Since 1982, the
Gay & Lesbian Switchboard Houston has been a friendly listener.
Every day, callers reach out to us to talk about many different
kinds of issues that play an important part of their lives.
In some cases, the Switchboard is the only place people can
call. From AIDS anxiety to coming out, relationship problems
to loneliness, our calls are as varied as the community itself.
We are committed to the importance of making connections and
sharing information in a world that seems to keep us isolated
from one another. Every year we welcome more than 11,000 calls
from the Houston Metropolitan Area, as well as from travelers
to our city. We have up-to-date information on cultural and
special events on both the local and national level. From our
resources, we are able to help make connections to thousands
of local and state-wide organizations, businesses and professionals.
In addition to providing callers with up-to-date information,
we provide telephone peer counseling. Often persons in our community
feel isolated, especially during times such as the onset of
serious illness, during the "coming out" process, or after the
breakup of a relationship. Our phone volunteers are trained
in effective listening and crisis intervention skills and offer
nonjudgmental support to callers. We are convinced that sometimes
a sympathetic ear and a caring voice can make a difference in
someone's life.
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