At this point in your life, self-discovery is the most prominent yet the most difficult aspect of your life. Wondering what your sexuality or gender identity is may be one of the most normal thoughts to have. You're not weird for questioning whether or not you're straight, cisgender, or anything in between.

In the previous chapters I have defined several sexualities as well as several gender identities. If you identified strongly with any one of them (maybe even more than one, that's perfectly fine, too!), then maybe you should start looking in deeper what it means to be whatever you related to.

The important thing to remember is that your sexuality or gender identity is nothing to be ashamed of and that it's certainly nothing to have to hate, loathe or fear. As I've said, if your family is not accepting of the LGBT it's probably not a good idea to come out to them. However, if you think you can convince them to accept you, it is worth a shot. No parent should abuse, neglect or disown a child because of their sexuality or gender, but unfortunately it is a reality LGBT teens have to face.

Thankfully, there are people willing to help you through counseling. We are always available for counseling through PM.

Additionally, there are hotlines for LGBT teens that you can call for free at any time, and 100% confidentially. There are also numbers you can call if you have been disowned, bullied, or abused by a parental figure for your sexuality. If you need their assistance, their numbers are included below.

US HELPLINES AND RESOURCES

GAY, LESBIAN, BISEXUAL AND TRANSGENDER HOTLINE: 1-888-843-4564

Email:

The GLBT national hotline provides telephone, online private one-on-one chat and email peer-support, as well as factual information and local resources for cities and towns across the United States. All of their services are free and confidential. They will speak to callers of ALL ages about coming-out issues, relationship concerns, bullying, workplace issues, HIV/AIDS anxiety and more. They maintain the largest resource database of its kind in the world, including information on social and support groups, as well as gay-friendly religious organizations, sports leagues, student groups and more.

HOURS: Monday through Friday from 1 PM to 9PM, pacific time / Monday through Friday from 4 PM to midnight, eastern time. Saturday from 9 AM to 2 PM, pacific time / Saturday from noon to 5 PM, eastern time.

THE TREVOR PROJECT LIFELINE: 866-488-7386

The Trevor Project offers several means of free and confidential LGBT teen suicide and depression support (although the support is not limited to depression or suicidal thoughts). Their call hotline is open all day from midnight to noon, seven days a week. They have hired, trained and friendly professionals willing to help their callers. They also offer a text support, peer support and FAQ support.

To learn more, visit thetrevorproject.org

THE NATIONAL SUICIDE PREVENTION LIFELINE: 1-800-273-8255

Offers free and confidential support for suicide prevention for all ages.

YOUTH TALKLINE: 1-800-246-7743

Private support for LGBT youth.

OTHER WEBSITES:

glccb.org - offers many different hotlines for various issues regarding LGBTQ teens, most of which are open 24/7, all are free and confidential.

itgetsbetter.org - offers 24/7 support for LGBT teens in serious crisis or in need of immediate support. Also lists several numbers to call if the situation is not urgent.

crisischat.org - provides a hotline and chat for LGBTQ kids, teens and young adults.

UK  HELPLINES AND RESOURCES

Childline:
0800-1111

This helpline offers support and advice for anyone under 18. To learn more, visit childline.org.uk

Samaritans:
116-123

This number will only work in Ireland and England. The call is free. To learn more, visit samaritans.org

0300-330-0630 is the standard LGBTQ helpline for support. They receive calls from 10am-10pm, and their website (www.switchboard.lgbt) offers a messaging service at the stated times.

Thanks to @Bxtching_Queen for the UK numbers!

Always remember that there are people supporting you, whether in real life or through trained professionals on support hotlines. As always, we are willing to give you counseling.

Love,

The LGBTQ+ Youth Awareness Support Group