Mobile apps make life easier. Messaging, shopping, productivity – it’s hard to imagine life today without them. 1.4 million new apps are released each year on the Apple Store and Google Play, and it is estimated that 98% of American adults own a mobile phone. These are some of the best mobile apps for transgender people in 2026.
Mobile applications are software designed for devices such as cell phones, smartwatches, and tablets. Most apps are downloaded via the Apple App Store or Google Play Store, but you can get them anywhere on the internet.
Every app is different. Some are communication-based, like Facebook, Instagram, and Snapchat. Others help with money, like CashApp and Rocket Money. Even cities make apps to help folks navigate their public transit – like New York’s MTA and Chicago’s Ventra.
Reddit: Find Your Community
Reddit is a forum-based social media platform that hosts thousands of subreddits. Each subreddit is distinct; some are for news, others are for advice, and plenty are for memes.
If I had to pick one social media app to recommend to trans people, it would be Reddit. Discord would be a close second.
Always practice internet safety. Reddit is anonymous if you want it to be. Subreddit moderation varies drastically, so some places may be high-quality, and others can be triggering.
Most mainstream dating apps are trans-inclusive, allowing you to specify your gender identity and chosen pronouns in your profile. Out of the most popular dating apps, Taimi, Her, and OkCupid are my top picks.
Taimi: LGBTQ+ Community and Dating
Taimi has been around since 2017, originally branded as another app for queer men like Grindr until its rebrand in 2019. Today, Taimi is THE LGBTQIA+ dating app. On the corporate side, Taimi has partnered with various pride events and political campaigns to increase visibility on the harms of anti-queer laws.
The main drawbacks of Taimi revolve around its freemium structure. All major dating apps are freemium, but Taimi can be a bit excessive in trying to sell itself compared to its competitors. Taimi also has a LOT of user interface clutter and notifications.
Her: Queer Social Networking and Dating
Her was released in 2015 as a dating app for queer women. It’s the sapphic app, designed for lesbian, queer, bisexual, and women-loving women. Her was originally designed in 2013 as “Dattch” to be the lesbian version of Grindr – until Her, lesbian dating sites didn’t cater to actual lesbian experiences.
The app is also designed for nonbinary individuals, transgender men, and transgender women. Her also doubles as a general social media platform, providing users the ability to network events and groups. Unlike IRL lesbian spaces, Her prides itself on active moderation to prevent transphobia on its site.
Like Taimi, success with Her varies with location. Rural areas beyond major cities are deserts, made worse by the fact that Her has fewer regular users than Taimi. Despite moderation, Her struggles with bots and scam accounts like Grindr.
OkCupid: Mainstream but Trans-Inclusive
OkCupid has been around for a long time – since 2004, to be exact. It’s owned by the same company that controls Tinder, Hinge, and Plenty of Fish. Compared to other dating apps, OkCupid has a slow pace and uses questionnaires to match users based on values and interests. That pace puts off people who just want to swipe – but that’s part of why OkCupid is a great mainstream alternative for trans people.
OkCupid has been actively trans-inclusive since 2014 and was the first major dating app to expand gender and sexuality options. In 2014, the site had 22 gender options and 13 sexual orientations to choose from – and they’ve only expanded from there.
Since OkCupid is a general dating app, you’ll come across lots of non-LGBTQIA+ folks. However, OkCupid’s design means you’ll be introduced to more people (even in rural areas) who are trans-friendly.
Stay Safe: Location Sharing and Emergency Apps
Digital safety is important. Don’t give out your location or personal data without thinking, and take this section with a grain of salt. That being said, it is worth considering sharing your physical location with your immediate loved ones.
Life360 is the most popular GPS safety app in the United States. Out of the box, it provides free location-sharing and other useful features – like alerting others when you arrive or leave a designated location, notifying your group when its AI detects you got in a car crash, and the ability to send SOS alerts.
Life360 is considered well-protected from hackers due to its encryption. Like all location-sharing apps, there are legitimate privacy concerns, and Life360 has come under fire before for selling user data. The app primarily sells data to third-party data brokers for targeted advertising and analytics.
Covert Alert is a voice-activated location-sharing app. The app is entirely hands-free and is triggered by user-chosen keywords to enter “Protection Mode.” From there, Covert Alert will notify your loved ones of your immediate location and what kind of emergency you’re experiencing based on your keyword.
The free version allows you to choose up to five individuals in your emergency contact list and records up to fifteen minutes during emergencies. Protection Mode is activated regardless of whether your phone is unlocked – as long as the app is installed, enabled, and can hear you, it’ll work.
Most of the time, Covert Alert isn’t tracking your location – it only pings your location during Protection Mode. However, it IS always listening. Officially, Covert Alert states that personal data is never collected. As of the time of this article, Covert Alert has publicly kept up with that promise, and there are no known reports of Covert Alert violating user privacy.
Circle of 6: Quick Support from Trusted Contacts
Circle of 6 was originally designed to combat sexual violence on college campuses, but it’s used by all demographics today. Users are able to connect with up to six trusted individuals within the app. Functionally, it’s similar to Life360 but comes with a few different features, like:
Call Me: Request your Circle to call you ASAP to get you out of an uncomfortable situation.
Come Get Me: Send your GPS location to your Circle for a ride.
I Need to Talk: Indicates to your Circle that you need social support.
The main downside to Circle of 6 is that it’s less emergency-based. It’s great for helping de-escalate crises, but there are specific scenarios where Life360’s constant tracking or Covert Alert’s voice activation are better.
Google Maps: Built-In Location Sharing
If all else fails and you aren’t concerned about location privacy, Google Maps allows you to share your location constantly with others via a copy-and-paste link. The link will share your location as long as you set it – whether that’s for the next hour or indefinitely. You can also shut off your location link at any time.
To find this option:
Open Google Maps on your cell phone.
Click your profile in the upper right corner.
Find “Location Sharing.” It should be on the same page as “Manage your Google Account,” “Your Profile,” and other shortcuts.
Click “Share Location.”
Choose how long you want to share your location.
Choose how you want to share your link. It’s a URL, so you can copy it to your clipboard or export it to any app.
Out of all of the location apps, Google is the largest. They’ve faced the most criticism for selling data and privacy concerns. While Google doesn’t require you to use your government name, your profile can still be traced.
REFUGE Restrooms: Find a Trans-Inclusive Space
Public restrooms suck. REFUGE Restrooms is a location-based database that lists transgender-friendly restrooms. It’s based on user submissions as well as the old Safe2Pee database.
REFUGE becomes more useful when more people use it. If you live in a rural area, there may not be a ton of listings – but you and your friends can change that. And since the app lets users rate and comment on listings, you can trust they’re legitimate.
There are a lot of self-care apps out there, but Finch is probably my favorite. Unlike other self-care apps, all of the important stuff is free and gamifies habits with a virtual pet.
At its core, Finch provides breathing and grounding exercises, journaling, mood tracking, and plenty of reminders. Finch also allows customized goals and reminders – so you can use the app to remind you to take a binder break or take your HRT.
If you need reminders but don’t like the self-care aspect, I’m currently using TickTick and Google Calendar. I’ve bounced around from various productivity apps, like Notion, Obsidian, To Do, Google Tasks, Evernote, and Habitica. Use what works for you.
Binder users might like Binder Reminder, an Android app that sends periodic reminders to take breaks. Unfortunately, like most small trans apps, it was abandoned in 2019 – so your devices may not be compatible with its outdated software.
Everywhere Is Queer: Support Transgender Businesses
Everywhere Is Queer is another database app that allows users to find LGBTQIA+ spaces. Its focus is queer businesses to help people shop smarter within their communities. Unlike REFUGE, EIQ is app-only, so you have to download either their Android or Apple software to use the map.
Like REFUGE, Everywhere Is Queer is user-managed, so the app becomes exponentially more useful when there are more people around you using it.
Keeping Memories & Transgender Archives
Throughout the years, there have been multiple projects to create a solid space for transgender people to collectively track their transitions. Unfortunately, none of those projects lasted – but if one proves me wrong, I’ll happily add it here.
Transcapsule
Transcapsule was everywhere a few years ago. Its developers promised to create an app by transgender people for transgender people, allowing them to document their transitions with photo uploads.
Transcapsule also claimed it would use data to further trans-specific research – although this wasn’t well-elaborated on. Data was meant to be completely anonymized and shared with disclosed partners vetted by the app.
Its Indiegogo crowdfunder managed to raise its full goal of $4,075, but there haven’t been any updates on the project since a dev post in 2022. The website linked on Transcapsule’s Facebook page and Indiegogo listing automatically downloads some piece of software and doesn’t actually take you anywhere meaningful.
MyTransHealth
Designed as a healthcare database, MyTransHealth sought to link transgender people with affirming providers. The page’s last update was in 2019, and the linked website doesn’t work. Today, better resources exist, like the LGBTQ+ Healthcare Directory and OutList.
Solace was developed to help transgender individuals navigate transitioning. It can be confusing when you don’t know where to start or what options are available – so Solace hoped to bring people curated information for their convenience.
The app hosts relevant news, reminders, transition tracking, and verified information on gender transitions. Solace was last updated in 2022 and works on Android versions 7.0 and up.
Genderfluent
There are plenty of voice-training apps that advise users how to speak in a more masculine or feminine pitch. Genderfluid is one option and doubles as a milestone tracker since you can see progress over time.
Use any voice training app with caution since their software isn’t always great at assessing how voices get gendered IRL.
r/transvoice recommends Vocaroo, a website that allows you to record your voice from any internet browser. In general, check out r/transvoice for good resources and tips on voice training.
Trans Memo
At its core, Trans Memo is an HRT management app. It sends out regular reminders to take medication based on type. Trans Memo even tracks what side injections should be done on, since HRT injections need to rotate to avoid scar tissue buildup.
Trans Memo also tracks medication refills to remind users how much of their HRT is left before needing to go back to the pharmacy. Unlike other apps on this list, Trans Memo is still being updated – its last update was April 9th, 2026.
Know any worthwhile apps that could help trans folks? Share your thoughts and comment them!
Looking for more recommendations?
Browse Trans Solidarity Project’s guides, or check out these posts:
Technically speaking, the American LGBTQ+ Museum does not exist. Yet. Planning for a national LGBTQIA+ history museum began in 2017 and has been under construction over the past five years. Ultimately, it hopes to host hundreds of thousands of visitors throughout 4,000 square feet of physical space, combined with virtual exhibitions, in New York City.
The American LGBTQ+ Museum is currently on track to officially open to the public in 2027.
The ArQuives
Although the ArQuives are Canadian, their online collection is extensive enough that it deserves to be included. Originally founded in 1973 as the Canadian Gay Liberation Movement Archives, it preserves thousands of books, diaries, portraits, zines, press clippings, videos, posters, cassettes, buttons, flags, T-shirts, and other items of note.
Digital Transgender Archives
The DTA uses material from more than sixty international colleges, universities, nonprofit organizations, and private collections to serve as the world’s largest transgender library. The site works similarly to the Internet Archive and is completely free for individuals to use.
DTA hosts born-digital materials, digitized records, and non-digital archives. Its collection is curated from content before 2000, so post-2000 materials are not hosted through the DTA.
DID YOU KNOW?
LGBTQIA+ people have existed everywhere, which means every city has the potential to have a local LGBTQIA+ museum, such as St. Louis, San Diego, and Boston. Search what resources that are close to you to learn more about local queer history!
If your area does not have any related institutions, you have the power to create your own. Queer history is tomorrow, yesterday – and today.
Gerber/Hart LGBTQ+ Library & Archives
Based in Chicago, Gerber/Hart is one of the largest LGBTQIA+ libraries in the United States and houses 14,000 volumes and 800 periodicals. Unlike other notable museums, like the GLBT Historical Society, Gerber/Hart boasts an impressive online collection and exhibits for online users to browse.
GLBT Historical Society
Even though the GLBT Historical Society hosts a smaller collection than some of its colleagues, it is the second full-scale stand-alone museum in the world and is one of the few American LGBTQIA+ archives that hosts paid staff to produce exhibitions, programming, and research.
Interference Archive
Okay, the Interference Archive isn’t necessarily queer. It’s a volunteer-run library centered on social movements, which includes the history of LGBTQIA+ equality. Activism and social justice produce unique memorabilia to sway the general public, and thus the Interference Archive is filled with posters, zines, buttons, and materials used by activists to change the world.
Leather Archives & Museum
LA&M is the leading institution preserving queer erotica and has been preserving kink and fetish history since 1991. It was originally established in response to the AIDS crisis due to the inherent kink associated with LGBTQIA+ people decades ago. Without the LA&M, history from leather and fetish communities would have been lost, intentionally suppressed, or discarded.
The LA&M is open to the general public, and its collection is available to view online. However, due to the nature of its material, users must be at least 18 years old to view online collections or visit the LA&M.
After robbing and inflicting immense pain on Matthew due to being gay, hits murderers tied him to a split-rail fence and left him to die. His murder, as well as the murders of James Byrd Jr. and Brandon Teena, received international attention as the public called for greater legal protection for minorities.
Lesbian Herstory Archives
Also based in New York City, the Lesbian Herstory Archives is both a community center and a library to preserve lesbian history. In their own words, the Lesbian Herstory Archives aims to protect “history that has always included, and continues to include, lesbian women, butches, femmes, cross dressers, passing women, and those who are trans, two spirited, same-gender-loving, as well as others, all of whom at times were, and still can be, made to feel unwelcome in the world by others, sometimes even by other Lesbians.”
The downside to the Lesbian Herstory Archives is that just part of their collection is digitized, so individuals will only be able to view a small proportion of the museum. The Archives have been around since 1974 and are considered the world’s largest collection of lesbian material, but they only recently began digitizing items.
LGBTQ National History Archives
The United States National Archives exists to preserve and provide public access to notable records created throughout US history. Most individuals seek the National Archives for data on family genealogy, military services, and documentation regarding previous laws, voting records, and budgets. For the majority of Americans, the National Archives are boring but necessary to ensure the federal government is relatively accountable and transparent.
The National Archives has a dedicated department for LGBTQIA+ records. Many of the National Archives’ items have been digitized for users to browse online, but hundreds of thousands of items are available online to view in person.
It is critical to consider the impact of current politics on the preservation of history. While most administrations have valued the importance of the National Archives regardless of political affiliation, that does not mean current or future parties won’t attempt to corrupt its data’s integrity.
While other LGBTQIA+ archives work to preserve general and region-specific history, the LGBTQ-RAN encourages the study and preservation of LGBTQIA+ religious works. Its collection is entirely virtual and spans various denominations of Christianity, Judaism, Wicca, Hinduism, Buddhism, Islam, and Native American spirituality.
Library of Congress
In addition to the National Archives, the general public has access to the Library of Congress. The LOC also serves as the federal research service for Congress and operates the United States Copyright Office.
As one of the largest libraries in the world, the LOC contains 173 million items and 14 petabytes of content from around the globe. Although the Library of Congress employs federal employees, its staff are not tied to any given administration and aim to contain as much knowledge as possible without discrimination.
The ONE Archives stems from the ONE Institute, the oldest active LGBTQIA+ organization in the country. ONE was created from the Mattachine Society in 1952 to help publish the United States’ first national gay periodical as ONE Magazine.
Given the fact that the ONE Archives descend from ONE Magazine, it makes sense that the organization values the preservation of queer history. It contains over 2 million items in its collection, ranging from books and films to photographs and buttons.
When Bayard is mentioned, it’s rarely discussed that Bayard was a gay Black man. In reality, this is why few people know him – Bayard was advised by his fellow civil rights advocates to lead from behind the scenes since his gay identity could possibly bring criticism to the community. Even today in places like the National Civil Rights Museum, Bayard’s identity is still enveloped in whispers.
Queer Zine Archive Project
Zines have a unique place in LGBTQIA+ history, allowing queer and punk activists a new medium to represent their ideas. QZAP was founded in 2003 to provide universal online access to preserved zines as another “living history” of larger queer culture.
Smithsonian Institute
Although there are larger museums, the Smithsonian plays a critical role as the federal authority on education and research. Prior to 1967, the Smithsonian was known as the United States National Museum – and today, the organization holds 157 items across 21 museums, 21 libraries, 14 education centers, various historical landmarks, and a zoo.
The Smithsonian also contains items related to LGBTQIA+ history, which is why it’s worth checking out when diving deeper into queer studies. However, compared to other federal entities, the Smithsonian has been the most directly targeted by political administrations to change and fit alternate agendas.
The Stonewall Inn and its associated riots occurred in New York City. The Stonewall National Museum, Archives & Library, on the other hand, is based in Fort Lauderdale, Florida. While it boasts an impressive digital collection, the Stonewall Museum, Archives & Library is most famous for its detailed LGBTQIA+ History Timeline, known as In Plain Sight.
The Center’s Archives
The Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, & Transgender Community Center of New York City (also known as The Center) is arguably the largest LGBTQIA+ community center in the United States. The Center has been the starting point for many other important agencies, such as GLAAD and ACT UP, and hosts its own library archive.
Transgender Oral History Project
Originally, the Transgender Oral History Project was a documentary series meant to compile the experiences of transgender communities across the United States. The project behind the Transgender Oral History Project donated its items to the University of Minnesota so they could focus on their current project, “America in Transition.”
In addition to Halloween, October serves as LGBTQIA+ History Month. It’s been observed since 1994, when Missouri high school teacher Rodney Wilson believed his students deserved the opportunity to learn about queer role models. LGBTQIA+ history is actively being erased by those in political power, making learning about queer history into rebellion. Teaching, learning, and knowing queer history builds community and serves as a reminder to stand with civil rights.
No matter your age, October presents a perfect opportunity to learn about LGBTQIA+ history. Refresh yourself on the facts, arm yourself with knowledge. Queer history is under attack.
Being included in the above list DOES NOT mean that the country officially endorses LGBTQIA+ History Month. In 2026, it’s expected that Brazil and Venezuela will participate in their own celebrations.
Queer culture was heavily impacted by the ballroom scene in New York City, an underground subculture amongst gay and transgender Black and Latino Americans seeking a community to express themselves during the 1980s. Paris Is Burning was THE documentary that chronicled an aspect of queer history that would have otherwise been completely forgotten.
There aren’t many lists that don’t recommend Paris Is Burning. Most folks see RuPaul’s Drag Race and assume that’s the extent of drag culture – but drag has a complex history that NYC’s ballroom scene mixed into. Competing houses, chosen family, the freedom to transgress gender roles, and perform. At the same time, Paris Is Burning showcases critical aspects of the time, such as the AIDS crisis and the woes of being a sex worker in impoverished New York City.
Best accompanied with Before Stonewall (1984), Gay USA was filmed entirely on June 26, 1977, to document pride celebrations throughout the United States. Camaramen recorded demonstrations in San Diego, Houston, Los Angeles, Chicago, Philadelphia, San Francisco, and New York City in response to the murder of Robert Hillsborough.
Gay USA memorializes the time between Stonewall and the AIDS crisis, when the LGBTQIA+ community was beginning to receive organized backlash from figures like Anita Bryant. Anita and other anti-gay activists were compelled by Stonewall to advocate for the repeal of anti-discrimination laws that were fought for during the 1960s. History takes two steps forward, one step back – which resonates today.
Part of Different from the Others *is* lost to history. When the Nazis came to power in the 1930s, they purposely sought out and destroyed documentation, research, and media that referenced queer identities. The film was burned and believed forgotten until a partially destroyed copy was discovered in the early 2000s. The film was reconstructed and shortened to preserve as much of the plot as possible, which is how it exists today in its abridged version.
If you’re looking for something more fun, RENT (2005) is a film adaptation of the Broadway production that centers on a group of friends struggling to survive during the New York City AIDS crisis despite exorbitant rent and medication costs.
Boys Don’t Cry (1999)
Brandon Teena was a real transgender man who was raped and murdered in rural Nebraska. Boys Don’t Cry is a fictional adaptation of his story – Brandon found himself in Nebraska after running into trouble with the law, believing he had a chance to start fresh as authentically himself with new friends and a chosen family.
Boys Don’t Cry is a fictional account of a real story. For greater detail regarding Brandon and his story, watch The Brandon Teena Story (1998).
Five Books for LGBTQIA+ History Month
A Queer History of the United States by Michael Bronski
Bronski’s 2011 book is perhaps the best piece of media to become acquainted with LGBTQIA+ American history. It covers the entirety of queer history in the United States, spanning from before 1492 to the book’s publication. Gay people have always existed, but few films focus on history before Stonewall.
A Queer History of the United States details gay pilgrims, sodomy laws, crossdressing Civil War soldiers, and the purity culture that shaped America. Most of its information is relatively broad (Jonathan Ned Katz’sGay American History is considerably more detailed, but also extremely dense), which makes it a great starting point to introduce readers to LGBTQIA+ history.
Just as with gay men and lesbians, transgender people have existed as long as humans have had concepts related to gender. Transgender History by Susan Stryker is essentially a trans-focused version of Michael Bronski’s book.
In just 200 pages, Stryker overviews major events and individuals that led us to today. In other words, Stryker’s work (which was published in 2008) is the most in-depth book that covers transgender history in the United States. There isn’t a 1000-page “Transgender American History.” There might be someday, but not yet.
In the 1980s, journalist Randy Shilts took it upon himself to document the discovery and spread of HIV/AIDS – even though other journalists weren’t doing so at the time. This book is best read alongside How to Survive a Plague to give a comprehensive account of the political landscape LGBTQIA+ people were fighting in the 1980s. And the Band Played On was produced into a film adaptation in 1993; How to Survive a Plague was originally a movie that was later made into a book in 2016.
And the Band Played On centers on the premise that the United States government was intentionally indifferent to the suffering of LGBTQIA+ people victimized by AIDS. Due to the federal government failing to fund research and treatment options, the US allowed the spread of HIV to exponentially increase into a crisis.
How to Survive a Plague follows the actions of groups like ACT UP and TAG, but both books are valuable when considering this time period. And the Band Played On is considerably older (it was published in the midst of the AIDS crisis and helped cement international attention). It drew criticism from academic and scientific communities that refused to believe they were complicit in the AIDS crisis by failing to act.
Others argue that Shilts shouldn’t have called Gaëtan Dugas “Patient Zero” since it normalized the idea that gay men were overtly infectious, since Dugas intentionally continued to have unprotected sex after being told he had contracted HIV. Dugas was one of the first major cases in North America leading up to the AIDS crisis, but he wasn’t Patient Zero. On the other hand, Shilts was writing during the crisis – so the book is a product of its time. In his point of view, as likely the view of many other queer people at the time, Dugas should have used protection when having sex with others once he had learned he had HIV. Dugas was still a victim. Both statements can be true.
Before Serano’s book, feminist academia wasn’t particularly friendly to transgender scholars. This history still matters – feminism has not always had a history of being inclusive or intersectional, which is why TERFs still exist today and dominate some feminist spaces. Whipping Girl criticized mainstream feminist circles for failing to stand with transgender people, cementing the reality that transgender struggles are part of the general feminist movement leading up to the third wave.
Many Americans are aware of the insane war that Senator Joseph McCarthy waged by charging government officials, agencies, and everyday Americans as communists during a time period when there was hardly anything worse you could be. The Red Scare is taught as a core part of US history to public school students, emphasizing how the national government engaged in a wrongful witch hunt in the 1950s.
Fewer people know of the Lavender Scare, which occurred at the same time. McCarthy made unsubstantiated claims that the federal government was also compromised by homosexuals who posed just as much of a national security threat as communists did. David E. Johnson’s The Lavender Scare chronicles this legacy and how Joseph McCarthy managed to bar LGBTQIA+ people from jobs in the public sector by associating them with the USSR.
Queer History YOU Should Know #1 During the Middle Ages, individuals assigned female at birth would occasionally live socially as men in monasteries (monachoparthenoi). While these transgender men weren’t open about their identities, it was the most socially acceptable way they could express themselves in Medieval Europe.
Some of these monks, such as Saint Marinos and Anastasia the Patrician, were even later canonized as Catholic saints – although the Vatican isn’t too willing to refer to these individuals as men.
Five Podcasts for LGBTQIA+ History Month
Making Gay History
Making Gay History has produced *14 seasons* worth of content, which might make it the longest-running LGBTQIA+ podcast. Their last episode aired in April, but it’s a fairly safe bet to assume season 15 will air in a few months once their writers have had a break.
The podcast covers a variety of topics, but most of its episodes center on individuals who played significant roles throughout LGBTQIA+ history. Marsha P. Johnson, Sylvia Rivera, Vito Russo, Larry Kramer, Magnus Hirschfeld, Bayard Rustin – the list goes on.
Closeted History
Originally started to help teachers include LGBTQIA+ topics into their lesson plans, the creators behind Closeted History were led to hosting weekly trivia that eventually became their current podcast. The series is produced by educator Destiny Clarke, aiming to showcase queer and transgender history largely forgotten or ignored by history books.
Bad Gays
These days, LGBTQIA+ history is being more frequently included in larger narratives – even if it’s not commonly taught yet. Academics are finally interested in unearthing queer stories! That’s generally a good thing.
Bad Gays explores the lives of not-so-great queer people throughout history. While historians are getting around to admitting figures like Alexander the Great, Audre Lorde, and Shakespeare were gay, they avoid remembering the stories of queer people who lived less than remarkable lives.
Thus, Bad Gays explores LGBTQIA+ people who are forgotten by other academics due to being criminals, deviants, or generally unethical. It’s a great addition to folks already knowledgeable on LGBTQIA+ history since it reaffirms the fact that, since queer people are people, we range along the morality spectrum. Bad Gays *isn’t* recommended for people new to LGBTQIA+ history.
History is Gay
Leigh Pfeffer and Gretch Jones produced a wealth of content until the podcast History is Gay was eventually retired in 2023. It’s one of the most listened to pieces of media on queer history, alongside Making Gay History and Queer as Fact, and covers a TON of topics in hour-long monthly segments. History is Gay won’t be receiving any new episodes, but it covers topics unlikely to be found elsewhere.
Queer as Fact
Although Queer as Fact is based in Australia, it has reliably produced two seasons of episodes per year. Topics span the entire world, so you’ll get a good education in not just American and European history (like most sources focus on), but also LGBTQIA+ stories from China, Haiti, Nigeria, Mexico, and Iran. Like Making Gay History, you’ll continue to get new content if you find yourself hooked on Queer as Fact.
Queer History YOU Should Know #2 Stonewall was a critical turning point for LGBTQIA+ history that led to increased visibility, acceptance, and rights. However, the story on what exactly happened that night in 1969 is just as much folktale as fact.
There are multiple conflicting accounts regarding Stonewall. Marsha P. Johnson and Sylvia Rivera were influential figures behind the events leading up to Stonewall as well as organizing the masses later into action – but Marsha herself stated she never threw the first brick. Stonewall also didn’t happen because queer people were made over the death of Judy Garland: Stonewall was the consequence of repetitive police raids on gay bars despite LGBTQIA+ people already blackmailed by the NYC mafia for protection.
Five Video Series for LGBTQIA+ History Month
Jessica Keligren-Fozard
Most known for her videos on disability awareness, vintage fashion, and LGBTQIA+ history, Jessica has created content on YouTube since 2011. Her channel has a series of both queer history shorts and long video-essay style videos to appeal to folks with short and not-so-short attention spans.
Jessica’s content is also great for teaching disability allyship and intersectionality since disability inclusion is still overwhelmingly ignored in social justice spaces.
Kaz Rowe
Kaz is both a cartoonist and YouTuber, maintaining their ongoing webcomic while producing relatively eclectic videos. In short, they love history – their videos are detailed and explore topics like the Middle Ages, Victorian period, and everything in between. Pirates, monks and knights, cowboys, and the industrial revolution – what more could you ask for?
Powered by Rainbows
Even though Powered By Rainbows is geared towards schools, its content is detailed and versatile. The channel has a large team that allows it to post several times each week. The website behind Powered By Rainbows is also a fantastic resource, extensively covering LGBTQIA+ in easy and accessible courses.
It is also worth noting that Powered By Rainbows is more than just a history channel. Generally, the channel focuses on LGBTQIA+-related news but it also produces content related to queer history and theory.
The Book of Queer
This video series was produced in five parts by Discovery+ in 2022, but it’s extremely well-made and engaging. The Book of Queer is partially available to watch for free on YouTube, bringing LGBTQIA+ history on screen with reenactments and interviews that make otherwise dry content too boring to be interesting.
As a comedy documentary, The Book of Queer is fun to watch. Its humor is becoming increasingly dated, however, due to the high use of queer slang popular in 2022.
Rowan Ellis
Similar to Powered By Rainbows and Kaz Rowe, Rowan Ellis’s content tends to be eclectic – she’s been uploading content to YouTube since 2014 regarding LGBTQIA+ issues, feminism, Autism, and polyamory – and plenty more. Rowan’s videos are well-researched, and while more of her content centers on queer media, art is an important aspect of history.
No matter what format you prefer your content, there’s something out there to get you more acquainted with LGBTQIA+ history. Make the active goal this October to spend time with one of these pieces and find yourself a bit more educated by next month.
Next week, I’ll be covering other ways to learn about LGBTQIA+ history in-person and virtually.
Looking for more recommendations?
Browse Trans Solidarity Project’s guides, or check out these posts:
Looking for resources to better support yourself or a trans loved one? Everyone deserves to lead happy, healthy, and fulfilling lives.
Author’s Note: This list is not comprehensive – future blog posts will have details on trans resources not included in this article, which serves as a basic intro to trans resources and information. Also, some legal rights and resources contained in this post may change due to the hostile political environment regarding trans lives.
If you are thinking about harming yourself or others, please get immediate support. The National Suicide Prevention Hotline has call, text, and online chat options available for free confidential support 24/7/365 for anyone in crisis.
I’ve previously mentioned various hotlines and mental health resources, outlining how to navigate counseling, support groups, and telehealth options. Remember that anyone can and should use hotline services – there’s no minimum level of “crisis” you have to have to call, and you’re never wasting their time by doing so.
LGBTQIA+ people, and especially transgender and nonbinary individuals, are more likely to become homeless than cisgender heterosexual folks. Queer individuals have less family support than others due to anti-LGBTQIA+ hostility, so they have limited options for doubling up and staying with family during housing instability. Despite sexual orientation and gender identity being included in discrimination protections under federal laws like the Fair Housing Act, queer people are still turned away from potential landlords and houses unless they have the financial means to fight for their legal rights. Due to these factors, queer and transgender people are more prone to engage in survival sex and sex work as a way to find shelter when employment and traditional services are restricted. While homelessness is a crisis of its own, being unhoused individuals are exceedingly likely to experience other crises.
Even homeless shelters are not necessarily safe for LGBTQIA+ people – most shelters in the United States stem from religious charity work that eventually evolved into the modern nonprofit industry that exists today. It’s not exactly uncommon for homeless transgender people to feel unsafe while trying to get help from shelters that discriminate on their gender identity, using gendered binary shelters to designate their arrangements regardless of their gender identity. When shelters require ID, LGBTQIA+ people risk discrimination when gender identity and expression don’t fit their ID or legal name. The best way to combat anti-LGBTQIA+ discrimination is to report an official complaint with the US Department of Housing and Urban Development, which can be filed online, over the phone, or by mail. LGBTQIA+ community centers and organizations local to your area can also be helpful in advocating for your rights.
Unfortunately, there aren’t any comprehensive national directories of LGBTQIA+-friendly homeless shelters. Instead, it’s best advised to look at the reviews of local shelters and ask community members in your region whether they’re affirming of queer and transgender people. Ultimately, the best way to determine whether a homeless shelter or program is LGBTQIA+-inclusive is by calling them directly and asking about their policies. Trans Lifeline cites giving direct support in calling homeless shelters in this manner on behalf of transgender callers for free in the United States.
My previous hotline post covers major LGBTQIA+ hotlines around the world – none of them discriminate based on gender identity, and transgender crisis support is a key aspect of their work. The following hotlines are a condensed LGBTQIA+ version of that post with only national US listings, although many major cities have regional LGBTQIA+ hotlines available in addition to those below.
DEQH provides free confidential counseling to LGBTQIA+ South Asians through trained peer support volunteers. DeQH is the first and only national queer Desi helpline and serves anyone from the South Asian diaspora. They are only available to take telephone calls on Thursday and Sunday evenings, although they can be reached during the week through their online contact form for a reply.
Fenway Health is an LGBTQIA+ healthcare, research, and advocacy organization that also provides free information and referrals for LGBTQIA+ issues, harassment, and violence. Both of their helplines are available during select evening hours from Monday to Saturday: the Fenway LGBT Helpline for individuals ages 25 and older can be reached at 617-267-9001, while the Peer Listening Line for those ages 25 and under can be called at 617-267-2535.
LGBT Switchboard of New York is recognized as the oldest LGBTQIA+ hotline in the world and provides free peer support Monday through Saturday. Despite their name, the LGBT Switchboard of New York offers support, care, resources, and information to anyone regardless of where they live by calling 212-989-0999 – including outside of New York and the United States.
MASGD, or the Muslim Alliance for Sexual and Gender Diversity, operates the Inara Helpline every Friday and Saturday evening for LGBTQIA+ people who identify or are perceived as Muslim. The MASGD Inara Helpline can be reached by calling 717-864-6272.
National Suicide Prevention Lifeline, or the 988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline, is the largest mental health and crisis hotline in the United States. Using support from the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration, 988 routes callers to licensed mental health services based on their location to provide 24/7/365 services by calling the general 988 number. The Lifeline is fully accessible in English, Spanish, and American Sign Language (ASL) and also provides services via text/SMS and online chat.
For specifically LGBTQIA+-trained counselors, individuals should press 3 after dialing 988, texting “PRIDE” to 988, or checking the relevant box for LGBTQIA+ support when completing the pre-chat online survey.
SAGE x HearMe is a collaborative project between SAGE, the nation’s largest organization for LGBTQIA+ elders, and HearMe to modernize the national queer senior hotline. SAGE x HearMe operates a mobile app that users can reach anonymously 24/7 to find instant support.
SGR Hotline, or the Sex, Gender, and Relationships Hotline that spun from the LGBTQIA+ Switchboard of San Francisco, provides free confidential counseling on STDs, HIV, pregnancy, birth control, gender identity, sexuality, kinks, sex work, anatomy, and more. Their number at 415-989-7374 is available for callers Monday through Friday.
The Network/La Red is a survivor-led organization that focuses on LGBTQIA+ partner abuse, as well as abuse in kink and polyamorous communities. Their free 24-hour hotline can be fully used by both English and Spanish speakers by calling 800-832-1901 (toll-free) or 617-742-4911 (voice).
The Trevor Project is the primary crisis organization for LGBTQIA+ youth in the United States between the ages of 13 to 24. Their services are available 24/7/365 in collaboration with the 988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline: The Trevor Project can be reached by phone at 866-488-7386, text/SMS at 678-678, and online chat. TrevorSpace is a moderated online forum available at any time.
Trans Lifeline is a peer support hotline run by trained transgender volunteers for trans, nonbinary, and questioning folks in need of support. Services are fully anonymous, confidential, and do not engage in non-consensual active rescue every Monday through Friday.
THRIVE (Thriving Harnesses Respect, Inclusion, and Vested Empathy) is a text-based crisis line staffed by trained professionals with marginalized identities, catering to people of color, LGBTQIA+ individuals, disabled people, and other vulnerable people. The text/SMS line is available 24/7/365 by texting “THRIVE” to 313-662-8209.
Trans Rights & Me: Legal Resources
The best source for legal information and steps to update legal names and gender markers on identity documents (such as state IDs, driver’s licenses, birth certificates, passports, social security, selective service, and immigration documents) is Advocates for Trans Equality. Their ID Document Center is a one-stop online hub for transgender folks looking to update their information and is the most current national directory of related resources.
The ability to change one’s legal name or gender marker varies by state – so while it may be easy to update identity documents for individuals who were born in California or Oregon, it’s prohibited elsewhere in the country. Federal documents, like passports, can have their gender marker updated despite state law – although this may change due to the current administration.
Get Help: Transgender Legal Organizations
Advocates for Trans Equality operates its Impact Litigation Program to take on a small number of court opportunities each year to establish trans-affirming precedents in the law through the work of the Transgender Legal Defense and Education Fund. Their Trans Legal Services Network represents over 80 organizations throughout the United States that provide legal services to transgender people local to their area.
American Civil Liberties Union is one of the primary human rights organizations in the United States that has fought for individual rights and freedoms since 1920. The ACLU operates chapters in each US state to handle court opportunities and case litigation – individuals should contact their local ACLU chapter for legal assistance. In addition, the ACLU also maintains comprehensive legal resource guides on a variety of topics such as LGBTQIA+ rights, disability, religious freedom, criminal law, racial justice, HIV, reproductive freedom, voting, immigration, free speech, etc.
Black & Pink is an LGBTQIA+ prison abolitionist organization with multiple programs aimed to resettle queer and transgender individuals through transitional housing and opportunities.
Equality Federation is a non-partisan lobby and LGBTQIA+ policy organization that pursues pro-equality legislation throughout the United States. Their legislation trackers include current information on both positive and negative trans-related bills among other queer issues.
Gay and Lesbian Advocates and Defenders is a national litigation organization that takes on several LGBTQIA+ cases to advance queer and transgender rights throughout the country. They also operate their own Transgender ID Project, although it is more limited than A4TE’s. Unlike A4TE, GLAD has a public online contact form for free and confidential legal information, assistance, and referrals.
Gay, Lesbian, and Straight Education Network, or GLSEN, is an education organization that provides support to LGBTQIA+ public students and educators. The GLSEN Navigator directs online users to the most appropriate GLSEN branch/chapter near them and also provides information on local laws, protections, and research. The Public Policy Office also serves as a hub for legal protections and information about previous court cases GLSEN has provided assistance and litigation for.
GLAAD is an American media and legislation nonprofit that serves to create better representation and visibility for LGBTQIA+ in entertainment. The GLAAD Accountability Project provides public information GLAAD collects by monitoring and documenting high-profile figures and groups that use their platforms to spread misinformation and false rhetoric about LGBTQIA+ communities.
Immigration Equality is America’s leading LGBTQIA+ and HIV-positive immigrant rights organization, providing expert guidance on queer and transgender immigration legal policy while also using impact litigation to advance LGBTQIA+ and immigration rights through far-reaching court cases.
International Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Trans, and Intersex Association is a federation of 2,000 organizations in over 160 countries around the world dedicated to promoting LGBTQIA+ rights alongside the United Nations. Through their networks, ILGA brings international attention to human rights violations to the UN and media.
interACT is an intersex rights organization centered on youth empowerment, which employs full-time lawyers to fight for intersex bodily autonomy in the United States.
Lambda Legal is a litigation organization that represents the interests of LGBTQIA+ people in the United States alongside the ACLU and GLAD. Like GLAD, Lambda Legal operates a Help Desk to provide general legal information and resources – although their assistance is not legal advice to the same level as GLAD.
National Black Justice Coalition is the leading civil rights organization for LGBTQIA+ Black Americans, offering toolkits and resources in addition to legislation lobbying in favor of pro-equality bills for queer and transgender rights.
National Center for Lesbian Rights is a civil and human rights organization that supports the rights of all LGBTQIA+ people. Despite their name, the NCLR advocates for all queer and transgender rights through litigation, policy, and public education. They also operate a free legal helpline, available at 800-528-6257 and 415-392-6257.
National Gay and Lesbian Task Force is the oldest national LGBTQIA+ rights organization in the United States that collaborates with over 400 organizations in federal policy advocacy to organize census and voting campaigns through FedWatch.
NMAC, or the National Minority AIDS Council, leads HIV policy and legislation related to communities of color in the United States. Their Advocacy 101 section guides users to become politically active and involved in local legislation with their elected representatives.
Outright Action International is an advocacy organization dedicated to LGBTQIA+ human rights around the world that works with the United Nations to develop global programs and initiatives towards creating a safer world for queer and transgender folks.
Pride Law Fund is a funding service that sponsors legal projects, services, education, and outreach that promote LGBTQIA+ people and individuals living with HIV.
Sylvia Rivera Law Project is a collective that increases the political voice and visibility of low-income people and people of color who are transgender, nonbinary, intersex, or gender-nonconforming. SRLP’s programs and legal assistance are geared towards transgender people who are at risk of homelessness, have criminal records, or are immigrants.
Transgender Law Center provides impact litigation on select court cases to advance transgender rights in the United States. TLC also provides basic information about laws and policies through their Legal Help Desk, although they do not take on individual cases through the Desk.
Trans Legislation Tracker is an independent research organization that tracks bills related to transgender and nonbinary people in the United States through the work of academics and journalists who publish the Trans Legislation Tracker’s data.
Looking for more information about legal issues, information, and rights? This resource post can guide you through the basics of legal jargon, rights, important court cases, and general resources.Advocates for Trans Equality also has an extensive database of trans-related protections and laws. Both the Movement Advancement Project and Erin in the Morning have up-to-date maps on LGBTQIA+ laws.
Healthcare is a Human Right
Looking for general healthcare resources? This post outlines what medical care is, how to navigate healthcare insurance, and general resources/programs.
Coverage of gender-affirming care by state government healthcare programs like Medicaid and CHIP varies by state, although the Affordable Care Act prohibits discrimination based on gender identity – which has been further backed by federal courts. This means that all state Medicaid programs have to provide general and gender-affirming healthcare, but each state is allowed to impose specific guidelines or restrictions on having that care paid by Medicaid similar to commercial insurance policies. While some transition-related care can be denied on a case-by-case basis, it has been established that “blanket bans” on transgender care is discriminatory and illegal. However, it’s worth noting that Medicaid access is not equal throughout the United States – 10 states completely deny Medicaid to single adults without children or disabilities. The Movement Advancement Project has an up-to-date map of current Medicaid policies by state and whether gender-affirming care is protected or excluded. A4TE has a directory of Medicaid policies.
On January 28th, 2025, President Donald Trump signed the executive order “Protecting Children from Chemical and Surgical Mutilation.” While executive orders often carry the power of federal law, they do not override the US Constitution, federal statutes and laws, or established legal precedent – nor do they have the longevity of passed laws. The order bans gender-affirming care being covered by state Medicaid programs for anyone under the age of 19, including puberty blockers and hormone replacement therapy.
Federal programs vary, and their consistency is subject to the current presidential administration. Medicare currently covers medically necessary gender-affirming care, which includes hormone replacement therapy, surgery, and related consultations – these are listed under Medicare Part D and should be fully covered when prescribed. Indian Health Services (IHS), which covers Native Americans recognized in federally recognized tribes, implies that gender-affirming care is covered by their programs – although there is less explicit guidance of this practice online. TRICARE, the primary healthcare coverage for active service members and their families, only covers select parts of gender-affirming care like HRT – although this is extremely likely to change in 2025 under the new presidential administration and TRICARE will likely deny all gender-affirming coverage in the event transgender people are banned from military service again. This is similar to coverage provided by the Veterans Health Administration (VHA), which still only covers some transition-related medical care despite early promises made by the Biden administration to lift the bans imposed by Trump’s first administration. Finally, while all incarcerated individuals are entitled to medical care as determined by Estelle v. Gamble, there is no minimum quality of healthcare required as long as the prison offers any form of medical care – and that care does not have to be free, despite popular belief. While gender-affirming care is considered necessary and intentional barriers are seen as a violation of the Eighth Amendment, it is difficult for transgender prisoners to fight for their medical rights while incarcerated. American prisons are not required to be accredited, although one of the main accrediting bodies – the National Commission on Correctional Health Care – supports gender-affirming care for incarcerated individuals. In other words, gender-affirming care for incarcerated transgender people varies drastically based on the facility they are at.
The Trans Health Project, an initiative through Advocates for Trans Equality, is the primary resource for understanding and navigating healthcare insurance and gender-affirming care in the United States as a transgender person. The site guides users through the process of applying for commercial healthcare, understanding their coverage, and navigating the laws in their state. Half of US states explicitly prohibit health insurance companies from excluding transgender-related services, while the other half of the country has no regulations on what services commercial insurance can prohibit.
Most healthcare insurance programs, regardless of whether they are commercial or government-based, have requirements before gender-affirming care can be covered. Reputable programs will base their requirements on WPATH, or the World Professional Association for Transgender Health, which has held the standard for ethical transgender healthcare since 1979. The Standards of Care for the Health of Transgender and Gender Diverse People is used as the international standard for transgender healthcare similar to how the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual (DSM) is the standard used for mental health treatments. WPATH and the SOC have clearly stated that gender-affirming care such as hormone replacement therapy and gender confirmation surgery is the best practice based on scientific research for decades. As such, insurance plans and programs use WPATH and SOC guidelines to require transgender people to have “persistent, well-documented gender dysphoria,” the ability to make a fully informed consent, and a set amount of counseling with a mental health professional to receive a medical necessity letter to submit for insurance coverage. A4TE also provides a free template for users to appeal insurance denials of gender-affirming care. Transgender adults have the option to pursue gender-affirming care out-of-pocket to bypass the restrictions imposed by insurance coverage programs – which is covered in financial resources later in this article.
There are additional restrictions for transgender minors, which is a hot topic in current politics during this heightened war on transgender rights. In states where minors are allowed gender-affirming care like puberty blockers, hormone replacement therapy, or surgery, there are additional requirements and consent must be given by the minor’s parents or legal caregivers. There are currently six states that make it a felony crime to provide gender-affirming care to transgender minors: Oklahoma, Florida, Alabama, South Carolina, Idaho, and North Dakota.
How to Find Gender-Affirming Care
Just like other medical fields, gender-affirming care can be done in-person or through telehealth – in-person providers are more often covered by healthcare programs, but can be more difficult to access than telehealth.
Will gender-affirming care be banned? The current political distribution of Congress, the President, and the Supreme Court has many transgender people rightfully anxious about the future of their care – especially since the GOP has declared war on “transgenderism.”
It’s not impossible – I’m not going to lie to you. There *is* a worst-case scenario out there where transgender people of all ages are denied gender-affirming care and we are given the options to forcibly detransition, become refugees and leave the United States, seek care illegally, or die. However, this scenario is unlikely. The American public has complicated views on transgender topics, but the majority believes that transgender people should have additional rights to protect them from discrimination. The last two elections have shown that American voters are not nearly as gung ho about erasing transgender rights as the GOP is hedging their bets on – which is what ultimately lost the GOP their “red wave” in 2022. While the upcoming years will be rough, we just have to survive two years before Congress can swing back blue – assuming that Democrats have given up claiming they lost the 2024 election due to being “too woke.”
So what’s realistic? Within the next two years, I can easily see Medicaid no longer being able to cover gender-affirming care like hormone replacement therapy or surgery – although any decision to do so would immediately end up in court since it would violate the Affordable Care Act. On the other hand, that’s likely something the anti-trans GOP wants since they want to eliminate the Affordable Care Act and give in to the commercial healthcare industry’s demands. It is something that would rely on Trump – likely an executive order that bars federal funding from any healthcare provider that performs gender-affirming care. While the GOP has a majority in Congress, their majority is extremely slim and fragile due to their own infighting so any massive bill is improbable unless Democrats fold on LGBTQIA+ rights. Don’t get me wrong – that’s no small thing. Medicaid is used by millions of Americans, including myself, but it would be survivable with enough resourcefulness. Out-of-pocket expenses would increase for transgender folks and we would be more likely to rely on older methods of self-prescribed gender-affirming care before the wide access to providers. However, it would be survivable – especially with the likely increase in mutual aid, donations, fundraising, and international support that would come with such a decision. I don’t think it’s realistic that the act of prescribing gender-affirming care to adults will be nationally criminalized or prohibited, as I described in the above worst-case scenario.
IN-PERSON PROVIDERS
The OutList Provider Directory is a free resource through OutCare, a nonprofit health organization that advocates for comprehensive LGBTQIA+ health. The directory provides information about providers from all fields – including HRT and surgery. For best results, search by tag (“gender-affirming medical care” pulls a good number of results) rather than specialties. Other directories also exist, such as Rad Remedy and MyTransHealth, although these other independent projects have not survived the pandemic as well as OutList.
In a similar vein, TransLine is an information and medical consultation service that explains various gender-affirming techniques like HRT and surgery and includes many of the billing codes that providers have to use for care to be covered by healthcare insurance.
Both WPATH and the Gay and Lesbian Medical Association (GLMA) have online directories of healthcare providers that are listed with them. Out of the two, GLMA’s directory is extensively better since its LGBTQ+ Healthcare Directory is larger and more user-friendly. Similarly, TransHealthCare provides information about transgender-specific surgeons in a more user-friendly format than WPATH. While not necessarily listed in the above directories, Planned Parenthood is one of the largest gender-affirming care providers in the US since most of their local health centers provide HRT and puberty blockers in addition to their other services like STD treatment and abortions. Planned Parenthood didn’t used to provide HRT as widely as now before the rise of anti-transgender legislation – although now it’s a focal point and cornerstone of their mission to provide equitable healthcare.
TELEHEALTH PROVIDERS
During the COVID-19 pandemic, an influx of telehealth created a wealth of transgender healthcare accessibility. There are a number of virtual HRT providers that prescribe gender-affirming care.
An important note on gender-affirming telehealth: HRT through telehealth may soon no longer be an option for transmasculine people seeking testosterone. Due to its history of being abused by predominantly cisgender men, testosterone is a highly classified drug compared to the treatment prescribed to transfeminine folks. Even though more than just transgender men use testosterone, COVID-19 opened the doors for testosterone to finally be able to be prescribed (temporarily) through telehealth for transmasculine people. However, in the years following the pandemic, the FDA and state governments have been attempting to shut down the prescription of testosterone through telehealth despite the well-documented benefits of telehealth for transgender communities during this turbulent political time.
Most major cities have gender clinics (described below in informed consent options), which almost always give telehealth options when available. Additionally, Planned Parenthood has telehealth options available for their services like gender-affirming care. The following are the largest purely telehealth HRT providers in the United States.
QueerDoc is the oldest large-scale HRT telehealth provider, although they’re smaller than the following two options. They operate in Alaska, California, Florida, Hawaii, Idaho, Oregon, Montana, Utah, Washington, and Wyoming. They don’t accept insurance, but they offer a sliding scale since you’ll be paying out-of-pocket. Compared to FOLX and Plume, QueerDoc is a worse choice due to the pricing but without QueerDoc, there wouldn’t be a FOLX or Plume.
FOLX Health was started a year after QueerDoc and is the largest telehealth option between themselves, QueerDoc, and Plume. FOLX accepts a number of insurance plans to cover their monthly membership fees, copays, medications, and labs. Since FOLX is large enough to have in-person facilities in major cities, FOLX is available in all states – including ones that are banning trans telehealth like Florida. Unfortunately, neither FOLX or Plume are available for minors to use – you have to be at least 18 in most states to use either service, although a few states have an even higher age requirement of 20.
Plume is the youngest of the three main telehealth options and accepts a range of insurance plans. Plume requires a monthly membership to access their providers, which can be covered by insurance plans alongside the copay required for appointments. Unlike QueerDoc, Plume operates as a telehealth provider in nearly the entire US with limited exceptions in states like Florida that are currently banning transgender-related telehealth.
INFORMED CONSENT
Gender clinics refer to medical centers that specialize in transgender-related care – they were especially popular during the 1960s and 1970s and have made a modern resurgence due to the widespread medical consensus that gender-affirming care is the most appropriate treatment for gender dysphoria. These organizations often use informed consent, a process where hormone replacement therapy (or any other treatment) is prescribed to a patient after discussing the potential risks and benefits of HRT and the patient has signed a legal agreement stating they understand and fully consent to the treatment. Compared to traditional routes of pursuing gender-affirming care, informed consent is much faster – after a couple of consultations with a provider, you can physically have your prescribed medication in a couple of weeks. Informed consent allows transgender adults to make their own decisions about their bodies when given complete and accurate information about HRT.
While A4TE has a list of gender centers, I actually recommend Erin in the Morning’s collection. A4TE’s list is limited to facilities associated with research institutions, teaching hospitals, and academic settings – which are more likely to provide care to transgender minors, but woefully incomplete since thousands of informed consent clinics are community health based and not academic (including Planned Parenthood).
LETTER OF NECESSITY
Outside of gender clinics, traditional healthcare providers like most of those listed in directories like OutList will require a letter before they will begin prescribing hormone replacement therapy. This practice dates back to the previous SOC guidance by WPATH (then known as the Harry Benjamin International Gender Dysphoria Association), which requires individuals to find a therapist or counselor to write a letter stating that HRT was deemed suitable and medically necessary. While mental health counseling is recommended for everyone, the required use of letters bars more transgender people than it helps – trans folks are often led to feel like they have to “perform” their transness to get a letter, adhering to common stereotypes that cisgender people have about trans people.
Most mental health professionals qualify to write a letter, as long as they feel comfortable enough doing so – if they don’t feel comfortable and won’t agree to write a letter on your behalf, they’re likely not a good fit for you as a counselor anyway. After receiving your letter, you’ll take it to your HRT provider and soon be prescribed medication. The largest downside to the letter process is the wait times, since mental health care is already considerably less accessible than other medical fields on top of the fact that most counselors will require at least three to six months of regular visits before they will sign off on the letter. On the other end of the spectrum, the vast majority of insurance companies and programs will require a letter to cover HRT since they need it proven that the care is medically necessary enough to cover. Beyond hormone replacement therapy, other forms of gender-affirming care like surgery almost always require at least one letter (if not more) to have a gender confirmation surgeon see you or for insurance companies to pay for your care.
Community Support
For the majority of trans people, online support is the first step to finding support. Trans Lifeline’s Resource Library has a large selection of online support groups, ranging from general support to marginalized groups like people of color, disability, youth, etc.
Nearly all online spaces and social media platforms have transgender-related spaces – like communities on Twitter and Tumblr, groups on Facebook, subreddits, and Discord servers. There are thousands of them, so it’d be impossible to create an exhaustive list – but here are a few major ones on each platform.
Transgender forums have a LOT of history – before the creation of places like Reddit, independent forum websites were the predominant place where transgender people connected in the 1990s when they were unable to find people easily IRL. They were a modern extension of the underground journals and magazines like Transvestia, Drag, Transgender Tapestry, and FTM International. Even though social media platforms like Reddit and Facebook are the mainstream today, many of these forums still exist if you know where to look for them:
There aren’t many large-scale support group organizations – most national LGBTQIA+ groups tend to lead toward activism, politics, and human rights. PFLAG remains the United States’ largest organization dedicated to supporting, educating, and advocating for LGBTQIA+ people and their loved ones and dates back to 1973. PFLAG has over 400 chapters across the country, each offering regular support through their national resources. Further, PFLAG also has regular virtual meetings and moderated community spaces.
All major cities have an LGBTQIA+ community center of some nature – there are rural towns as small as 15,000 where I live with local queer groups. Urban settings have multiple community centers, queer bars, and other hangouts to find support – finding them is just a matter of searching online for local listings. Trans Resources is a directory of advocacy organizations, legal resources, support and social groups, and other resources – although the site isn’t comprehensive, it lists major organizations.
Beyond support groups, transgender mentorship and letter programs exist to provide folks with an added layer of community.Point of Pride operates a letter program that sends written cards to transgender individuals in need of support, which can be sent to PO Box 7824, Newark DE 19714 where the letters will be received before being sent along. Similar programs exist like the Queer Trans Project (mailed to 3733 University Boulevard W, Suite 216, Jacksonville, Florida 32217), Black and Pink, and the Prisoner Correspondence Project – although the latter two focus on incarcerated LGBTQIA+ people rather than the general public. In contrast, mentorship programs pair individuals with an older or more experienced trans person to help answer questions while guiding you along your journey – some programs include the Sam & Devorah Foundation for Transgender Youth and the Trans Empowerment Project.
Money Matters: Financial Resources
Finances can be a genuine barrier to transgender people’s ability to live authentically as themselves. Without a stable income, it’s difficult to maintain housing or get gender-affirming clothes. Court and legal fees aren’t free – it costs money to update your identity documents to reflect who you are. And of course, you either have to have a healthcare insurance plan that covers counseling and medical bills or be forced to pay for them out-of-pocket.
Resources for employment, housing, and clothes have to be sourced locally through mutual aid networks and community organizations – although this post has some basic resources for low-income individuals.
Legal fees for identity documents can be waived if you qualify based on income.Point of Pride has a list of fee waivers by state, although you’ll want to double-check to ensure your waiver is the most up-to-date method. Most states will use your income itself or other connecting program to determine whether you are eligible – like whether you’re already on government assistance programs like SNAP or Medicaid.
Relatedly, there’s also a growing amount of organizations providing funds to help transgender people move to safer locations to live or access gender-affirming care. Some of these programs include Elevated Access, Trans Justice, TRACTION, and the Trans Continental Pipeline.
Beyond nonprofit and mutual aid funds, many transgender people fundraise to cover their transition costs – especially when their insurance refuses to cover surgery or if they have to unexpectedly move. The most commonly used platforms are GoFundMe, Donorbox, and Facebook – although all of these sites take a percentage of the money raised. GoFundMe is the largest crowdsource site, but it’s known to take the largest cut compared to alternatives. Non-personal organizations and nonprofits have a larger variety of sources out there, like Givebutter, while individuals can raise money without losing a percentage through direct money transfer apps like Cash App, Venmo, Paypal, and Zelle. Out of those options, Cash App is the most widely used underdog since they don’t require a bank account and utilize usernames on their customizable cards, and are easier to navigate with incomes revolving around sex work.
Shelter is a necessary human right that influences physical and emotional well-being. Individuals without safe and stable environments are prone to increased stress, health problems, and poorer quality of life.
Individuals without stable, safe, and functional housing are considered homeless. It’s one of the most visible social problems – it exists in some capacity in every single country throughout the world, but it’s one of the most common crises that the general public ignores. These are people who live outside, in cars and RVs, tents, or otherwise have no permanent place of residence.
When talking about homelessness, related terms like houselessness and the state of being unhoused come up. Unhoused and houseless are terms that activists have begun using in recent years to reestablish the humanity that unhoused people have since most people subconsciously reject houseless people as their peers. The word “home” has a more personal connotation, whereas “house” applies just to a structure. To quote the common saying, if “home is where the heart is,” then homeless people do have homes since they still maintain a sense of self while unhoused – they just don’t have shelter.
On the other end of the spectrum, terms like houseless and unhouse aren’t always popular since some activists perceive them as virtue signaling under the belief that exact language doesn’t matter as much as resolving the crisis at hand. Like all identifying language, it’s best to ask individuals in your local community what they prefer to be called: some might prefer being labeled as homeless, others might ask to be called a person experiencing houselessness.
Other terms used to describe homelessness include squatters, refugees, vagrants, hobos, and tramps. The act of squatting is often political, where an individual or community purposely occupies a property they do not own, rent, or otherwise have lawful permission to use. Refugees are those who are forced to flee their home country out of safety, whereas internally displaced people (IDPs) are individuals who are forced to leave their home communities but remain in that country. The last three terms (vagrant, hobo, tramp) are all considered derogatory due to the negative way they’ve been used throughout the centuries.
There are four main types of homelessness: transitional, episodic, chronic, and hidden. Houselessness is a spectrum that doesn’t discriminate based on age, race, gender, sexuality, or ability.
Most homelessness is classified as transitional, or a brief state of homelessness due to a major life change or catastrophic event such as job loss, a health condition, divorce, domestic abuse, substance misuse, etc. Transitional houselessness is categorized as individuals experiencing housing instability for under one year. These people often (but not always) have jobs but can’t afford housing and other expenses – leading them to sleep in cars, outside, or couch surfing. Statistically, transitional homelessness consists of younger people who are harassed when seeking alternative housing. Due to their circumstances, these individuals rarely access homeless services – making them difficult to track or collect information on.
Individuals who experience at least three periods of homelessness within the last year are labeled episodic homelessness. These people are often associated with disabilities, substance misuse, and mental health conditions that make them more prone to housing instability. While less likely to have stable or permanent employment, individuals experiencing episodic homelessness often have seasonal or minimum-wage jobs. Without adequate resources and support, episodic homelessness can easily evolve into chronic homelessness.
Homelessness that has occurred for over a year is classified as chronic homelessness, especially if the individual has a disabling condition. Statistically, these individuals are often older, unemployed, and live on the streets or other unsafe places. Additionally, these folks are more likely to have a disability, mental health condition, or addiction that restricts their ability to climb out of homelessness. It is worth noting the phrase “the sidewalk is quicksand;” in countries like the United States, it is extremely easy to become unhoused and to escalate from transitional to chronic homelessness due to the hostile culture and resentments attached to being unhoused.
Hidden homelessness refers to individuals who purposely live with others temporarily because they lack a permanent home. They’re considered hidden compared to the other three types since they rarely access housing resources or support, so they aren’t included in traditional houselessness data. These individuals are often younger and turn to friends, family, and neighbors to take shelter due to an inability to pay rent or afford other living expenses – but they can be further categorized as transitional, episodic, or chronic depending on how long, how often, or why they are experiencing housing instability.
By the Numbers: How Common is Homelessness?
Housing instability is difficult to compare reliably because it requires countries to self-report data and there are no consequences or motives for lying versus reporting honestly. It’s also difficult to track homelessness due to qualifiers that countries may use (ex: who exactly is ‘unemployed’ in the United States?), as well as other variables like hidden homelessness where a large portion of the houseless population doesn’t access social services and therefore can’t be counted by tracking data.
According to the United States Department of Housing, approximately 770,000 people were considered homeless in 2024 – which comes out to about 0.2% of the American public. The US Census found that 11.1% of Americans live in poverty, which accounts for 36.8 million people. 48 states criminalize homelessness, and unhoused individuals are arrested for sleeping outside or panhandling in the majority of the country – which was affirmed by the 2024 Supreme Court ruling in City of Grants Pass v. Johnson. Even though homeless people technically hold the same civil rights as other Americans, they are targeted and harassed by law enforcement, legislation, and other members of the general public. The following chart is daily averages based on self-reported information throughout the world:
COUNTRY
HOMELESS POPULATION
HOMELESS PERCENTAGE
United States
771,000
0.22%
Canada
235,000
0.57%
Mexico
14,000,000
10.89%
Brazil
281,000
0.13%
United Kingdom
380,000
0.56%
Ireland
14,000
0.27%
Spain
29,000
0.06%
France
330,000
0.49%
Germany
263,000
0.31%
Italy
96,000
0.16%
Switzerland
2,200
0.03%
Sweden
27,000
0.26%
Australia
122,000
0.46%
New Zealand
102,000
1.96%
Russia
11,000
0.01%
South Korea
9,000
0.02%
India
1,770,000
1.24%
Japan
3,000
0.00%
Kenya
20,000
0.04%
Egypt
2,000,000
1.77%
South Africa
56,000
0.09%
As noted above, these figures are only rough estimates and self-reported – even though the United States has a relatively low percentage compared to Canada, the United Kingdom, or Australia, any American will cite how pervasive homelessness is in their communities regardless of how urban or rural it is. In countries like the US, homeless individuals are more likely to be arrested and imprisoned rather than counted for in these figures and given social services. Countries like Germany, France, and Spain have higher amounts of refugees seeking safety from persecution, which are included in their statistics. There are very few places like Japan and South Korea that have genuine near-zero rates of homelessness, although they still experience poverty and other social issues.
What Causes Homelessness?
There isn’t one sole reason why homelessness occurs and there isn’t one sole way to resolve it either. For some, homelessness is caused due to low wages and high living expenses that make it impossible to find a place to rent; others have difficulty maintaining an income due to a disability, mental illness, or drug addiction. Gentrification and unfair housing policies force families out of their homes, and countries without strong welfare safety nets or mutual aid communities fail to prevent the poverty that leads to becoming unhoused.
While homelessness is inherently a housing problem, it is not only a housing problem. It’s impacted relational poverty, where unhoused individuals lose their family, friends, and community as society grows to see them as a burden that doesn’t belong. As such, all models that aim to resolve homelessness must reconnect homeless people as equal members of society. Otherwise, it is nearly impossible for chronically homeless people to escape their circumstances.
Surviving the Night: Emergency Shelter
If possible, overnight shelters are the best emergency option for those experiencing homelessness since they provide safety and protection from exposure to the weather. These shelters are temporary and generally only allow individuals to stay for one night at a time, so they aren’t great for building financial stability. Overnight shelters typically have specific intake hours but serve as a vital resource for those in critical need – in some communities, overnight shelters also act as warming and cooling centers to prevent hypothermia and heat exhaustion.
Throughout most of the United States, 211 serves as the free three-digit hotline to connect individuals with social services including emergency overnight shelters. This service is provided in all US states, Washington D.C., and Puerto Rico and uses a network of nonprofit agencies to support users with emergency crisis care, shelter, financial assistance, food programs, and healthcare. The Homeless Shelters Directory also hosts an online directory that can be accessed without telephone service, although their range and information are more limited than local 211 providers.
211 works under the assumption that you have access to a telephone with local network coverage – although some regions have 211 services available through online chat or mobile app. Most libraries will offer free phone services to patrons, as well as some businesses, and internet-based apps like WhatsApp allow users to make calls and send texts while connected to free internet such as in Walmart, coffee shops, and other community spaces.
Several government programs provide free cell phones if individuals meet certain income requirements or participate in other federal programs like SNAP, Medicaid, or SSI, such as the Federal Lifeline Program. Generally, unhoused individuals just have to submit proof of a government-issued ID, social security card, and/or birth certificate to be approved for a Lifeline cell phone.
Another safe option for emergency shelter is doubling up, which refers to temporarily living with friends or family rather than on the street. Doubling up is often more stationary than overnight shelters, but still has similar challenges due to overcrowding, lack of privacy, and stress. On the other hand, one’s ability to double up is dependent on their connections to friends and family members who are willing and able to share space.
The CDC estimates that 40% of homeless people live entirely unsheltered, such as in a car, outside, or other place considered unsafe for humans to reside. Individuals live in parks, bridges, subways, and makeshift camps to take care of their basic needs while carrying essential items with them like clothes, toiletries, blankets, and identification. Due to the exposure, living rough is unsafe compared to other alternatives from the risk of crime, violence, and weather. Despite this, some individuals prefer it to housing shelters since it provides more freedom than the rules and requirements shelters enforce. The legality of sleeping rough varies by region since the Supreme Court decision in City of Grants Pass v. Johnson upheld the constitutionality of arresting and imprisoning unhoused individuals for sleeping outside.
Surviving Tomorrow: Primary Needs & Beyond
Basic needs must be taken care of before people can become financially stable; it’s difficult to look past the night and find employment when you’re hungry and don’t know where you’ll be sleeping. Transitional shelters, as well as the methods described for overnight shelter and sleeping rough, fulfill the basic requirements for shelter and sleep – although transitional shelters provide an additional layer of safety and security.
Transitional shelters, also referred to as interim shelters, allow unhoused people to reside for six to 24 months. These agencies provide significantly more comprehensive services than overnight shelters, such as regular food, employment assistance, case management, and counseling. Due to this, transitional services and related homeless shelters have entry requirements, applications, and stricter rules than overnight facilities. “Continuum of Care” agencies receive federal and state funding to provide local care to unhoused people, as well as connect them to larger programs geared to promote financial stability. The same resources like 211 and overnight agencies are the most reliable and up-to-date on nearby transitional shelter programs and case management.
In cities with high homeless populations, mobile hydration units are installed to provide easy access to clean water. Most regions throughout the world have public tap water available through water fountains at parks, businesses, and other community spaces, although this water is normally unfiltered and can contain pollutants. While businesses are likely to reserve water as customer-only, most community centers, nonprofit organizations, homeless shelters, and libraries have readily available water sources. Both overnight and transitional shelters have in-depth knowledge of resources in their communities, but unhoused community members generally share their local tips.
Both hot meals and pantry items with long shelf lives are necessary to feed unhoused people regularly. Soup kitchens provide free or inexpensive meals to their communities (housed or unhoused) – while the name implies they only serve soup, soup kitchens actually provide a large variety of meals based on charity. Similarly, locally owned restaurants and businesses are more likely to donate extra food both to their communities directly as well as to shelters. On the other end of the spectrum, food banks and pantries provide food for individuals to take with them and eat later.
The USDA National Hunger Hotline is available every Monday through Friday at 1-866-348-6479 to provide callers with information on emergency food options, government assistance programs, and social services in their communities. The Hunger Hotline also operates an automated text service at 914-342-7744.
Feeding America is the national network of food banks, pantries, and related programs throughout the United States. Their website allows users to virtually search for pantries locally based on their zip code without needing a cell phone, which is typically required for 211 programs and the Hunger Hotline.
Public schools and childcare centers throughout the United States are required to have free and reduced meal options for students during the regular school year via the National School Lunch Program, School Breakfast Program, and Special Milk Program. However, these programs are not always enough due to their limited accessibility and eligibility requirements that cause many students to accrue debt by buying lunch meals – which is why some districts and advocates support universal school meal programs to provide food to all students.
Summer Food Service Programs (SFSPs) and SUN Meals provide free meals to youth in low-income areas through a network of charitable or nonprofit organizations when schools are otherwise closed for instruction. The US Department of Agriculture has an online map for youth-related meal programs, although details on programs must be directed to local agencies.
Some school districts operate Breakfast After the Bell programs, where students are given free meals during their first-period classes to ensure all students have access to meals.
The USDA also provides after-school snacks and meals through the National School Lunch Program (NSLP) and Child and Adult Care Food Program (CACFP) where youth are provided meals to enrolled students at participating public schools.
The Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP), also called food stamps, is a government program in the US that provides income for meals to low-income individuals. Money from SNAP can be used at participating supermarkets, farmer markets, and retailers throughout the country in addition to other programs like food banks.
The USDA maintains a national directory of farmer markets, which allow farmers and local retailers to sell products to their communities – often with government programs like SNAP and WIC.
The Special Supplemental Nutrition Program for Women, Infants, and Children, or WIC, is a federal program through the USDA that provides meals, nutrition education, breastfeeding support, and medical services for new mothers, young children, and other eligible caregivers. Each state has individual rules on the income necessary to be eligible, which can range from 100% to 185% of the Federal Poverty Limit.
While there are no federal or government programs for clothes, most charities and nonprofit organizations maintain individual programs to provide free clothes, blankets, pads and tampons, toiletries, condoms, and other essentials to better the health, safety, and well-being of their communities.
Health emergencies don’t stop when you’re homeless – if anything, they’re more likely to happen. As mentioned in my medical resources post, there are options available for low-income and unhoused people to receive care:
The National Association of Free and Charitable Clinics has a complete list of over 1,400 clinics that provide free primary care and preventative services in the United States. These clinics can be used by anyone regardless of income status or need, and similar programs exist for dental and vision care.
Federally Qualified Health Centers (FQHCs) are federally funded health centers and clinics that provide care on a sliding scale regardless of your ability to pay. Some free and charitable clinics are FQHCs, but not all FQHCs are free and charitable clinics – the US Department of Health and Human Services has an online directory of FQHCs for users to find a clinic local to them.
In addition to primary care, FQHCs often hold community events for anyone in the public to receive limited preventative care like annual check-ups, immunizations, and screenings.
FQHCs and similar organizations offer non-emergency medical transportation (NEMT) to provide free transportation to medical appointments based on income status – but you’ll have to check with your clinic for details.
Free and Charitable Pharmacies operate under the same model as free and charitable clinics to dispense prescription drugs and services for free to their communities.
While it doesn’t provide prescription medications for free, GoodRX is a free website and mobile app that provides users with massive discounts to mark down costs to near manufacture costs at over 75,000 pharmacies across the United States, including at major retailers like Walmart, CVS, Costco, and Kroger.
Special Populations & Extra Services
Certain groups of people are considered high risk for homelessness and other issues like addiction and mental illnesses, which is why additional programs and services exist to serve these needs. The following groups are the most common special populations served, but they’re not the only marginalized group at an increased risk for homelessness.
Veterans make up one of the largest groups within America’s homeless population, and account for about 13% of unhoused adults. Out of those veterans, half of them served in the Army followed closely by former Navy and Marines members. The United States spends over half of its annual budget on the military, but none of the military budget goes towards veterans – instead, it covers current salaries, equipment, facilities, and research. The Military-Industrial Complex (MIC) relies on low-income individuals to enlist for active benefits like healthcare and college education, but it fails to serve its veteran community. Veterans already have an increased risk of mental health issues and substance abuse while they attempt to transition to civilian life, leading them to become prone to homelessness if they are unable to secure a safety network with their loved ones and community. The following programs are national services provided via the Department of Veterans Affairs Homeless Programs to combat veteran homelessness, but are only applicable to veterans who were honorably discharged – veterans with dishonorable discharges are considered ineligible for VA services, but they can still use homeless programs for non-veterans.
The National Call Center for Homeless Veterans can be reached at 877-424-3838, which connects unhoused and at-risk veterans with housing solutions, healthcare, community employment, and other support services. They also operate the Homeless Veterans Chat for 24/7 confidential online support.
HUD-VASH is a collaborative program between the US Department of Housing and the Department of Veterans Affairs to provide free rental assistance vouchers for veterans to afford privately owned housing.
Low-income veterans and those at risk of becoming unhoused can use SSVF (Supportive Services for Veteran Families), even if they’re not eligible for HUD-VASH.
The Homeless Providers Grant and Per Diem (GPD) Program funds transitional housing and service centers for veterans through state, local, and tribal governments throughout the United States. The GPD Program allows veterans to stay up to 24 months while they’re seen by caseworkers to find alternative and more permanent housing.
The Domiciliary Care for Homeless Veterans (DCHV) Program is integrated with the Mental Health Residential Rehabilitation and Treatment Programs to provide residential care for veterans with eligible illnesses, challenges, or rehabilitative needs.
Veterans can find employment and vocational training under Homeless Veteran Community Employment Services (HVCES), which uses local community organizations and employers to give homeless veterans financial stability.
For those needing extra assistance, the Compensated Work Therapy (CWT) program allows homeless veterans to perform transitional work while preparing for competitive employment and HVCES.
The HCHV Program, HPACTs, and HVDP provide free healthcare, dental care, and case management to homeless veterans.
The American Legion is the largest US veterans organization that maintains programs for over 1.6 million members. Even though they are not owned by the federal government or VA, The Legion is only available for honorably discharged veterans.
The National Coalition for Homeless Veterans is a national organization that is not operated by the federal government and Department of Veterans Affairs, making it more eligible to serve dishonorably discharged veterans than official VA programs.
38% of all domestic violence victims become homeless at least once in their lives, and nearly all homeless women have experienced severe physical or sexual abuse at some point. Survivors are often required to choose between ensuring an abusive relationship or becoming homeless since their housing situation is commonly tied to their relationship. Further, it’s not unusual for abusive partners to monitor and restrict their victim’s finances. As a result, many victims of abuse choose not to leave their partner due to the fear and instability that fleeing would bring.
The National Domestic Violence Hotline is supported by the US Department of Health and Human Services to operate a 24/7 telephone line, text service, and online chat to victims of domestic abuse and allies. The Hotline also maintains a directory of providers for users to locate help in their local communities.
Although The Salvation Army has a controversial history with LGBTQIA+ people, the entire organization has a long-standing reputation for assisting victims of domestic and sexual abuse find temporary shelter. Their programs provide rent and utility assistance, food, addiction support, counseling, housing, and community outreach.
The Violence Against Women Act (VAWA) is a federal law that regularly updates practices regarding domestic and sexual abuse throughout the country to match best practices. It also provides a large amount of funding that is used by shelters centered on victims of abuse while experiencing homelessness or need other support services.
The National Network to End Domestic Homelessness is a social change organization that works within policy and movements to create a world where domestic violence no longer exists, and also operates WomensLaw – a free online tool for anyone needing easy-to-understand legal advice on abuse.
StrongHearts Native Helpline provides 24/7 anonymous support for Native Americans and Alaska Natives who are impacted by domestic and sexual violence. The Tribal Resource Tool is an online directory of services available to Native survivors.
RAINN, or the Rape, Abuse & Incest National Network, is the largest anti-sexual violence organization in the United States and operates the National Sexual Assault Hotline at 800-656-4673, which is available to call 24/7 or message through online chat.
The Department of Defense Safe Helpline is a specialized service for members of the DoD community affected by sexual assault, giving them one-on-one support and resources through their call center. The DoD Safe Helpline is managed by RAINN to help those in the intersection of sexual and domestic violence while being an active or former member of the United States military, available by phone, online chat, mobile app, and forum.
The National Human Trafficking Hotline is operated by the US Department of Health and Human Services to allow victims of human trafficking as well as those concerned about trafficking in their communities to report anonymous tips. The Hotline’s referral directory provides users with an online database of anti-trafficking programs and organizations throughout the country based on their location.
Approximately 10% of youth experience homelessness at a similar rate to veterans. Out of those youth, over 90% of them are between the ages of 18 to 24 – although, as mentioned previously, these individuals are the least likely to use homeless services and remain uncounted and hidden from the general homeless population. Many of these young people age out of the foster system, are LGBTQIA+, or are otherwise kicked out from their family homes with nowhere to go – leading them to become unhoused as soon as they meet the minimum age to be cast aside according to federal law.
Covenant House is the largest charity in North and Central America that provides shelter for unhoused young people and survivors of human trafficking. Their shelters accept individuals between the ages of 18 to 24 around the clock in nearly all major cities in the US.
Boys Town is a nonprofit organization with several locations around the United States that exists as one of the largest family care organizations in the nation that facilitates residential care in family-style homes to support at-risk youth regardless of gender.
Safe Place is a national youth outreach and prevention program for young people under the age of 18 in need of immediate help and safety. They have locations across the country and can be accessed by text for professional confidential help.
YMCAs and YWCAs often operate homeless shelters and other services for youth in their communities in major cities, similar to programs run by other religious organizations.
The National Runaway Safeline is the national communications system for runaway and homeless youth in the United States. Their call center provides 24-hour information on youth-related issues and services and can be reached by telephone, text, online chat, and forum. Their Home Free program partners with Greyhound Lines to transport runaway, homeless, and exploited youth to stable locations such as family homes, homeless shelters, transitional living programs, and other alternative living arrangements.
True Colors United is an agency centered on LGBTQIA+ and BIPOC unhoused youth since 40% of homeless youth identify as queer or transgender. As an advocacy organization, True Colors United guides policy on the federal, state, and local levels to be more inclusive when creating a world without homeless youth.
The Runaway and Homeless Youth Prevention Demonstration Project (RHY-PDP) provides federal funding to youth homelessness programs that serve individuals ages 22 and under to increase community resources and services available.
The Basic Center Program and Runaway and Homeless Youth Act grants funding to community-based organizations to give short-term emergency shelter, food, clothing, and medical care to young people under the age of 18.
Similarly, the Transitional Living Program is authorized by the Runaway and Homeless Youth Act to provide funding to organizations for living arrangements and shelter to youth between the ages of 16 to 22 while also giving access to life skills, education and vocational training, counseling, healthcare, and employment assistance.
The Maternity Group Homes for Pregnant and Parenting Youth Program is a federal service for pregnant and parenting youth between the ages of 16 and 22 who are experiencing homelessness to increase access to social services.
The Street Outreach Program supports organizations centered on unhoused youth, runaway youth, and street youth to help them find stable housing and social services to prevent sexual and physical exploitation.
The Foster Youth to Independence Initiative gives housing vouchers to young people between the ages of 18 to 24 in collaboration with public child welfare agencies to provide additional financial assistance.
Other federal youth-related homeless programs can be found at youth.gov, which contains current services operated by the United States government.
People who are at risk of losing their primary residence within 14 days and do not have the resources to find another living arrangement are classified as imminently homeless. Imminently homeless individuals may not be able to have the full range of services provided to fully unhoused individuals, but they are still able to apply for programs to better their support systems through various social services.
As mentioned previously, not all marginalized groups who are at an increased risk of homelessness have special services to combat their risk of being unhoused. Some regions may have programs and shelters specially catered for these causes, but they’re not nationwide. Some of these groups include LGBTQIA+ people, Black Americans, Native Americans, disabled people, and low-income households.
Additional Homelessness Resources
Alliance for Period Supplies hosts a network directory of organizations throughout the United States that provide free period products like pads and tampons.
American Job Centers is a service sponsored by the US Department of Labor to provide free assistance to job seekers looking for employment or training.
American Sexual Health Association operates Yes Means Test, a free tool that allows users to find free and confidential STD testing throughout the country based on their zip code and CDC information.
Ample Harvest maintains a national database of farmers and community gardens that donate their surplus food to those in need, similar to food pantries and banks.
Benefit Finder gives customized information on various government benefits and welfare programs to individuals in need, simplifying the process of researching programs.
Civil Rights Corps is a nonprofit organization that gives case litigation and policy information related to low-income and homeless individuals, who often don’t have the resources to find alternative options.
Community Action Partnership is a membership organization for agencies and groups that use federal funding to support individuals in need. Their map directory connects users with local organizations in their communities.
Continuum of Care (CoC) are programs supported by the US Department of Housing and Urban Development to improve communities throughout the country and end homelessness. CoC funding can be used for homelessness prevention, supportive services, transitional housing, and permanent housing.
Dress for Success is an international organization that connects women with free clothing and tools to become financially stable through employment.
Emergency Rental Assistance Program (ERAP) are state and local programs that can be located via 211 to help people at risk of becoming imminently homeless.
Eviction Lab is a research institution that tracks evictions throughout the United States to give individuals and their communities the tools necessary to confront unfair renting and housing practices.
Fair Housing Assistance Program (FHAP) funds state and local agencies to administer fair housing laws as determined by the US Department of Housing and Urban Development and requires cities to ensure fair housing regulations.
Food Not Bombs is a network of autonomous chapters that share free vegetarian food with those in need through grassroots activism in support of ending war and poverty around the world. Their directory map links users with chapters in their communities.
Habitat for Humanity provides safe and affordable homes to low and moderate-income individuals based on their eligibility requirements, which require users to attend training and seminars, volunteer, or physically help during the building process of their future home.
Housing and Urban Development (HUD) Resources is a federal agency through the United States government to administer national housing and development laws. HUD operates dozens of programs to improve local communities, and their offices can be located through their virtual map.
Job Corps is the US’s largest free residential career training and education program for low-income individuals between the ages of 18 to 24, maintained by the US Department of Labor.
Justia is a free collection of legal guides that explains laws, legal services, and policies around the world in everyday terms.
LawHelp is a program of Pro Bono Network to bring the power of law to everyone regardless of education or class. In addition to explaining the law in everyday terms, LawHelp and Pro Bono Net also provide legal assistance to immigrants via Immi and direct users to free legal documents as needed through LawHelp Interactive.
Legal Services Corporation acts as the largest funder for civil legal aid for low-income Americans. As a publicly funded nonprofit established by Congress, LSC provides funding for civil cases like loan repayment, personal injury lawsuits, contract disputes, and class action lawsuits to individuals traditionally unable to sue on their own.
Low-Income Home Energy Assistance Program (LIHEAP) is administered by the US Department of Health and Human Services to provide federal funding assistance to households regarding energy and utility costs.
Meals on Wheels is a national nonprofit organization that coordinates communities to deliver meals to individuals at home who are unable to purchase or prepare their own meals.
Modest Needs provides short-term financial assistance to households in temporary crisis considered ineligible for other social services due to living just above the poverty level.;
Money Management International is a free resource for financial education, providing easy-to-understand information and counseling on debt relief, housing services, and budgeting.
Naloxone for All is a network of affiliated programs throughout the United States that provide free naloxone as a means to avoid opioid overdose and harm reduction in affected communities. Their directory map connects users with mail programs in their state.
National Alliance to End Homelessness is a nonpartisan organization that works with federal and local agencies to create an online hub of homeless-related resources and policies to support unhoused individuals and their communities.
National Center for Homeless Education is operated by the US Department of Education to give training and information to organizations throughout the nation that interact with homeless populations.
National Coalition for the Homeless is a national network of groups centered on ending and preventing homelessness that also has a strong focus on serving the immediate needs of unhoused people. Their resources help imminently and currently homeless individuals connect with programs in their area.
National Employment Law Project is an advocacy organization that works with policymakers to improve the lives of workers across the country.
National Foundation for Credit Counseling connects individuals with certified credit counselors for free to improve their money management, debt payment plans, and credit scores.
National Homelessness Law Center uses the law and litigation to ensure unhoused individuals in the United States are treated humanely and are aware of their legal rights.
National Housing Law Project advances housing justice in low-income communities by fighting for the legal rights of tenants and low-income homeowners. NHLP’s resource center directs users to federal programs and laws like tax credits, rental assistance, vouchers, and public housing.
National Network for Youth is a youth-centered homeless agency that works in communities with young people at risk of becoming unhoused through service providers and welfare organizations in the United States.
National Skills Coalition hosts a number of networks to connect job seekers with the training necessary to fill skilled jobs like healthcare, software, plumbing, and manufacturing.
Operation HOPE uplifts communities through their programs to improve money management and create financial freedom.
Planned Parenthood is the largest reproductive health services provider in the United States. Although not an FQHC, Planned Parenthood has several safety nets in place to see patients regardless of their ability to pay. In addition to screenings, gender-affirming care, and abortion services, Planned Parenthood also provides free condoms, emergency contraception, and sexual education – including trained counselors available via online chat.
Projects for Assistance in Transition from Homelessness (PATH) is operated by the US Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration to fund programs for unhoused individuals with mental illnesses, which includes housing, healthcare, job training, education, mental health counseling, and outreach in all US states and territories.
Propel App connects individuals using United States welfare programs like EBT and SNAP with additional tools, discounts, and benefits via their free mobile app partnered with the White House and other federal organizations.
Reddit is a social media platform that operates through thousands of forums (referred to as subreddits) for users to find related communities and discussions. Relevant health subreddits include: r/homeless, r/almosthomeless, r/vagabond, r/vandwellers, r/Survival, r/urbancarliving, r/StealthCamping, r/transitions, r/povertyfinance, r/Assistance, r/jobs.
Second Chance Employment refers to employers who will hire and provide career advancement to people with criminal records, who are traditionally denied jobs and therefore at an increased risk of homelessness.
Senior Farmers’ Market Nutrition Program (SFMNP) is a USDA program to provide low-income seniors with locally grown produce similar to SNAP and WIC programs at farmer markets.
ShelterApp is a mobile app available for Android and Apple devices – although it can also be accessed through non-mobile devices through its web function. The app displays shelters and resources for homeless youth across the entire United States (as well as other services for individuals in Colorado).
SkillUp America is a US nonprofit that helps individuals find high-opportunity employment through job training and career advice, regardless of their current education level.
Supplemental Security Income (SSI) provides monthly income to individuals with disabilities who have little other financial resources. SSI is different from SSDI (commonly referred to as “disability”), which requires a minimum recent work history but has no income requirements whereas SSI has no work history requirements but has income limitations.
Temporary Assistance for Needy Families (TNAF) is a federally funded and state-operated program that provides economic stability and security to low-income households that meet their eligibility requirements.
Unemployment Insurance (UI) refers to the number of programs handled by the US Department of Labor and state agencies to provide benefits to eligible workers who have become unemployed through no fault of their own while securing alternative employment.
United Way operates 211 to mobilize communities to serve those most vulnerable – in the event phone contact is not possible, United Way allows users to locate their local United Way agency through their website.
Volunteers of America is the largest comprehensive human services organization in the United States and uses their affiliate chapters to provide mental health, family services, food, clothing, affordable housing, and emergency shelter to individuals in need.
Weatherization Assistance Program (WAP) gives funding and resources to low-income households to become more energy-efficient and lower energy costs via tax credits and rebates.
AARP Resource Center @ aarp.org / 202-434-3525 / US-based organization that caters to adults ages 50 and older, providing tools, resources, and services for healthcare, community, and finances.
HelpAge International @ helpage.org / 44-20-7278-7778 / Global nonprofit that works to improve the quality of life for older people across the globe in 98 different countries.
Elder Hotlines in North America
Canada
211@211.org / 211 / Referral and directory telephone service that connects callers with any/all resources that may be beneficial to their circumstance. 211 is available both in the entirety of the United States and Canada.
Seniors’ Safety Line @ ontario.ca / 866-299-1011 / Confidential and free telephone resource for elder referrals, information, and support in Canada.
Mexico
Instituto Nacional de las Personas Adultas Mayores @ gob.mx / 55-50880247 / Decentralized public body under the Federal Public Administration to coordinate, promote, support, foster, monitor, and evaluate programs for older adults in Mexico.
United States
211@211.org / 211 / Referral and directory telephone service that connects callers with any/all resources that may be beneficial to their circumstance. 211 is available both in the entirety of the United States and Canada.
Alzheimer’s Association Helpline @ alz.org / 800-272-3900 / Voluntary health organization that focuses on Alzheimer’s disease care, support, and research in the United States.
ARCH National Respite Network @ archrespite.org / 703-256-2084 / US emergency care organization that provides services to children and adults with special needs.
Caregiver Action Network @ caregiveraction.org / 855-227-3640 / Leading family caregiver organization in the US that connects and supports Americans caring for loved ones.
Department of Aging @ hhs.gov/ 877-696-6775 / Agency under the US Department of Health and Human Services to serve older adults.
ElderCare Locator @ eldercare.usaging.org / 800-677-1116 / Information and referral resource that connects older Americans with services, funded by the United States Administration on Aging.
Elder Protection Center @ elderprotectioncenter.com / 877-353-3780 / Online resource for older adults in the United States to combat abuse, scams, and neglect.
Legal Services for Older Americans @ acl.gov / Program operated by the Administration for Community Living and United States Department of Health and Human Services to provide older adults with legal assistance regarding their rights.
Medicare Helpline @ medicare.gov / 800-633-4227 / 24/7 assistance and advice on Medicare usage and programs in the United States.
National Adult Protective Services Association @ napsa-now.org / 202-370-6292 / National nonprofit that coordinates services with local law enforcement and policy to prevent abuse, neglect, and exploitation of older adults in the United States.
National Domestic Violence Hotline @ thehotline.org / 800-799-7233 / Leading organization in the United States for empowering survivors of domestic violence and abuse.
National Elder Fraud Hotline @ ovc.ojp.gov / 833-372-8311 / Free resource and hotline operated by the United States Department of Justice and Office for Victims of Crimes to report fraud targeted at adults ages 60 or older.
National Indian Council on Aging @ nicoa.org / 505-292-2001 / United States nonprofit that focuses on the needs of aging Indigenous Americans, American Indians, and Alaska Natives.
Parkinson’s Foundation Helpline @ parkinson.org / 800-473-4636 / Telephone service for individuals with Parkinson’s disease as well as their families, friends, and healthcare providers to find out more information through their trained specialists.
SAGE x HearMe @ sageusa.org / The United States’ largest and oldest organization dedicated to improving the lives of LGBTQIA+ older people. SAGE now offers supportive services and resources through the SAGE x HearMe app, formerly known as the SAGE LGBTQ Elder Hotline.
Social Security Administration @ ssa.gov / Official agency of the United States government that administers welfare benefits such as retirement, disability, and Medicare.
VA Benefits Hotline @ va.gov/ 800-827-1000 / General hotline and inquiries information about United States veterans benefits.
Veteran’s Crisis Line @ veteranscrisisline.net / 988+1 / Crisis line for United States veterans operated by the national 988 suicide prevention hotline, specialized for serving veterans.
Elder Hotlines in South America
Argentina
PAMI Senior Support Line @ pami.org.ar / 138 / Social welfare organization in Argentina that provides comprehensive medical assistance to older adults and retirees.
Brazil
Disque 100 @ gov.br / Human rights hotline through the government of Brazil to report violations and abuse of marginalized communities, including older adults.
Chile
Servicio Nacional del Adulto Mayor @ senama.gob.cl / Official services provided by the government of Chile to support older adults.
Elder Hotlines in Europe
France
3977 @ 3977.org / 3977 / System for alerting and preventing elder abuse in France.
Ireland
ALONE National Support Line @ alone.ie / 0818-222-024 / National organization in Ireland that improves the physical, emotional, and mental well-being of older people through their various services and information tools.
Germany
Silbernetz @ silbernetz.org/ 0800-4-70-80-90 / Social services provided to elders in Germany looking for support and resources.
Spain
Fundación Amigos de los Mayores @ amigosdelosmayores.org/ 608-200-300 / Volunteery foundation in Spain that fights loneliness and social isolation among older people.
Sweden
Äldrelinjen / 020-22-22-33 / Senior line for residents of Sweden needing someone to talk to for emotional support.
United Kingdom
Age UK Advice Line @ ageuk.org.uk / 0800-678-1602 / Confidential national telephone service for older people in the United Kingdom, as well as their families, friends, caregivers, and professionals.
Elder Hotlines in Asia
South Korea
Korean Senior Welfare Helpline @ mohw.go.kr / 82-44-202-3471 / Telephone support through the Ministry of Health and Welfare in South Korea directed at older adults.
Elder Hotlines in Africa
South Africa
AGE-in-Action @ age-in-action.co.za / 021-426-4249 / Originally known as the South African Council for the Aged, AGE-in-Action represents older people while protecting their interests and wellbeing.
Elder Hotlines in Oceania
Australia
Elder Abuse Helpline @ ag.gov.au/ 1800-353-374 / Telephone number that automatically redirects users with local services regarding elder abuse in Australia.
New Zealand
Age Concern New Zealand @ ageconcern.org.nz / 0800-65-2-105 / New Zealand charity that promotes the dignity, well-being, equity, and respect of adults over 65.
Childline @ childline.org.uk / 0800-1111 / International organization based in the United Kingdom that provides free confidential services over the internet and telephone.
Crisis Text Line @ crisistextline.org / 741-741 / Global nonprofit that provides free confidential text-based mental health support and crisis intervention in the United States, United Kingdom, Canada, and Ireland. While Crisis Text Line often interacts with youth, there is no age requirement or cut-off to use their services.
It Gets Better Project @ itgetsbetter.org / Nonprofit that serves to uplift, empower, and connect LGBTQIA+ young people around the world.
Youth Hotlines in North America
Canada
211@211.org / 211 / Referral and directory telephone service that connects callers with any/all resources that may be beneficial to their circumstances. 211 is available both in the entirety of the United States and Canada.
Kids Help Phone @ kidshelpphone.ca / 800-668-6868 / Anonymous e-support and telephone service for kids, teens, and young adults in Canada.
Mexico
The Trevor Project @ thetrevorproject.mx / 52-55-9225-3337 / The leading suicide prevention and crisis intervention organization centered on LGBTQIA+ young people in Mexico. Offers 24/7/365 information and support to those ages 13 to 24 with trained counselors via WhatsApp and instant message.
United States
211@211.org / 211 / Referral and directory telephone service that connects callers with any/all resources that may be beneficial to their circumstances. 211 is available both in the entirety of the United States and Canada.
Administration for Children & Families @ acf.hhs.gov / Official agency through the United States government that promotes the economic and social well-being of families, children, youth, individuals, and communities.
Big Brothers Big Sisters of America @ bbbs.org / 813-720-8778 / Mentorship program in the United States that connects young people with meaningful connections with their adult volunteers
Boys Town @ boystown.org / 800-448-3000 / Housing and welfare agency for homeless youth and dysfunctional families in the United States.
Break the Cycle @ breakthecycle.org / US-based organization that provides young people with educational tools and resources to end abusive relationships and cycles.
Child Help USA National Child Abuse Hotline @ childhelphotline.org/ 800-442-4453 / Network of counselors to support those concerned about child abuse via supportive listening, trauma-informed practices, and diversity in their crisis intervention.
DoSomething @ dosomething.org / 212-254-2390 / US organization that empowers young people with the tools and resources to create change in their communities and the larger world.
LGBT National Youth Talkline @ lgbthotline.org / 800-246-7743 / Confidential telephone service for LGBTQIA+ young people ages 19 and younger in the United States.
love is respect @ loveisrespect.org / 866-331-9474 / National resource to disrupt and prevent unhealthy relationships among young people in the United States as a project of the National Domestic Violence Hotline.
National Center for Missing and Exploited Children @ missingkids.org/ 800-843-5678 / Private nonprofit corporation that finds missing children and combats child victimization by working with families, victims, private industry, law enforcement, and the public.
National Runaway Safeline@ 1800runaway.org / 800-786-2929 / National communications system for runaway and homeless youth in the United States, which caters to keeping young people as safe and healthy as possible in potentially dangerous situations.
Partnership to End Addiction @ drugfree.org / 855-378-4373 / Youth-focused addiction prevention and treatment organization that supports individuals with substance misuse issues and their families in the United States.
Polaris @ polarisproject.org/ 888-373-7888 / Survivor-centered movement to end human trafficking, which operates and runs the National Human Trafficking Hotline and maintains the largest human trafficking dataset in North America.
Stop Bullying @ stopbullying.gov/ United States agency that utilizes the Department of Education, Department of Health and Human Services, and Department of Justice to prevent and respond to bullying.
Stop It Now! @ stopitnow.org / 888-773-8368 / Program that provides free direct support and information regarding child sex abuse in the United States.
Teen Line @ teenline.org/ 866-714-0090 / Anonymous and nonjudgmental space for teens in the United States to access peer-to-peer support, supervised by adult mental health professionals.
The Trevor Project @ thetrevorproject.org / 866-488-7386 / Crisis service for LGBTQIA+ youth ages 13 to 24 in the United States.
YouthLine @ theyouthline.org / 877-968-8491 / Free teen-to-teen crisis support available via telephone, text, online chat, and email in the United States.
Youth Hotlines in Europe
France
119 @ allo119.gouv.fr / 119 / The national hotline for children in France to address the physical, legal, emotional, and social needs of youth.
Germany
Kinder-und Jugendtelefon / 116111 / Counseling nonprofit that provides support for children, young people, and parents in Germany.
United Kingdom
HOPELineUK @ papyrus-uk.org / 0800-068-4141 / Confidential support and advice service that provides crisis counseling for youth ages 35 and under in the United Kingdom.
Youth Hotlines in Asia
Hong Kong
Parent-Child Support Line / 2755-1122 / Telephone service operated by Action Against Abuse to serve children, parents, professionals, and the general public to investigate child abuse.
Youth Hotlines in the Middle East / SWANA / MENA
Palestine
Sawa 121 / 121 / Free telephone service through the Sawa Foundation and European Union that gives victims of violence psychological support in the Middle East and Northern Africa.
Youth Hotlines in Oceania
Australia
Kids Helpline @ kidshelpline.com.au / 1800-55-1800 / Free 24/7 online and phone counseling service for individuals ages 5 to 25 in Australia.
211@211.org / 211 / Referral and directory telephone service that connects callers with any/all resources that may be beneficial to their circumstances. 211 is available both in the entirety of the United States and Canada.
Operational Stress Injury Connect @ veterans.gc.ca / 800-268-7708 / Official app by Veterans Affairs Canada to provide veterans with mental health education, management, and tools.
Veterans Affairs Canada @ veterans.gc.ca / 866-522-2122 / Official service through the government of Canada to provide benefits and services to veterans.
United States
211@211.org / 211 / Referral and directory telephone service that connects callers with any/all resources that may be beneficial to their circumstances. 211 is available both in the entirety of the United States and Canada.
American Red Cross Military and Veteran Services @ redcross.org / 877-272-7337 / Confidential services provided to veterans and their families in the United States through their local, state, and national offices.
American Veterans for Equal Rights @ aver.us / 678-596-1311 / Nonprofit organization that specializes in supporting LGBTQIA+ US veterans.
Blue Alliance @ blue-alliance.org / US Charity that provides services and support to LGBTQIA+ veterans within the Air Force.
DAV @ dav.org / 877-426-2838 / Organization that focuses on providing better services to disabled veterans within the United States.
Department of Defense Safe Helpline @ safehelpline.org / 877-995-5247 / Secure, confidential, and anonymous crisis support for members within the military and larger Department of Defense community affected by sexual assault.
Department of Labor Veterans’ Employment and Training Service @ dol.gov / 866-237-0275 / Service under the United States Department of Labor to enable veterans to find suitable and fulfilling work after service.
Hire Heroes USA @ hireheroesusa.org / 844-634-1520 / Organization that connects United States veterans with employment support and various job opportunities.
Military OneSource @ militaryonesource.mil/ 800-342-9647 / Official resource network for military members and veterans in the United States to access healthcare, education, counseling, transition care, and social services.
Modern Military Association of America @ modernmilitary.org / 202-328-3244 / Advocacy organization for LGBTQIA+ service members and veterans within the US.
National Call Center for Homeless Veterans @ va.gov / 877-424-3838 / Official service operated by the United States Department of Veterans Affairs for veterans who are currently homeless or at risk of becoming homeless.
National Center for PTSD @ ptsd.va.gov / Official education service and resource directory for United States veterans and civilians wanting to find out more about the effects of PTSD.
National Veterans Legal Services Program @ nvlsp.org / 202-265-8305 / Collective of attorneys that provide their legal expertise for free to United States veterans.
Operation First Response @ operationfirstresponse.org / 888-289-0280 / Nonprofit charity in the United States that is committed to providing veterans and other first responders with emergency financial assistance.
Real Warriors @ health.mil / 866-966-1020 / Program through the Defense Centers of Excellence for Psychological Health and Traumatic Brain Injury to provide information and resources on PTSD to United States veterans.
SPARTA @ spartapride.org / Transgender veterans association that focuses on educating and advocating on transgender-related issues within the United States armed forces.
Team Rubicon @ teamrubiconusa.org / 310-640-8787 / Veteran-led humanitarian organization in the United States that delivers disaster relief and aid across the country.
Transgender American Veterans Association @ transveteran.org / 516-828-2911 / Transgender veterans organization in the United States that advocates for the rights and care for veterans.
USA Cares @ usacares.org / 800-773-0387 / Emergency financial aid organization for United States veterans and their families.
VA Benefits Hotline @ va.gov/ 800-827-1000 / General hotline and inquiries information about United States veterans benefits.
VA Caregiver Support Line @ caregiver.va.gov / 855-260-3274 / Free number dedicated to providing information and support to caregivers, family members, friends, community partners, and veterans themselves.
Vet Center Call Center @ vetcenter.va.gov / 877-927-8387 / Confidential call center for combat veterans and their families to find support about transitioning to civilian life.
Veterans’ Association @ va.gov / 800-698-2411 / Official United States agency that facilitates the benefits, services, and tools for veterans.
Veteran’s Crisis Line @ veteranscrisisline.net / 988+1 / Crisis line for United States veterans operated by the national 988 suicide prevention hotline, specialized for serving veterans.
Veterans of Foreign Wars Unmet Needs Program @ vfw.org / 866-789-6333 / Nonprofit American organization that provides financial assistance grants to actively serving military members for daily necessities.
Veteran Hotlines in South America
Brazil
Associação de Veteranos das Forças Armadas @ avfab.org.br/ 55-11-94235-1984 / Association based in Brazil to support veterans and their needs.
Veteran Hotlines in Europe
France
Office National des Anciens Combattants et Victimes de Guerre @ onac-vg.fr / Support agency under the Ministry of the Armed Forces in France to support and recognize veterans.
Germany
Bundeswehr Social Welfare Services @ bundeswehr.de / 49-30-1824-24242 / National agency for armed forces and veterans in Germany.
Deutscher BundeswehrVerband @ dbwv.de / 030-259-260-0 / Non-partisan institution in Germany that represents the interests of veterans and reservists.
Norway
Forsvaret Veteran Contact Point @ forsvaret.no / 91-50-30-03 / Official page of the Norwegian Armed Forces and support services provided to veterans.
Veteran Forbundet SIOPS @ siops.no / 22-69-56-50 / Official veteran services agency under the government of Norway.
Sweden
Swedish Veterans Federation @ swedishveteran.com / Association in Sweden that raises money for veterans and their families.
United Kingdom
Combat Stress Helpline @ combatstress.org.uk / 0800-323-4444 / Registered British charity that offers counseling and treatment to veterans.
Help for Heroes Support Line @ helpforheroes.org.uk / 0300-303-9888 / Welfare program for veterans in the United Kingdom to provide members with healthcare, mental health counseling, finances, education, and community.
SSAFA Forcesline @ ssafa.org.uk / 0800-260-6780 / Confidential telephone service that provides emotional support to veterans within the United Kingdom.
Veterans Gateway @ gov.uk / 0808-802-1212 / Official support and welfare program by the United Kingdom for armed forces veterans and their families.
Veteran Hotlines in Asia
India
Ex-Servicemen Welfare Department @ desw.gov.in / Service provided by the Indian Ministry of Defense to support veterans.
Military Helpline India / 155306 / Service provided by the Indian Army to offer immediate support to soldiers and veterans.
Japan
Japan Self-Defense Forces Veteran Support Office @ mod.go.jp / 03-5366-3111 / Official site for the armed forces of Japan and support services for eligible veterans.
Veteran Hotlines in the Middle East / SWANA / MENA
Israel
Israel Ministry of Defense Rehabilitation Department @ mod.gov.il / Agency under the government of Israel to protect and serve the nation as well as provide services to former members.
Zahal Disabled Veterans Organization @ zdvo.org / 972-3-646-1603 / Registered nonprofit organization in Israel that legally represents wounded and disabled veterans.
Veteran Hotlines in Africa
South AFrica
SAMVO Veterans Helpline @ samvo.international / International organization for service members and veterans of South Africa.
South African Legion of Military Veterans @ salegion.co.za/ 021-689-9771 / Welfare organization that serves veterans of South Africa with case management and accommodation.
Veteran Hotlines in Oceania
Australia
DEFGLIS @ defglis.com.au / Registered charity that supports and represents LGBTQIA+ veterans in Australia.
Department of Veterans’ Affairs General Enquiries @ dva.gov.au/ 1800-838-372 / Support services to veterans in Australia.
Open Arms Veterans and Families Counseling @ openarms.gov.au / 1800-011-046 / The leading mental health assessment and counseling provider for veterans in Australia.
Soldier On @ soldieron.org.au / Support agency in Australia that gives services to veterans and family members.
New Zealand
Return and Services’ Association Support Services @ rsa.org.nz/ 1737 / Mission by the government of New Zealand to support veterans and their families.
Veterans’ Affairs New Zealand Helpline @ veteransaffairs.mil.nz / 0800-483-8372 / Primary agency that handles the benefits of New Zealand veterans.
Everyone deserves compassion and safety, including emergency shelter and other social services. Find tools and resources centered on houselessness below.
FEANTSA @ feantsa.org / 32-02-538-66-69 / International organization co-funded by the European Union to provide support to homeless individuals.
Travel’s Aid Hotline@ travelersaid.org / 866-201-7399 / International network of social service agencies, airports, and train stations that work to end homelessness and human trafficking around the globe.
Homelessness Hotlines in North America
Canada
211@211.org / 211 / Referral and directory telephone service that connects callers with any/all resources that may be beneficial to their circumstances. 211 is available both in the entirety of the United States and Canada.
Mexico
Consejo Ciudadano Para la Seguridad y Justica @ consejociudadanomx.org / 55-5533-5533 / Also known as the Safety Hot Line, Mexico’s primary non-emergency telephone center for those seeking support on various social issues.
United States
211@211.org / 211 / Referral and directory telephone service that connects callers with any/all resources that may be beneficial to their circumstances. 211 is available both in the entirety of the United States and Canada.
Coalition for the Homeless Crisis Intervention Hotline@ coalitionforthehomeless.org / 888-358-2384 / One of the oldest advocacy and direct service organizations for the homeless in the United States, providing crisis care, housing, food, and job training.
Disaster Distress Helpline / 800-985-5990 / National service that provides 24/7 crisis support within the United States for anyone experiencing emotional distress due to natural or human-caused disasters such as tornados, severe storms, hurricanes, floods, wildfires, earthquakes, droughts, mass violence, disease outbreaks, and community unrest.
Feeding America@ feedingamerica.org / 800-771-2303 / Nationwide network of food banks, food pantries, and meal programs in the United States.
Homeless Shelter Directory@ homelessshelterdirectory.org / Network of local shelters and homeless services in the United States.
Human Resources and Services Administration@ hhs.gov / The primary agency under the United States government for supporting the delivery of essential human services which operates and partners with 19 different federal agencies, state and local governments, and other service providers to help homeless individuals.
Miracle Messages@ miraclemessages.org/ Nonprofit organization based in the US that provides social support systems to those experiencing homelessness, such as through their family reunification program, phone buddy system, and basic income pilots.
National Coalition for Homeless Veterans@ nchv.org / 202-546-1969 / National organization focused on ending veteran homelessness in the United States by promoting and shaping legislation as well as managing a referral helpline for at-risk veterans.
National Healthcare for the Homeless Council@ nhchc.org / 615-226-2292 / Human rights and social justice organization that manages a nationwide healthcare network for homeless individuals in the United States. Additional information about free and low-cost medical, dental, pharmacy, vision, and behavioral services can be found through the National Association of Free and Charitable Clinics at nafcclinics.org.
National Runaway Safeline@ 1800runaway.org / 800-786-2929 / National communications system for runaway and homeless youth in the United States, which caters to keeping young people as safe and healthy as possible in potentially dangerous situations.
Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program@ usa.gov/ Formerly known as “food stamps,” SNAP is a US welfare program that provides food benefits to low-income families to supplement their grocery budget.
Women, Infants, and Children@ fns.usda.gov / Special supplemental nutrition program for Women, Infants, and Children in the United States to provide federal welfare for low-income pregnant, breastfeeding, and non-breastfeeding people, as well as infants and children up to age five who are at nutritional risk.
Homelessness Hotlines in Europe
Belgium
Samusocial @ samusocial.be / 0800-99-340 / Immediate help provided by mobile teams and emergency reception centers in Belgium to help homeless individuals.
France
115 @ refugies.info / 115 / Emergency number in France that connects individuals with accommodation centers free of charge.
Greece
National Emergency Response Mechanism / 30-2132128888 / Service for homeless children or children who are unaccompanied or in otherwise precarious living situations.
Ireland
Citizens Information @ citizensinformation.ie / Homeless information for those in Ireland, with large databases on agencies throughout the country.
Homeless Dublin @ homelessdublin.ie / 1800-707-707 / Emergency accommodation for homeless individuals in Ireland.
Netherlands
Homeless Counter / 070-353-72-91 / Emergency shelter and social support for homeless people living in the Netherlands and at least 18 years old. Homeless individuals under the age of 18 should contact the Jeugd Interventie Team at 070-302-80-05.
Norway
Nav @ nav.no / 55-55-33-33 / Emergency accommodation in Norway for those looking for a place to sleep for the next 24 hours.
Spain
HOGAR SÍ @ hogarsi.org / 911-108-984 / Social initiative and nonprofit organization in Spain that supports the needs of homeless individuals.
United Kingdom
Advice for Renters @ adviceforrenters.org / Charity organization that offers free housing advice, financial support, and mentoring for those living in the United Kingdom.
akt @ akt.org.uk / 020-7831-6562 / British organization that specializes in providing emergency housing and services to LGBTQIA+ youth ages 16 to 25.
Centrepoint @ centrepoint.org.uk / 0808-800-0661 / Youth homelessness charity based in the United Kingdom that works primarily with young people ages 16 to 25.
Crisis @ crisis.org.uk / National charity in the United Kingdom that helps homeless individuals find the resources and tools needed to thrive.
Samaritans @ samaritans.org / 116-123 / Charity that supports those in crisis in the UK, which includes assisting homeless individuals find necessary resources and aid.
Shelter @ england.shelter.org.uk / 0808-800-4444 / Helpline agency that connects individuals with free legal advice and local referrals.
StreetLink @ thestreetlink.org.uk / Website service for individuals sleeping rough in the United Kingdom, connecting them with their local council and outreach services.
United Response@ unitedresponse.org.uk / Established charity that specializes in housing needs for individuals with mental health needs and disabilities such as autism, sensory impairments, and dementia.
Homelessness Hotlines in Asia
Japan
Moyai Support Centre @ npomoyai.or.jp / 81-03-0363-0137 / Social welfare service that helps people living in Japan find everyday essentials/housing and overcome financial hardship.
Homelessness Hotlines in Africa
South Africa
National Shelter Movement of South Africa Helpline @ nsmsa.org.za / 0800-001-005 / 24/7 helpline in South Africa, with a focus on victims of domestic violence. Also available via text and WhatsApp.
Homelessness Hotlines in Oceania
Australia
Homelessness Australia @ homelessnessaustralia.org.au / Support and resource organization in Australia with a large database of local helplines and charities centered on helping homeless individuals.
New Zealand
The People’s Project @ thepeoplesproject.org.nz / 0800-437-348 / New Zealand-based organization that fosters a housing-first approach in helping homeless individuals get back on their feet.
Help is always available, and you are always worth it. Find emergency hotlines, counseling, and peer support with the resources below. If you are in a medical emergency, please dial your local emergency support number.
Al-Anon @ al-anon.org / 888-425-2666 / International fellowship for families and friends of those suffering from substance misuse. Al-Anon is officially in over 133 countries across the globe and serves as a leader in recovery. Young people are encouraged to use Alateen, an Al-Anon program for teenagers affected by those with alcoholism. Compared to NAR-Anon, Al-Anon is for alcohol misuse.
Alcoholics Anonymous @ aa.org / AA is an international fellowship for individuals experiencing drinking problems. As the leader in 12-step programs to combat addiction, most Alcoholics Anonymous groups use religion in some capacity as part of their programming – although all AA groups welcome everyone regardless of religion, gender, sexuality, ethnicity, etc. To find the Alcoholics Anonymous closest to you, visit their international email request.
Cocaine Anonymous @ ca.org / International fellowship for those looking for peer mentorship in recovery from cocaine addiction.
Crystal Meth Anonymous@ crystalmeth.org / 855-638-4373 / International fellowship of individuals experiencing crystal meth misuse.
Families Anonymous @ familiesanonymous.org / 847-294-5877 / International fellowship for families and friends of individuals with substance misuse problems. Operates as a 12-Step program for supporting loved ones despite damage caused by drugs and alcohol.
Gamblers Anonymous@ gamblersanonymous.org / International fellowship specialized in gambling addictions rather than traditional substance misuse.
Heroin Anonymous@ heroinanonymous.org / International fellowship for those struggling with heroin misuse, using the 12-step program formula.
Marijuana Anonymous @ marijuana-anonymous.org / 800-766-6779 / International peer-support fellowship for individuals concerned about their marijuana usage through the 12-step formula.
NAR-Anon @ nar-anon.org / 800-477-6291 / International fellowship for close to those experiencing substance misuse problems, such as family members and friends. Also operates Narateen for young people with loved ones struggling with drug addiction. Compared to Al-Anon, NAR-Anon is for any/all drug misuse.
Narcotics Anonymous @ na.org / 818-773-9999 / International fellowship for anyone struggling with substance misuse. Compared to other 12-step programs, NA includes all substances and addictions.
Nicotine Anonymous @ nicotine-anonymous.org / 469-737-9304 / International fellowship that gives individuals struggling with quitting nicotine an outlet with their peers and a 12-step program.
Pills Anonymous @ pillsanonymous.org / International fellowship for those struggling with pill and prescription drug addiction.
Substance Misuse Hotlines in North America
Canada
Drug Rehab Services @ drugrehab.ca / 877-254-3348 / Free resource for those seeking rehab for drug and alcohol addiction in Canada.
Mexico
Oceánica @ oceanica.com.mx / 55-8854-7141 / Program in Mexico that provides free online chat services to those seeking help with addiction problems.
SAPTEL @ saptel.org.mx / 55-5259-8121 / Mental health service that provides 24/7 assistance with drug addiction issues.
United States
American Lung Association Tobacco QuitLine @ lung.org / 800-586-4872 / Leading American organization working towards a tobacco-free future, which facilitates both lung research and tobacco-free initiatives.
Boys Town National Hotline @ boystown.org / 800-448-3000 / US organization that focuses on supporting marginalized youth, especially those most at risk of homelessness and substance misuse.
Fireside Project @ firesideproject.org / 623-473-7433 / Free and confidential support line for those currently using psychedelic substances as a means to minimize risks during drug use.
HOPE LINE / Local assistance with substance use issues through the National Council on Alcoholism and Drug Dependence.
National Capital Poison Center @ poison.org / 800-222-1222 / National advisory and authority on drugs and poisons within the United States, offering free emergency help for those who have ingested toxic chemicals.
National Drug Helpline @ drughelpline.org / 844-289-0879 / Self-funded entity that maintains one of the most diverse helplines in the United States, covering substance misuse issues from alcohol, benzos, cocaine, crack cocaine, ecstasy, opioids, fentanyl, heroin, methamphetamine, and prescription drugs.
Partnership to End Addiction @ drugfree.org / 855-378-4373 / Addiction prevention and treatment organization that supports individuals with substance misuse issues and their families in the United States.
Pride Program Foundations Minnesota @ foundationsminnesota.com / 833-926-2100 / Drug and alcohol treatment center based in the United States that exclusively serves the LGBTQIA+ community through quality culturally-competent care.
Smoking Quitline @ smokefree.gov / 877-448-7848 / Initiative through the National Cancer Institute and United States Department of Health and Human Services to reduce smoking by providing the public with the tools and information necessary to lead happy, healthy lives.
Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services National Helpline @ samhsa.gov / 800-662-4357 / United States agency within the Department of Health and Human Services that leads behavioral health within the country, which includes substance misuse and addiction.
Substance Misuse Hotlines in Europe
Bulgaria
National Drugs, Alcohol, and Gambling Helpline @ drugsinfo-bg.org / 0888-99-18-66 / Anonymous and professional helpline established by the Solidarnost Association for Rehabilitation of Addicted People to provide free services to individuals in Bulgaria.
Finland
MIELI @ mieli.fi/ 09-2525-0111 / Anonymous crisis line in Finland for those struggling with mental health and addiction issues.
France
SOS Drug and Alcohol Addiction Helpline / 133 / National helpline for drug misuse in France.
Germany
Guttempler @ guttempler.de / 0180-365-24-07 / Emergency addiction hotline for residents in Germany on alcohol and drug misuse.
Ireland
Drug and Alcohol Helpline @ drugs.ie / 1800-459-459 / Confidential support line for those struggling with drug and alcohol use in Ireland.
Italy
OFAD @ iss.it / 39-800-632000 / Alcohol helpline through the National Institute of Health for residents of Italy struggling with substance misuse. Smoking helpline available at 39-800-554088, anti-doping helpline available at 39-800-896970, and gambling helpline available at 90-800-558822.
Norway
Rusinfo @ rusinfo.no / 915-08-588 / Norwegian guidance service that provides free recovery services.
Sweden
Alkoholhjälpen @ alkoholhjalpen.se / 020-84-44-48 / Public health agency that provides anonymous addiction and recovery support in Sweden.
Switzerland
147 @ 147.ch / 147 / Confidential support for drug addiction in Switzerland available through their phone line, online chat, email, and WhatsApp.
United Kingdom
Club Drug Clinic @ clubdrugclinic.cnwl.nhs.uk / 020-3317-3000 / Free and confidential service through the National Health Service that offers support to those using recreational drugs in the United Kingdom.
Drinkline @ alcoholchange.org.uk / 0300-123-1110 / Hotline operated by Alcohol Change UK as one of the United Kingdom’s leading charities tackling alcohol misuse.
FRANK @ talktofrank.com / 0300-1236600 / National anti-drug advisory service in the United Kingdom that offers free information about drug usage and its effects.
London Friend @ londonfriend.org.uk / LGBTQIA+ charity that promotes the health and wellbeing of the United Kingdom, which includes their drug, alcohol, and chemsex support services.
Release @ release.org.uk / 020-7324-2989 / Leading entity on legal support and drug advice in the United Kingdom, and also operates a harm reduction approach to their helpline.
Substance Misuse Hotlines in Oceania
Australia
National Alcohol and Other Drug Hotline @ health.gov.au / 1800-250-015 / Free and confidential hotline served by the Australian government to provide counseling to those experiencing difficulty regarding alcohol and drug use.
New Zealand
Alcohol Drug Helpline @ alcoholdrughelp.org.nz / 0800-787-797 / Service for those struggling with drug misuse in New Zealand. Also maintains a Māori, Pasifika, and Youth Line.
