National Suicide Prevention Week is an annual week-long campaign created to inform and engage the public on suicide prevention and warning signs, as well as offer support to those who have attempted suicide and live with suicide ideation. Surrounding World Suicide Prevention Day, which was on September 10, this week brings together people and organizations that promote suicide prevention and awareness by sharing important stories and resources, all while aiming to break the stigma around the topic by encouraging the pursuit of mental health assistance.
According to the Trevor Project, suicide is the second leading cause of death among young people ages 10 to 24, and lesbian, gay, and bisexual youth are almost five times more likely to attempt suicide than their heterosexual peers. Also, the Human Rights Campaign’s annual 2018 LGBTQ Youth Report shows that about 77 percent of LGBTQ youth surveyed in that week felt down or depressed.
Many LGBTQ+ people experience harassment, family and peer rejection, and isolation, but these experiences are further exacerbated for queer women (especially queer/trans women of color) who regularly encounter sexual harassment, assault, and gender-based violence, and who often lack important safe spaces and resources because of their unique circumstances and social location. As a result, many LGBTQ+ women are disproportionately at-risk for chronic mental health struggles and suicidal ideation.
So, in recognition of National Suicide Prevention Month (September) and National Suicide Prevention Week (September 8-14), here are some resources available at little to no cost for New York City-based LGBTQ+ women:
1. Callen-Lorde Community Health Center
Known as the “global leader in LGBTQ healthcare,” the Callen-Lorde Center provides primary and sexual health care to women and transgender people, along with STD testing and treatment, sex-positive counseling, and a variety of mental health services, among many others. Its main 18th Street location has its own pharmacy and a health outreach program for teens (called HOTT) that is, according to its website, “designed specifically to meet the medical and mental health needs of LGBTQ adolescents and young adults ages 13 to 24, including homeless and unstably housed youth.”
Everyone is accepted, regardless of their ability to pay. All three locations, including one in the Bronx, accept multiple insurances, including Medicaid, and provide services on a sliding scale fee to those who are uninsured.
Callen-Lorde: 356 West 18th Street / 212-271-7200
Callen-Lorde Bronx: 3144 3rd Avenue / 718-215-1800
Thea Spyer Center: 230 West 17th Street / 212-271-7200
2. The Center
The Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, and Transgender Community Center, known synonymously as The Center, is an organization focused on empowering LGBT members to lead healthy and successful lives. It offers health and wellness programs, livelihood and stability assistance (focused primarily on women, the transgender community, and LGBT youth), and much more. The Center hosts an array of events and activities every day that allow members to foster creativity, connect with the community, and learn of available services throughout New York.
If you’re looking for support, an abundance of resources, or an LGBT-friendly safe space in downtown Manhattan, The Center is a good place to start.
The Center: 208 West 13th Street / 212-620-7310 / Monday – Saturday: 9 a.m. – 10 p.m. / Sunday: 9 a.m. – 9 p.m.
Identity House is a unique resource in that it’s an all-volunteer organization of LGBT people in New York City. Every Thursday, Saturday, and Sunday night, this non-profit center provides peer counseling and referral services for the LGBTQ community. According to its website, the peer counselors, unlike some kinds of therapists, “have the opportunity to share as equals” about their “personal experience so that the client knows there are others who have been through a similar situation.” In instances where someone needs additional support, Identity House offers three kinds of referrals: (1) therapist referrals; (2) short-term counseling; and (3) theme-centered groups. Theme-centered groups usually meet for eight weeks and are focused on sexual orientation, gender identity, and relationships, but new topics are frequently added based on interest. Past groups include bisexual and pansexual support, gender exploration, and transgender/nonbinary support.
No appointments are needed. Donations are accepted, but not required. No one is turned away for financial hardship.
Saturdays & Sundays: 208 W 13 St (The Center) / 6-8 p.m.
Thursdays: 41-51 E 11th Street (4th Floor) / 6:30-8:30 p.m.
The Trevor Project is a non-profit organization that provides suicide prevention support for young LGBTQ people. Founded in 1998, this nation-wide project aims to “end suicide among LGBTQ youth” by offering crisis services, life-affirming resources, education, and advocacy. Its Trevor Lifeline is the only 24-hour crisis and suicide prevention helpline for LGBTQ youth in the United States. Along with its free and confidential number and chatting services, the Trevor Project website provides easy access to suicide prevention training, volunteer opportunities, current LGBTQ research, and other helpful resources.
Some of its other life-saving resources include TrevorChat, a 24/7 confidential instant messaging service, and TrevorSpace, “an affirming international community for LGBTQ young people ages 13 to 24.”
Other important LGBTQ+ online resources, New York-based organizations, or safe spaces include:
- It Gets Better, a non-profit created to “uplift, empower, and connect” LGBTQ youth.
- Audre Lorde Project, a Brooklyn-based organization for LBGT people of color focused on community organizing and progressive nonviolent activism.
- The Door, an organization that aims to empower young people through comprehensive development services.
If you or someone you know may be at risk of suicide or is need of immediate help, please contact the National Suicide Prevention Hotline at 1-800-273-8255, or the Trevor Lifeline at 866-488-7386.
Top photo via Unsplash / Toimetaja Tõlkebüroo
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