TOOLKIT: Starting Advocacy at your GSA

MENTAL HEALTH RESOURCES

Crisis:

Trans Lifeline: A grassroots hotline offering direct emotional and financial support to trans people in crisis – for the trans community, by the trans community.
Emergence Health: El Paso’s trauma-informed mental health crises and emergency services

Texas Youth Helpline: The Texas Youth Helpline is answered 24 hours a day, seven days a week. They can also be reached 24/7 via chat, and by texting

Counseling, gathering, and peer support:

Virtual/ app

imi was created through a collaboration of LGBTQ+ organizations, and hundreds of LGBTQ+ young people from across the country – it’s a tool for LGBTQ+ teens, by LGBTQ+ teens and their allies to help you explore your identity and support your mental health.

QChat Space: Find and give support, have fun, connect around shared interests and get good information. Chat with like-minded peers in live chats designed for you & by you, facilitated by folks who care.

In person/ hybrid virtual

Queer and Trans Wellness Check-In by Out Youth: A check-in is a brief opportunity (30 - 60 minute or less) to talk about your experiences during this time. It can be an opportunity to “vent” and talk about your new reality and its challenges. It can also be an opportunity to learn some concrete coping strategies you can immediately implement to deal with your situation.
- Check out more resources at Out Youth’s Resource Guide
Hatch Youth at Montrose Center: Located in Houston, offering in person youth social drop-in services.
Pride Center West Texas: Located in Odessa, Pride Center of West Texas holds youth group meetings, parenting support, and more.
Borderland Rainbow Center: Located in El Paso, BRC holds weekly peer support groups, has counseling services, and more.
Fiesta Youth: San Antonio’s dedicated LGBTQIA+ youth programming holding teen and young adult events.
Pride Center SA: San Antonio’s center for empowering the LGBTQIA+ community.