June 22, 2023 | By Sophia Goulette
June is Pride Month, and Copper Shores Community Support & Outreach (formerly known as Dial Help) is sharing information on resources available for the LGBTQ+ community. This population experiences higher-than-average rates suicide, often related to bullying, discrimination and violence. A recent Gallup poll found that 7.1% of American adults identify as LGBTQ+.
“We especially want to make sure LGBTQ+ youth have access to resources that take their unique needs into consideration,” said Lisa Simpson, Prevention Coordinator. “Pride Month is important because there are still kids out there who think they’re better off dead than being themselves.”
Local resources include:
· UP Rainbow Pride – https://www.uprainbowpride.org/
· Keweenaw Pride – https://www.facebook.com/keweenaw.pride
· Keweenaw Queers – @keweenawqueers on Instagram
· PFLAG Keweenaw – https://pflag.org/chapter/keweenaw/
National resources include:
· The Trevor Project, a talk/text/chat hotline for LGBTQ+ youth – Call 866-488-7386 or visit www.thetrevorproject.org
· Sage, a hotline for LGBTQ+ elders – Call 877-360-LGBT(5428) or visit www.sageusa.org
· Trans Lifeline, a peer support hotline – Call 877-565-8860 or visit www.translifeline.org
Other general resources that might be helpful include:
· National Human Trafficking Hotline – Call 888-373-7888 or text 233733
· State of Michigan Domestic Violence Hotline – Call 866-864-2338 or text 877-861-0222
· State of Michigan Sexual Assault Hotline – Call 855-864-2374 or text 866-238-1454
For the first time ever, the Human Rights Campaign has declared a “State of Emergency” for LGBTQ+ Americans; they have created a safety guidebook available at www.hrc.org/. To any LGBTQ+ individuals reading this, especially youth, we want you to know: We are here for you. You deserve support and joy. You can find more resources for mental health and other concerns at www.dialhelp.org/resources.