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About Us
Q Chat Space provides online discussion groups for LGBTQ+ and questioning teens ages 13 to 19. It is not a forum. It is live and chat based; there is no video or audio. Everyone is chatting during the same pre-scheduled time.
Conversations are facilitated by experienced staff who work at LGBTQ+ centers around the United States. Q Chat Space facilitators are NOT mental health professionals. If you are in crisis or need help immediately, please use the resources available here.
Q Chat Space is a collaboration of the following organizations:
CenterLink: The Community of LGBT Centers
CenterLink develops strong, sustainable LGBTQ+ community centers and builds a thriving center network that creates healthy, vibrant communities.
PFLAG is the largest organization for lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, and queer (LGBTQ+) people, their parents and families, and allies. With over 400 chapters and 200,000 members and supporters, PFLAG is committed to creating a world where diversity is celebrated and all people are respected, valued, and affirmed.
Planned Parenthood Federation of America
Planned Parenthood advocates for and delivers vital sexual and reproductive health care, sex education, and information to millions of people worldwide. Planned Parenthood’s doors are open to anyone regardless of gender identity, gender expression, and sexual orientation.
Your Facilitators
Q Chat Space chats are facilitated by caring, trained, and verified facilitators! They are staff and volunteers from youth programs at LGBTQ+ centers across the United States. They are in the live chats to guide group conversations and help if anything comes up.
Currently, our chats are facilitated by staff and volunteers from:
LGBTQ+ RESOURCES
- Find an LGBTQ+ Center - Over 250 LGBTQ+ centers providing support to their local LGBTQ+ communities
- Find a PFLAG Chapter - Support for LGBTQ+ individuals, families, and allies through 400 local chapters
- Find a Planned Parenthood Health Center - Health centers are open to people of all gender identities/sexual orientations and offer STD testing, birth control, physical exams, other sexual and reproductive health services & referrals
- imi guide - Digital tool built for and with LGBTQ+ teens to help you explore your identities & support your mental health
HOTLINES
Emergency: Call 911
- Trevor Project - 24/7 suicide prevention helpline for LGBTQ+ youth (call, text, chat)
- Trans Lifeline - Suicide prevention helpline for trans youth, staffed by trans people (call)
- 988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline - 24/7 suicide prevention hotline (call, chat)
- National Runaway Switchboard - Crisis intervention and referrals for runaway and homeless youth (call, text, chat, email)
- Rape Abuse & Incest National Network (RAINN) - National sexual assault hotline (call, chat)
- National Domestic Violence Hotline - 24/7 domestic violence hotline (call, chat, text)
- National Child Abuse Hotline - 24/7 child abuse hotline (call, chat, text)
- LGBT National Help Center - Talk to LGBT peers directly (call, chat)
- Sexually Transmitted Disease & HIV/ADIS Information Hotline - Talk to a CDC specialist to ask about HIV/AIDS, Viral Hepatitis, STDs, TB, or HIV testing sites (Mon-Fri, 8AM-8PM ET) (call, email)
- BlackLine - 24/7 hotline for peer support, counseling, witnessing and affirming the lived experiences to folxs who are most impacted by systematic oppression with an LGBTQ+ Black Femme Lens (call, text)
- Desi LGBTQ+ Helpline for South Asians (DeQH) - For South Asian/Desi LGBTQ individuals, family, and friends (Thurs/Sun, 8-10PM ET) (call, email)
- Crisis Text Line - 24/7 text-based mental health support and crisis intervention by trained volunteers (text, Facebook Messenger, WhatsApp)
- Crisis Text Line International (United Kingdom, Canada, Ireland) - 24/7 text-based mental health support and crisis intervention by trained volunteers (text)
- National Alliance on Mental Illness (NAMI) Helpline - Volunteers are available to answer mental health questions, offer support and provide practical next steps (Mon-Fri, 10AM-10PM ET) (call, chat, email)
MENTAL HEALTH RESOURCES
Note: Q Chat Space cannot confirm that these organizations are LGBTQ+ friendly. Please do your own research and make sure to confirm with the contact person.
- National Alliance on Mental Illness (NAMI) Online Knowledge & Resource Center - Library of information and answers to most frequently asked questions about mental health
- National Alliance on Mental Illness (NAMI) Resource Library - Directory of mental health organizations and resources
- Mental Health America - Mental health information, screening, support, resources, and provider search
- Psychology Today - Helpful articles and directory of therapists across the United States
- National Queer & Trans Therapists of Color Network - Directory of queer and trans therapists of color & helpful resources
- Latinx Therapists Action Network - A Network of Latinx mental health practitioners honoring and affirming the dignity and healing of migrant communities marginalized by criminalization, detention, and deportation
- Latinx Therapy - National directory to find a Latinx therapist
- Therapy for Latinx - Latinx mental health provider directory
- Asian Mental Health Collective - Asian, Pacific Islander, and South Asian American (APISAA) therapist directory & resources
- Open Path Collective - Directory for affordable in-office and online psychotherapy sessions
- Going To Therapy As A QTPOC, Without Being Harmed, Erased Or Baffled (Article)
OTHER RESOURCES
- Asexuality Visibility and Education Network - The world's largest online asexual community as well as a large archive of resources on asexuality
- Bisexual Resource Center - The oldest nationally-focused bisexual organization in the U.S., the BRC raises awareness and builds bridges within the LGBT and ally communities, and fosters bi-supportive social and political space wherever it can
- InterACT - Organization that advocates for the human rights of children born with intersex traits
- Facts for Gay, Lesbian, and Bisexual Teens and Their Parents - From the American Academy of Pediatrics
- Trevor Space - An affirming international community for LGBTQ+ youth ages 13-24
- LGBTQ+ YouthHeLP - Sexual health information and resources specifically for LGBTQ+ youth
- Outwords - Collects, archives, and shares the experience and wisdom of LGBTQ+ pioneers
- Project Contrast - Project that shows LGBTQ+ youth that they are not alone
- Future Perfect Project - Free arts workshops for LGBTQIA+ youth & allies across the United States
- Selfsea - Get personalized resources around your identities, mental health, sexual health, relationships, and beyond
- Give Us The Floor - Provides LGBTQ+ teens in distress with peer-positive human connection through teen-only supportive group chat
Support for Youth of Color
- Rest for Resistance - Online healing space for trans & queer people of color, as well as other stigmatized groups such as sex workers, immigrants, persons with physical and/or mental disabilities, and those living at the intersections of all of the above
- Black Trans Advocacy - Provides referrals, case management and direct services to black transgender individuals across US
- Black LGBTQ+ Migrant Project (BLMP) - Supports Black LGBTQIA+ migrants through community-building, political education, creating access to direct services, and organizing across borders
- NQAPIA - Federation of LGBTQ+ Asian American, South Asian, Southeast Asian, and Pacific Islander (AAPI) organizations
- WeRNative - Comprehensive health resource for Native youth, by Native youth
Support for Trans/Gender Non-Conforming Youth
- Gender Spectrum - Host online support groups for trans and gender non-conforming pre-teens, teens, parents, caregivers, and other family members and adults.
- TransFamilies - Organization that supports transgender people and their families through support groups, leadership program, and annual conference Gender Odyssey
- My Trans Health - Network of trans and gender non-conforming friendly healthcare providers
- TransHub - Digital information & resource platform for trans and gender diverse people (based in Australia)
- Transgender Teen Survival Guide - Blog that answers a variety of questions about gender identity/expressions
- GenderEv Pronouns | Practice with Pronouns | Pronoun Dressing Room | Another Pronoun Dressing Room - Having trouble getting used to a friend's new pronouns? Trying to figure out which pronouns suit you best? Check these out!
- Point of Pride Chest Binder Program | FTME Free Youth Binder Program | Binder Recycling (Canada) | The Binder Project | DCATS Binder Exchange - Places to get free or low cost chest binders
- Tucking 101 | Binding 101 | Trans Lifeline's Binding 101 - Learn how to tuck and/or bind safely
- Refuge Restrooms - Search for safe restrooms access for trans/gender non-conforming individuals.
Support with Religion/Spirituality
- Keshet - Programs and events for LGBTQ+ and ally Jewish teens
- Muslims for Progressive Values - Resources for LGBTQ+ Muslims
- Queer Crescent - Organization that builds community, culture, safety, healing arts and justice with LGBTQI+ Muslims
- Beloved Arise - Resources for youth of any faith background, centered on Christian traditions, teachings and practices
- Q Christian Fellowship - Community groups, guides, and resources to cultivate radical belonging for LGBTQ+ Christians and allies
- Dignity USA - Chapter-based nonprofit organization that serves LGBT Catholics and their allies
- GALVA-108 - International organization for LGBT Hindus and Vaishnava
- Sarbat - Volunteer-led group addressing LGBT+ issues from a Sikh perspective
- HRC Religion & Faith Resources - Human Rights Campaign's extensive resource on faith and spirituality for LGBTQ+ people
- Institute for Welcoming Resources - List of welcoming Christian congregations, both within the United States and internationally
Note: External organizations are not affiliated with Q Chat Space.
FAQs
What is Q Chat Space? What is it not?
Q Chat Space provides online discussion groups for LGBTQ+ teens ages 13 to 19. It is not a forum. It is live and chat based; there is no video or audio. Everyone is chatting during the same pre-scheduled time.
Conversations are facilitated by experienced staff who work at LGBTQ+ centers around the country. Q Chat Space facilitators are NOT mental health professionals. If you are in crisis or need help immediately, please use the resources available here.
People are using Q Chat Space to get support, make friends and build community in a safe environment. Q Chat Space is not a dating site. Please do not repeatedly talk to someone about romantic or sexual things when they have asked you to stop. Do not use sexually explicit or degrading words and phrases.
It's my first time joining a Q Chat Space chat. How do I join?
Welcome to Q Chat Space! Follow these easy steps:
- FORM: Complete our First Time Users form.
- FOLLOW: Sign up for text reminders at our Upcoming Groups page and follow us on our socials (Instagram / Facebook) to be notified of the upcoming chats.
- REGISTER: When it’s time for the chat, click “Join Us” at our Upcoming Groups page and register for a new account in Rocket Chat. You must use the same email address that you used for your First Time Users form!
- WAIT: Wait for the admin to activate your account. This may take up to 24 hours during weekdays (weekends may take longer). Check your email! You will receive an email once your account has been activated.
- JOIN: After your account is activated, go back to our Upcoming Groups page and join the chat!
What will it be like when I join a chat?
A facilitator will greet you when you arrive in the chat. There will be some time to informally meet others who are joining the chat. After introductions and a review of the group agreements, there will be open discussion on a designated topic. You are free to share as much or as little as you like. At the end, there will be a closing with resources and some time to chat more informally.
Check out this video to see what joining a chat will be like.
Can I get text reminders? When are they sent? Are they private?
Yes, you can sign up for text reminders (English or Spanish) on our Upcoming Group page. Text reminders are sent one day and one hour before the chat. You can unsubscribe from the text reminders anytime.
There are 2 text message reminder options: Discreet or Detailed. Discreet text reminders are private, they do not include "Q Chat Space" or the name of the chat. They only say "Reminder: You have an online discussion in about 1 hour." or " Reminder: You have an online discussion in about 24 hours." Detailed text reminders will include "Q Chat Space", the name of the chat, and a link to Q Chat Space website.
Unfortunately, we can only send reminders to U.S. and Canada phones at the moment.
How can I share feedback?
If you have any feedback to share about another participant, a facilitator, a particular chat, the website or chat platform, or anything else, contact us through this form.
What am I agreeing to in joining Q Chat Space chats?
We want people who use Q Chat Space to feel safe, get support, and make friends. In order to make sure that happens, we need to have clear and mutually agreed upon ways to interact with each other. We ask every person who joins groups on Q Chat Space to agree that they will:
- Respect other’s identities and pronouns.
- Keep confidentiality – what’s shared here, stays here.
- Be here for support and try to stay positive.
- Welcome new ideas and different perspectives.
- Own up to and forgive mistakes.
Both facilitators and participants in groups are responsible for keeping these agreements. They are also responsible for courteously helping others understand when they might be doing something that doesn’t follow the agreements. Everyone needs to work together to build a respectful and trusting community.
We also want to be clear that Q Chat Space is here to support you, but the facilitators are not acting as mental health professionals. And, while we won’t share the information you discuss in the group, there are a few exceptions to that. Q Chat Space facilitators may be required by state law to report information shared in the group if you share that you are being abused (physically, sexually, or emotionally) or that you want to hurt yourself or someone else. If you have questions about this, we are happy to explain the process and keep you informed as we make a report. Lastly, chats may be used for training, evaluation, or research, but your username or personal information will never be shared publicly.
How can I make sure I am safe and help create a safe space while using Q Chat Space?
We want everyone to feel and be safe in Q Chat Space. Here are guidelines to help you do that.
- When you log in to the chat, be sure to choose a username that maintains a level of privacy you are comfortable with.
- Remember that what happens online is as serious as in real life. Don’t say anything in a discussion group that you wouldn’t be comfortable saying in person.
- Don’t share personal information like your birth date, phone number, location, or social media handles.
- Trust your own instincts. If you think that it might be unwise to share something, don’t do it. If someone says or does something that makes you feel uncomfortable, ask them to stop. If they don’t stop, let a facilitator know.
- Be careful with humor. Even if you think it’s obvious that you are joking, it can be hard to tell. If it’s meant to be funny, make that clear by adding ‘lol’ or ‘jk.’
- If you have any feedback to share about another participant, a facilitator, a particular chat, something that happened in a chat, or anything else, contact us.
I'm an adult and I'd like to share this resource with youth. Where can I find resources?
Thanks for your interest in spreading the word about Q Chat Space. Check out downloadable resources here: https://www.lgbtcenters.org/Programs/Q-Chat-Space
What’s the fine print?
Here are links to the Privacy Policy and Terms of Use for the Q Chat Space website. You will see that these are the privacy policy and terms of use of CenterLink’s web properties because this website is affiliated with CenterLink.