by YI Staff
We are reeling, and heartbroken, from Sunday’s horrifying events in Florida. Young Invincibles sends our deepest condolences to the victims’ families, loved ones, and their community in Orlando and beyond. We are thinking of our LGBTQIA constituents and friends with love and we stand with them rejecting hate in all of its forms.
It’s important to combat the fear these sorts of attacks inflict upon those who choose to live their lives authentically. We will continue to push for more discussions, resources, and policies that support young adults of all stripes, colors and rainbows. And we celebrate Pride Month this year by sharing mental health resources for those who are grieving and information about how to support the city of Orlando.
The GLBT National Help Center: Utilizing a diverse group of GLBT volunteers, the GLBT Help Center operates two national hotlines, the GLBT National Hotline and the GLBT National Youth Talkline, as well as private, volunteer one-to-one online chat, that helps both youth and adults with coming-out issues, safer-sex information, school bullying, family concerns, relationship problems and a lot more.
The Trevor Project: Founded in 1998 by the creators of the Academy Award®-winning short film TREVOR, The Trevor Project is the leading national organization providing crisis intervention and suicide prevention services to lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender and questioning (LGBTQ) young people ages 13-24.
Identity House: Identity House is a non-profit, all-volunteer organization that provides Peer Counseling, Group Support, and Therapy Referrals to members of the LGBTQ community who are struggling with issues of sexuality, alienation, relationships, and family.
The Association of LGBTQ Psychiatrists: This site features an online referral system and directory of professionals who specialize in providing services to the LGBTQ community. In addition, the site also lays out resources for patients ranging from individual and community resources, to education and advocacy resources and GLBT-focused mental health professional groups.
Live Out Loud: Live Out Loud is a nonprofit organization dedicated to inspiring and empowering LGBTQ youth by connecting them with successful LGBTQ professionals in their community. The link goes to their resources page, which lists out a number of sites with services and support for LGBTQ youth.
Hispanic Family Counseling – MEJORANDO LA CALIDAD DE VIDA: Hispanic Family Counseling Center was founded in 2012 with the hope of providing mental health services tailored to the specific needs of the Hispanic community. They are currently offering counseling services to Florida residents.
Victim Connect Resource Center: The Victim Connect Resource Center has compiled a list of resources for victims and their families, as well as information for the public on how to become involved.
You can also show your support for Orlando by donating to the Hispanic Federation, which is collecting donations through a community initiative called #SomosOrlando. The effort will provide access to culturally competent emergency assistance, case management, crisis intervention, and mental health services, among other immediate needs to the families and victims. The Somos Orlando website has a full list of services that are offered in English and Spanish and other ways people can contribute their help and support. Equality Florida is still accepting donations to support every victim, family members of victims, and survivors.