Experiencing sexuality and gender identity issues

Struggling with sexuality or gender identity can be stressful for anyone. Worrying about whether your family members, friends or community will understand and accept you can make it more challenging. Fortunately, there are many resources available to help navigate the journey while taking care of yourself and your mental health.

Learn

Questioning your sexual orientation or gender identity can feel confusing and lonely, but you’re never alone. There are many resources online to learn more and hear stories from others who’ve gone through similar experiences.

The Trevor Project’s Resources

The Trevor Project’s online resource center covers many issues related to sexuality and gender identity including coming out, discrimination, sexual health and relationships.

The Basics

This video from True Colors United explains the difference between sexual orientation, gender identity and gender expression.

Gender Identity Terms

The Trevor Project explains some key terms related to gender identity that we should all know and understand.

Exploring Coming Out

It’s an important moment at any age, and it can also be a difficult one. The Trevor Project has a Coming Out Handbook that LGBTQ+ young people can use to explore what coming out safely means for them.

Act

Exploring your sexual orientation or gender identity, or trying to support a friend who’s struggling with this process, can feel lonely and overwhelming. Here are some actions you can take to help yourself or someone you love.

  • Breathe

    Headspace shares this quick 1-minute meditation exercise to help calm your mind and body so you can focus on next steps.

  • Reach Out

    GLAAD has put together a list of organizations that can help anyone who is questioning their sexual orientation or gender identity.

  • Offer Support

    Use these tips to support a friend questioning their sexuality or gender identity.

Connect

If struggles related to sexuality or gender are interfering with your ability to get things done, your relationships or overall quality of life, it’s important to reach out for support. These resources are a good place to start.

When contacting a resource below, any information you provide will be collected and used by that resource, subject to its end user terms and conditions and privacy policy. Please contact the applicable resource if you would like more information.
Resource Type Contact
Trans Lifeline

A free peer support phone service run by trans people for the trans community, that operates from 10am to 5am EST.

Call Line 877-565-8860
The Trevor Project

A safe, judgement free support service for LGBTQ and questioning youth who are struggling or thinking about suicide. Available 24/7.

 Website Visit website
Crisis Text Line

Have a free, confidential chat with a trained counselor. Available 24/7.

 Text Line Text ACTION to 741-741
National Queer and Trans Therapists of Color Network (NQTTCN)

NQTTCN works to increase access to healing resources for QTPOC.

Website Visit website
Inclusive Therapists

Inclusive Therapists offers a safer, simpler way to find a culturally responsive, social justice-oriented therapist.

 Website Visit website
ADAA Therapist Search

A tool to help find local mental health services, including teletherapy options.

Website Visit website
Outside the U.S.? Find a Helpline

Free emotional support, wherever you are.

 Website Visit website