Help for LGBTQIA
For people who identify as LGBTQIA (Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Transgender, Queer/Questioning, Intersex, and Asexual), living a life of recovery from mental illness, substance use disorder, or other issues can come with unique challenges and opportunities.
Homelessness among LGBTQIA Youth
LGBTQIA people deal with many challenges that can threaten their ability to thrive, such as social stigma, discrimination, and often rejection by their families and places of worship. Some families even turn their LGBTQIA young people into the street, leaving them homeless and nowhere to turn. Homeless LGBTQIA individuals can have difficulty finding accepting and affirming shelters and are at an increased risk for violence, abuse and exploitation. Transgender individuals are at an exponentially higher risk of physical risk and even more likely to be turned away.
Despite the challenges of finding a safe haven, help is available. In Nashville, Launchpad provides shelter for young people, ages 18-24, experiencing homelessness, with an emphasis on providing open and affirming spaces for LGBTQ youth. In Memphis, the Metamorphosis Project seeks to provide stable housing and service to homeless and at-risk LGBTQ young people.
Crisis Resources
THE TREVOR PROJECT – 1-866-488-7386
Founded in 1998 by the creators of the Academy Award®-winning short film TREVOR, The Trevor Project is the leading national organization providing crisis intervention and suicide prevention services to lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, queer & questioning (LGBTQ) young people under 25.
Trans Lifeline – 877-565-8860
A Trans-led organization that connects trans people to the community, support, and resources they need to survive and thrive.
We Are One Recovery- 615-962-2528
We Are One Recovery offers permanent housing solutions with holistic recovery services for mental health and addiction, serving LGBTQ+ individuals and allies ages 18 and up. They are the only LGBTQ+-focused housing program in Tennessee dedicated to clinical and peer-supported recovery. Referrals are accepted from across the state.