Today's check in thread is for my fellow LGBT+ lockdowners

The #lockdown can be hard for LGBT+ folks, some separated from their usual places & people they feel safe and welcome; some isolated with unsupportive or homophobic / transphobic family; unable to express themselves.

Allies -

Check in with your LGBT+ friends and family.

If they're a freelancer, creative, self employed - support their work or boost them via social media

Educate yourself as to why queer people are at higher risk - read up on mental health, marginalisation, discrimination

LGBT+ people - there are networks and sources of help out there!

UK based:

@switchboardLGBT phone lines are open 10-10 every day, they also have an email and online chat if you are not able to use a phone for any reason.

@LGBTfdn helpline open 9-9 weekdays, 10-6 weekends.

Domestic abuse does happen in LGBT+ households, and if you need help, there's @GalopUK.

Stonewall have a "trans resilience in isolation" PowerPoint resource: https://www.stonewall.org.uk/sites/default/files/covid_isolation_trans_resource.pptx

@MindOutLGBTQ run online support sessions daily - including trans specific on Fridays.

Pride celebrations worldwide have been cancelled or postponed.

But there's Global Pride on June 27th - online, international - perhaps taking part in organising will help connect to queer communities during quarantine?

@GlobalPride2020 http://epoa.eu/2020/04/01/prides-come-together-to-organise-global-pride-amid-covid19-cancellations/

Homelessness disproportionately affects LGBT young people. In the UK, charity @centrepointuk can help young LGBT people who are homeless or at risk of being homeless - you can also call them about an individual you're concerned about.

https://centrepoint.org.uk/youth-homelessness/get-help-now/