For the last five decades, the UK Switchboard LGBTQIA+ Support Line has been taking phone calls every day to lend an ear to those in need. As the helpline celebrated 50 years of existence in March, let’s dive into its history and the amazing work its team has done for the LGBTQ+ community.

In 1974, as an increasing number of queer individuals reached out to the Gay Liberation Front and Gay News for guidance, the organisations decided to set up phone helplines across the UK. After an initial meeting at a pub, the Switchboard, formerly known as the Lesbian and Gay Switchboard, was created.

Set in a small office above the Housmans Bookshop in London near King’s Cross, 45 calls were taken in five hours that first evening. As the demand increased rapidly, it soon became a 24-hour helpline. As a small organisation, volunteers came up with inventive strategies to reach out to the maximum amount of people possible. For example, they went to libraries to put the helpline number into books they thought queer people would read.

The helpline’s primary intention was to guide LGBTQ+ individuals towards specialised organisations and through the UK queer scene that was expanding after the partial decriminalisation of homosexuality in 1967. The helpline soon became a vital source of information and support, as the situation for the community in the UK was uncertain, with police campaigns targeting queer venues and on-growing hostility from the press and public towards queer individuals.

Not only was the Switchboard helping people to find safe spaces, it was also allowing them to discuss their sexuality, gender identity, sexual health and emotional well-being in confidence. Over the years, the dedicated volunteers have been answering calls for anyone who needs a listening ear and a calming conversation.

The Switchboard witnessed important milestones in LGBTQ+ history, adapting to each one to provide greater help to the community.

It notably played a crucial role during the HIV/AIDS crisis, as it became the leading source of information. Brochures were sent out by the Government all around the UK with the Switchboard’s number on them, expanding its reach. Volunteers kept an updated manual on the epidemic, took part in the BBC helpline to answer any calls about HIV/AIDS programmes, and organised public meetings in 1983, as well as set up charities such as the Terrence Higgins Trust and National AIDS Manual.

Switchboard became a central help to the concerned community and the general public in dealing with the effects of the epidemic.

Queer individuals continued to look for a listening ear at Switchboard under Section 28, a law prohibiting the “promotion of homosexuality”, and during the aftermath of the bombing of queer pub Admiral Duncan in 1999. More than an essential helpline, callers and volunteers also celebrated together the series of bills in the 2000s improving equality for LGBTQ+ individuals.

The helpline has accompanied the queer community, giving a hand on each step of the way. Each milestone of LGBTQ+ history over the last 50 years can be retraced through these calls, which is why the charity has launched the podcast The Logbook. The producers stated, “it is not only important to remember our history but also to consider it in light of issues affecting us all today.”

 

Sieh dir diesen Beitrag auf Instagram an

 

Ein Beitrag geteilt von Switchboard LGBTQIA+ Support Line (@switchboardlgbt)

The podcast is as much a celebration of the progress made, as much as a remembrance of the past crisis still relevant to today’s issues. The helpline’s non-judgemental and non-directive assistance is still much needed today, as the LGBTQ+ community sees several rights being withdrawn, and on-continuing concern about homophobic and transphobic attacks. Struggles like coming out, relationships, sex, discrimination are still relevant within current queer generations.

Throughout those 50 years, over 4 million people are estimated to have gotten comfort and guidance through the UK Switchboard. That represents countless hours of callings and an average of 15.000 people receiving support each year. Aside from providing an essential ear, the charity has provided accommodation to LGBTQ+ individuals, as well as juridical and medical assistance.

This achievement could not have been possible without the wonderful volunteers supporting the community every day for the last 50 years. As they all identify as LGBTQ+, they can understand issues the callers might be facing and are also trained to be good listeners. Committed to giving their time and energy, they have been crucial supports for the community, their families, and allies. Volunteers continue to answer the phone, helping anyone at any time.

In honour of the 50-year anniversary of the charity, Switchboard went under a rebrand in January 2024. Renaming to ‘Switchboard, the LGBTQIA+ Support Line’, the helpline makes it clear to accompany the whole community, supporting every identity.

Stephanie Fuller, CEO of Switchboard, stated: “Switchboard’s 50th Birthday year provided us with the perfect opportunity to refresh our brand. Creating a new visual identity that celebrates our past, continues to establish our relevance in the present and will carry us into Switchboard’s future.”

The helpline is available from 10am to 10pm every day and is completely free. The Switchboard is reachable in whichever way feels more comfortable or suitable for one’s need, whether it’s by phone at  0800 0119 100, by email at  [email protected] or by chat on their website https://switchboard.lgbt/.

 

Sieh dir diesen Beitrag auf Instagram an

 

Ein Beitrag geteilt von Switchboard LGBTQIA+ Support Line (@switchboardlgbt)

Neal McCullough, 34, was a former volunteer, having joined the helpline in 2017. Bringing the UK Switchboard LGBTQIA+ Support line to the Belfast Pride, Neal was instrumental in making the helpline reach Northern Ireland. On the importance of the helpline, he shared with the magazine Another:

“Society is changing and the LGBT+ community is changing too, but Switchboard continues to evolve to meet these changes. As long as people want to call us, Switchboard will keep listening.”

In 1974, Irish gay rights activists also answered the need to create support helplines for the LGBTQ+ community. Tel-A-Friend, now rebranded The Switchboard-LGBTQIA Support & Resources, was founded in Parnell Square in Dublin. Since then, the Irish helpline has helped countless of queer individuals by listening to them and guiding them. Their phone lines (01) 872 1055 are open every week night from 6:30 pm to 9 pm and on the weekend from 2 pm to 5 pm, and are also reachable by email at [email protected].