Trans Lifeline Operators

[Miharu Barbie]

Hi!  I was aimlessly wandering around the forums here on Susan's Place this afternoon, and I stumbled across a brief conversation about a suicide prevention hotline called Trans Lifeline.  I've never heard of this organization before.  I went to their website and looked around; there isn't a huge amount of information there.  I have questions.

Has anyone here ever volunteered as a telephone operator with Trans Lifeline?  Has anyone here ever called and received support from Trans Lifeline?  Are they trust worthy?  Are they doing good work?

The reason I'm asking is that I think I might volunteer an hour a day to serve as an operator on their crisis line network, and I'm hoping to gather a little factual information about the organization before putting myself out there.

If you prefer to communicate privately about this topic, please don't hesitate to contact me directly.  Thank you for any information you have to share.

Love,
Miharu

[Cindy]

I have worked for two support/suicide prevention organisations in the past, although not that particular one. Both were a number of years ago. I am quite happy to talk about my experiences if you wish by pm and I'll try to address any particular questions.

I did work for Lifeline which was the most 'in your face' suicide prevention organisation, the other was an organisation called Simon in Liverpool in the UK and that was more involved in dealing with homeless people in an acute system.

Before you consider such work make sure you are very comfortable in your own head.

Cindy

[bobbisue]

I am not familiar with them but wanted to thank you for wish to help our community


    bobbisue

[AnxietyDisord3r]

I called them when I was having a meltdown and the lady I reached was very helpful. She looked up links to resources in my area and was really calm and friendly.

My wife has donated quite a bit of money to them. We met some of the organizers on a visit to San Francisco.

[Miharu Barbie]

Thank you all for the feedback.  I am going to contact the Trans Lifeline organizers today to begin the process of becoming a hotline operator. 

If it's okay, Cindy, I'll reach out to you when I know more about how the Trans Lifeline program works.  And yes, I am extremely comfortable in my own head and have been for a long time.

I look forward to (hopefully) becoming a source of soothing and relief to those I may encounter across the phone line.

Love,
Miharu

[Miharu Barbie]

So far I'm a little disappointed.  It seems odd that an organization in desperate need of volunteers is so very unresponsive to volunteer requests.  I filled out the forms on their website on Sunday, and soon after received what was probably an automated email response that said, in essence, await further orders.  I have heard nothing since.  I'm beginning to wonder if maybe the lights are still on, but no one is home at Trans Lifeline. 

I know I could offer my services to any number of LGBT suicide prevention hotline organizations, but I feel a very strong pull to make myself available to other trans people.  So, there's nothing for it but to be patient and hope that someone at Trans Lifeline will get back to me someday.

Love,
Miharu

[Tristan]

Iv'e never called that life line no but i have a friend who i believe works on it and from what i hear it's a very good resource and is very helpful. When i was having a hard time they gave me that number never needed to use it but its always been a option in my mind if ever needed. Although i don't use helplines often  because i got irrational fears about them but that's nothing to do with anyone but myself.

[Miharu Barbie]

Thanks Tristan.  I've decided that I'm just going to be patient and tune my expectations to match the rhythm of the Trans Lifeline organizers' pace.  They will get back to me when they back get to me.  I have no interest at this moment in working with other lifeline organizations.  I feel strongly about learning to become peer support to other trans folks who may need a shoulder to lean on. 

Yeah, I get the whole irrational fear thing.  I was once wanted by the FBI for 124 months.  Even though that was all cleared up 20 years ago, I still harbor irrational fears about government agencies of every type.  As they say, "Just because I'm paranoid, it doesn't mean they're not after me."   

Love,
Miharu