Call or text these numbers if you’re struggling with mental health issues, self-harm, feelings of loneliness, questions of gender identity and sexual orientation, or anything else that’s troubling you…
For 2SLGBTQI+ individuals struggling with issues such as addiction, mental health, thoughts of suicide or self-harm, feelings of loneliness and social isolation, or questions of gender identity and sexual orientation, helplines can be a bright light in dark moments of despair, particularly for those in remote communities.
If you or someone you know needs emotional support, crisis intervention or assistance connecting to services, here are some Canadian 2SLGBTQI+ crisis resources and helplines that can help. (If these don’t fit what you’re looking for, you can search other resources and locations at the IN Directory, Canada’s national 2SLGBTQI+ community resource directory: inmagazine.ca/directory.)
Note: For emergency help – if you, or a loved one, are in immediate danger or planning to harm others – call 911 or go to the emergency room at the nearest hospital. An emergency is any situation that requires immediate assistance from the police, the fire department or an ambulance.
NATIONAL
Trans Lifeline
www.translifeline.org
Call: 1-877-330-6366
Who they support and how they help: This is a peer support phone service run by and for trans people and questioning peers. Calls to this anonymous and confidential hotline are answered by trans or non-binary peer operators who are there to listen and provide emotional support if you need someone trans to talk to, even if you’re not experiencing a crisis or are unsure you’re trans.
When they’re available: Monday through Friday, 1:00 pm to 9:00 pm ET
NATIONAL
Kids Help Phone
www.kidshelpphone.ca
Call: 1-800-668-6868
Who they support and how they help: This is a 24-hour, bilingual and anonymous phone counselling, web counselling and referral service for children and youth. Every day, professional counsellors provide support to young people across the country.
When they’re available: 24/7
NATIONAL
LGBT National Help Centre
www.lgbthotline.org
Call: 1-888-843-4564
Who they support and how they help: This service offers free and confidential peer support for 2SLGBTQ+ folks around the globe. Phone lines are for Canada and the United States only, while online chats are available from anywhere in the world.
When they’re available: Monday through Friday, 2:00 pm to 11:00 pm ET. Saturday 12:00 pm to 5:00 pm ET
NATIONAL
Crisis Services Canada
www.988.ca
Call: 1-833-456-4566
Text: 45645
Who they support and how they help: Collaboration of non-profit distress, crisis and suicide prevention service centres from across Canada.
When they’re available: 24/7
NATIONAL INDIGENOUS
Hope for Wellness
www.hopeforwellness.ca
Call: 1-855-242-3310
Who they support and how they help: Hope for Wellness is a helpline for Indigenous people across Canada. Telephone support is available in English, French, Cree and Ojibway (Anishinaabemowin). Inuktitut available upon request.
When they’re available: 24/7
BRITISH COLUMBIA
QChat
www.qchat.ca
Call: 1-855-956-1777
Text: 1-250-500-9036
Who they support and how they help: QChat is a 2SLGBTQIA+ peer support association made up of peer volunteers across British Columbia, and the organization exists to provide peer support and referral services to youth residing within the province.
When they’re available: 6:00 pm to 9:00 pm PST, all nights besides Friday
ALBERTA
Brite Line
www.briteline.ca
Call: 1-844-70-BRITE (1-844-702-7483)
Who they support and how they help: Supported in part by the Canadian Mental Health Association, Brite Line is Edmonton’s first mental health and wellness helpline serving 2SLGBTQI+ communities by providing a confidential call service for 2SLGBTQI+ individuals of all ages. Responders trained in crisis intervention listen and explore options while providing non-judgmental emotional support.
When they’re available: 24/7
ALBERTA
You Matter
www.calgaryoutlink.ca/you-matter
Call: 587-800-4121
Who they support and how they help: You Matter is a non-crisis peer support and resource line for 2SLGBTQ+ community members in Calgary, run by Calgary Outlink.
When they’re available: Monday through Thursday, 5:00 pm to 9:00 pm MDT; Saturday, 1:00 pm to 5:00 pm MDT
SASKATCHEWAN
OUTSaskatoon
www.outsaskatoon.ca/peer-support
Call: 1-306-665-1224
Who they support and how they help: This is NOT a helpline. OUTSaskatoon’s peer support is for people who need someone to talk to. People can ask questions and explore their feelings in a confidential, non-judgmental environment in the company of those who have been through similar situations and experiences.
When they’re available: Hours vary by volunteer availability
DURHAM REGION (Ontario)
Prideline Durham
www.distresscentredurham.com/gethelp/lgbtprideline
Call: 1-855-87-PRIDE (1-855-877-7433)
Who they support and how they help: Prideline Durham, operated by Distress Centres of Durham, provides emotional support, crisis intervention and community resource navigation specific to Durham Region’s 2SLGBTQI+ communities. They help 2SLGBTQI+ individuals who are experiencing suicidal thoughts, bullying, isolation or problems at work, or who are at risk of homelessness, as well as individuals questioning their gender identity or sexual orientation or seeking 2SLGBTQI+-friendly services.
When they’re available: 6:00 pm to 10:00 pm daily
ONTARIO
LGBT YouthLine
www.youthline.ca
Text: 647-694-4275
Who they support and how they help: LGBT YouthLine offers an anonymous and confidential service for 2SLGBTQI+ youth in Ontario aged 29 and under through text and chat support. HelpLine volunteers are trained peer supporters aged 16 to 19 with 2SLGBTQI+ lived experience. They help youth who are questioning their gender identity or sexual orientation, feeling lonely or socially isolated, or experiencing challenges related to coming out, mental health or family and relationships, or who need referrals to community supports and social services.
When they’re available: Sunday to Friday from 4:00 pm to 9:30 pm for text and chat support. Chat support can be accessed by clicking the chat button at the top of their website.
QUEBEC
Interligne
www.interligne.co
Call or text: 514-866-0103
Who they support and how they help: In Quebec, Interligne’s 24-hour helpline and information services offer support to 2SLGBTQ+ people and their loved ones.
When they’re available: 24/7
QUEBEC
Aide aux trans du Quebec
www.aideauxtrans.com
Call: 1-855-909-9038
Who they support and how they help: Aide aux trans du Quebec is a crisis and emotional support line for transgender folks living in Quebec.
When they’re available: 24/7
PRINCE EDWARD ISLAND
Mental Health and Addictions Phone Line
www.princeedwardisland.ca/en/information/health-pei/mental-health-and-addictions-services
Call: 1-833-553-6983
Who they support and how they help: Prince Edward Island’s mental health and addictions helpline offers help from trained mental health professionals to everyone, including the queer community.
When they’re available: 24/7
NEWFOUNDLAND AND LABRADOR
2SLGBTQIA+ Warm Line
www.plannedparenthoodnlshc.com/warmline.html
Call or text: 1-866-230-8041
Who they support and how they help: Planned Parenthood NL’s 2SLGBTQIA+ Warm Line is a peer support service run by and for 2SLGBTQIA+ people in Newfoundland and Labrador.
When they’re available: Every Wednesday, Thursday, Friday, Saturday and Sunday: 6 pm to 10 pm
For more information about 2SLGBTQI+ crisis resources and helplines, and other 2SLGBTQI+ programs, services and supports, visit the IN Directory, Canada’s national 2SLGBTQI+ community resource directory: inmagazine.ca/directory.
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