Support for Queer Youth Continues During Holiday Season in Hawaii

A Vital Resource Remains Available

A Hawaiian nonprofit has made a commendable decision to keep its helpline for LGBTQ+ youth open throughout the holiday season, addressing a growing need for support during a time that can be particularly challenging for many.
Kids Hurt Too Hawaii, an organization dedicated to providing support and resources to young people and their families, has a longstanding commitment to the LGBTQ+ community. It established Hawaii’s first localized, 24/7 crisis and referral line for LGBTQ+ youth back in 2001. This initiative has been crucial in offering a safe and supportive space for young individuals seeking help.

A Response to Increased Needs

In light of recent changes at the national level, where specialized services for LGBTQ+ youth were impacted, Kids Hurt Too Hawaii has ramped up its efforts to ensure continuous support for those in need. The organization recognizes the importance of being accessible during the holiday season, a time when loneliness and emotional distress can significantly increase.
To accommodate this, the nonprofit is maintaining its helpline operations until January 9, providing around-the-clock assistance to those who reach out.

The Importance of Listening

As noted in a fundraising statement from Kids Hurt Too Hawaii, the holiday season can be a period of stress, fear, and isolation for queer youth and their families. "The holidays can be hard, especially for queer youth and families navigating stress, fear, isolation, or big emotions. Kids Hurt Too Hawaii offers a warm, supportive 24/7 referral and crisis line for queer youth and their families. If you’re feeling depressed, angry, anxious, overwhelmed, or alone, someone is here to listen," the statement reads.
The organization is calling for donations to keep this essential service running, emphasizing that funding is needed to support trained staff and extend coverage during peak demand periods.

Community Support and Volunteer Efforts

According to Walker Rowsey, the executive director of Kids Hurt Too Hawaii, volunteers have stepped up to ensure the helpline remains operational throughout the holidays. This effort is crucial as the "broken promise effect" can occur when young individuals' hopes for the holiday season are not met, leading to a significant emotional downturn. "Youth will get their hopes up about something happening, some things getting better, something transpiring magical over the holidays, and if it doesn’t happen, that dash can be very dangerous, that drop, that immediate emotional fallout from having those hopes not met," Rowsey explained.
The commitment of volunteers to donate their time has been instrumental in providing culturally grounded support, a key component of the helpline’s approach.

Supporting the Lifeline

The community is encouraged to contribute to the sustainability of this vital service. Donations help ensure that every call is answered and that no one is left to face their challenges alone. As the holidays progress, the need for such support becomes increasingly apparent, and the organization hopes to continue offering this lifeline beyond the festive season.
Donations to support Kids Hurt Too Hawaii’s mission can be made through their official channels, ensuring that the line remains a steadfast resource for all who need it.

Encouraging Awareness and Prevention

It is essential to remember that suicide is preventable. Those who are struggling are urged to reach out to available resources. In Hawaii, Kids Hurt Too Hawaii’s Crisis & Referral Line is accessible at (808) 545-5683. Furthermore, several national organizations are available to provide immediate support. Readers in the US can contact the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline at 1-800-273-8255 for confidential assistance.
By raising awareness and providing support, we can make a difference in the lives of young people navigating difficult times.

Join the Conversation

We invite you to share your thoughts and experiences in the comments below. Let’s keep this conversation respectful and supportive, fostering a community where everyone feels heard and valued.
Your engagement and support are crucial in making a positive impact and ensuring that no one feels alone during the holidays or at any other time.