Surge in LGBTQ+ hotline usage following 2024 U.S presidential election results

Crisis services for the LGBTQ+ community have experienced a significant increase in calls and messages during election week.

As reported by USA Today, since midnight on Tuesday The Trevor Project's crisis services - including its lifeline, chat, and text options - have seen an approximate 125% rise in contacts compared to typical days, according to a statement from CEO Jaymes Black on Wednesday afternoon. This surge follows a staggering 200% jump in election-related discussions that took place on November 3-4, as identified by keywords such as "election" and "rights" in their communications.

The heightened outreach to The Trevor Project comes amidst a national conversation about the LGBTQ+ community, which has been increasingly brought to the forefront during the presidential campaign, fueling anxiety about future legislation affecting their rights and wellbeing.

In response to the election outcomes, local, regional, and national LGBTQ+ organizations are expanding their resources. Following the announcement of Donald Trump's re-election to a second term on Wednesday morning, organizations like The Trevor Project are maintaining their crisis service lines to provide crucial support to those seeking help.

A recent survey conducted by The Trevor Project, the 2024 U.S. National Survey on the Mental Health of LGBTQ+ Young People, revealed that 90% of LGBTQ+ youth reported feeling their wellbeing negatively impacted by the current political climate.

“The Trevor Project wants LGBTQ+ young people to know that we are here for you, no matter the outcome of any election," Black emphasized in the statement. "LGBTQ+ young people, your lives matter, and you deserve to live them freely and authentically.”