LGBTQ+ Hotline Offers Lifeline Amidst Crisis and Conversion Therapy Trauma
The Israeli Association for LGBTQ+ Support's 'There Is Someone to Talk To' hotline is central to a new campaign to raise awareness of its services. The hotline, operating for nearly three decades with volunteers, has been a critical resource for individuals experiencing severe mental distress and suicidal ideation. A recent campaign highlight is the story of an individual who, after his death, left his estate to the hotline to expand its operations.
Data from the first half of 2026 reveals 1,130 calls to the hotline, with 42 classified as acute mental distress or suicidal. One caller, identified as 'A', who grew up in a religious Zionist community and underwent conversion therapy at 18, described the hotline as a vital, non-judgmental space. He emphasized that knowing about the hotline during his teenage years, when he struggled with suicidal thoughts and profound loneliness, would have significantly altered his experience.
A review of calls mentioning suicidal ideation showed callers aged 16 to 34, with a majority under 30, and about half identifying as transgender. These thoughts often stemmed from ongoing mental distress, family rejection, violence, isolation, lack of belonging, relationship issues, and struggles with sexual or gender identity.
'A' recounted his personal experience of feeling broken and having nowhere to turn in his religious upbringing, where positive LGBTQ+ representation was scarce and being gay was perceived negatively. He was even referred to conversion therapy by a rabbi, which involved a fee. He stressed the importance of promoting the hotline so young people can access support before reaching a crisis point and avoid harmful practices like conversion therapy.
Gail Fishof, the hotline coordinator, who has volunteered for 24 years, noted the diverse callers, including youth, adults, religious individuals, and Arabs, often in severe crisis. While trained to handle suicidal calls, many conversations focus on life dilemmas, loneliness, relationships, and family issues. The hotline is available weekdays from 2 PM to 5 PM and 7 PM to 10:30 PM, and Saturdays from 7 PM to 10:30 PM, reachable by dialing *2982 or via WhatsApp at 058-6205591.
