Calls to LGBTQ+ crisis hotline up 700% since election

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The West Hollywood-based nonprofit The Trevor Project says it saw a nearly 700% increase in calls to its crisis hotline the day after the election.

“The amount of discussions related to the election increased by nearly 5200% compared to what it was leading up to the election day,” the organization’s Janson Wu told KNX News’ Karen Adams.

Wu said a lot of the callers expressed concern about their healthcare being stripped away, while others say they're strongly contemplating moving out of the country for their safety. He said that anti-trans legislation and “divisive rhetoric” are hurting young people.

“A few months ago, our research team published the first peer-reviewed study that showed a causal link between anti-transgender laws and an increase in suicide attempts amongst trans and nonbinary youth by up to 72%,” he said.

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While the election has raised a lot of concern in the LGBTQ+ community, Wu pointed to a bright spot: the election of Sarah McBride, who will become the first openly transgender person in Congress.

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