If someone in the LGBTQIA+ community is struggling, these are solid places to start.
If it feels urgent or unsafe right now, call or text 988 for immediate crisis support, or contact emergency services if there is immediate danger. https://988lifeline.org/
For LGBTQ+ youth and young adults, The Trevor Project is one of the best national resources. They provide free, confidential 24/7 support by phone, text, and chat for LGBTQ+ young people in the U.S. https://www.thetrevorproject.org/get-help/
For peer support that is not just crisis-only, the LGBT National Help Center offers confidential support and information. They run the LGBT National Hotline, a coming out hotline, a youth talkline for people 25 and under, and a senior hotline. https://lgbthotline.org/
For trans, nonbinary, agender, and questioning folks, Trans Lifeline is a trans-led peer support hotline. They note that they provide support even if someone is not in immediate crisis and even if they are still questioning. https://translifeline.org/
For mental health support beyond hotlines, NAMI has LGBTQ+ mental health resources, guidance, and a HelpLine. They also point people toward LGBTQ+-inclusive care directories and support options. https://www.nami.org/
Near Rock Hill, a good local starting point is PFLAG Rock Hill for peer support, community connection, and local guidance. Statewide, SC Equality and SC Pride both provide advocacy, community connection, and resource information for LGBTQ+ South Carolinians. https://pflag.org/chapter/pflag-rock-hill/
If the person is younger or can access Charlotte-area support, Time Out Youth offers free counseling, housing support, and gender-affirming case management for LGBTQ+ youth. Mecklenburg County’s EASE program also provides LGBTQIA+ mental health and substance use support. https://timeoutyouth.org/
A simple first step can be:
reach out to one person you trust, use one hotline tonight, and look for one affirming local group instead of trying to solve everything at once.