Anyone else have experience with Trans Lifeline?

I've heard both positive and negative things about them. It really depends on who is working it seems. That being said, there are other support hotlines that are not trans based, but they can still be helpful. If you would like those let me know and I can get those for you.

 

I contacted Trans Lifeline twice. The first tine I was in a major crisis. I live in a small town where everyone knows everything except for my big secret. When my wife was out of town I went shopping at a larger city where I thought I could be out and not run into anyone I knew. I was wrong. I ran into the biggest gossip in town. I was wearing a nice sweater, a scarf, yoga pants, and my new high-heeled ankle boots. No make-up, no wig, maybe feminine, mostly gender-fluid. The person I ran into wanted to chat right there in the Target parking lot. I faked my way through the conversation, trying not to draw attention to my outfit. By the time I got home I was in the middle of a full panic attack over being caught mostly dressed. Hyper-ventilating, crying, etc. I called Trans Lifeline. The person I talked to sounded like a young female. She was extremely good. She had me breathe with her, counted the breaths, talked to me. Eventually I calmed down and could breath on my own. She really saved me. She took her time. I eventually realized that the lady I ran into was so much into herself she never noticed how I was dressed and never said anything but I learned that you can never be too careful. The second time I called Trans Lifeline I was not in crisis but needed someone to talk to. The second woman was older, about my age, and we just shared stories. She was fine but most of her suggestions for talking to my wife I had already tried. Even so, she tried and I appreciated her efforts. So don't give up. Hang in there. There is always help out there (I've learned).

Best wishes,

Susan

 

It’s kind of like that one 911 operator who hung up on a girl because he decided she wasn’t being polite enough (while her father was on the ground dying)- there’s always gonna be a wackadoo or two in the mix, it probably depends on who answers the phone.