LGBTQ+ youth crisis hotline calls jumped 700% after presidential election

A local LGBTQ+ youth suicide prevention organization saw a significant uptick in crisis calls after the winner of the presidential election was projected on Monday night.

Compared to weeks prior, West Hollywood-based nonprofit The Trevor Project reported seeing a 700% increase in calls to its hotline services on Nov. 6, the day after election night.

“In addition,” the website stated, “after analyzing the full day of post-election conversations across our classic crisis services, election-related content in convos have increased by nearly 5,200% compared to averages leading up to election day.”

The Trevor Project said it anticipates this number will be at least maintained, and potentially only increase.

“The Trevor Project wants LGBTQ+ young people to know that we are here for you, no matter the outcome of any election, and we will continue to fight for every LGBTQ+ young person to have access to safe, affirming spaces – especially during challenging times,” said CEO Jaymes Black.

The organization conducted a national survey amongst further research and reported finding that 90% of LGBTQ+ young people said their well-being was negatively impacted due to recent politics. 

“Additionally, anti-transgender state laws significantly increased incidents of past-year suicide attempts among trans and nonbinary youth by as much as 72%,” said the nonprofit.

The crisis services offered by The Trevor Project include a lifeline, chat and text outlet accessible to members of the LGBTQ+ youth community 24/7, year-round.

For more information, visit: www.thetrevorproject.org.

If you or anyone you know is struggling with mental health or thoughts of suicide, please seek immediate professional help by calling the nationwide mental health crisis hotline by dialing 9-8-8 on your phone.