The GLBTSAI operates a 24/7 Hotline ([305-646-3600) staffed by trained trilingual counselors (English, Spanish, and Creole) to assist those in need and friends of those in need of suicide prevention and crisis intervention, with particular sensitivity to gay, lesbian, bisexual, and transgender (GLBT) issues. The counselors' qualifications include Bachelor’s and Master’s degrees in Psychology and Social work. In addition, they are certified by the National Association of Information and Referral Systems (NAIRS) and by the American Association of Suicidology (AAS). Staff and volunteers are required to complete a minimum of 65 hours of training prior to engaging in crisis counseling.
The GLBTSAI accomplishes its mission through the placement of print media ads in the local press, the distribution of "info-flyers," sensitivity training sessions and the development of strategic alliances with local, regional and national organizations to funnel calls to the 24/7 Hotline. The founders of the GLBTSAI are Joe Soler and Ed Straub.
Why the Need: The National Association of Psychiatrists and the American Journal of Public Health have shown that the rate of suicide among lesbians and gay men is over 30 percent. Similarly, bisexual or transgender individuals have a greater tendency to commit suicide than their heterosexual counterparts. In Miami, the GLBT suicide rate may be even higher, as the GLBT population is exposed to a lethal and explosive combination of high-risk behaviors including drug use, sexual promiscuity, high HIV infection rates, and other factors such as social rejection and sexual ambiguity, conflict between sexual orientation and religious beliefs, financial hardships, loneliness and depression.
GLBTSAI