.
No matter where you live, you can access TrevorSpace, a safe and secure social networking site for LGBTQ+ young people and their allies. The Trevor Project makes sure that the only people allowed on the site are ages 13 to 24, and no hate-speech, discrimination, or bullying of any kind are allowed. Please know that visiting TrevorSpace may leave a record on your computer or browser, just like any website does after you visit it. While The Trevor Project does everything we can to ensure TrevorSpace is a safe digital community, we hope that you also take steps to avoid dangerous or unsafe situations in your own area. You are not alone!
We also encourage you to take a look at our international resource list at the bottom of this page. There are many helpful websites you can explore that may bring you closer to finding a community nearby.
Question 3: Help! How do I get asylum to the United States for being LGBTQ+?
Answer: We are so sorry to hear that you are in a situation where you are looking for asylum. It is brave to reach out for help with the goal of changing a terrible situation, like feeling unsafe in your own country. No one deserves to feel persecuted or attacked for who they are, and we want to acknowledge that the extreme challenges you are facing are not fair – as an LGBTQ+ person, you are normal, unique, and perfectly human. Please know that you are not alone.
Unfortunately, The Trevor Project cannot help people get asylum. For information about leaving your country and coming to the US you can visit Immigration Equality’s website.
International Suicide Hotline Resources:
Additional Resources for Supporting International LGBTQ+ Young People:
- IGLHRC (International Gay & Lesbian Human Rights Commission)
- ILGA (International Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Trans and Intersex Association)
- IGLYO (International Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Transgender, Queer Youth and Student Organisation)
- GATE (Global Action for Trans* Equality)
- ORAM (Organization for Refuge, Asylum, and Migration)
- No More Fear Foundation
- InReach, formerly AsylumConnect (online resource database for LGBTQ asylum seekers)
Through The Trevor Support Center you are able to link to other websites which are not under the control of The Trevor Project. The Trevor Project does not review or ensure the accuracy of the content on other sites.