Gay Help Line: 19 Years of Fighting Homotransphobia, 41.6% Victim of Domestic Violence

In March 2006, Gay Help Line 800 713 713 was born, the toll-free number against homophobia and transphobia, activated following the cruel death, which occurred in July 2025, of Paolo Seganti, a young homosexual killed in Rome. Viale Paolo Seganti and the Gay Help Line service, managed by Gay Center, were later named after him.

Since its inception, the service has received support from the Municipality of Rome, the Lazio Region, and subsequently also from UNAR, 8×1000 funds from the Italian Buddhist Institute Soka Gakkai, the Waldensian Church, and donations from companies and private individuals.

Over 360,000 people have reached the service by phone or via Speakly.org chat in these 19 years: with an average of around 20,000 requests each year, this shows how LGBTQIA+ people continue to face discrimination, violence and isolation.

According to data collected by Gay Help Line 800713, over 51% of contacts are from young people facing difficulties at home or at school. 41.6% of those assisted report physical or psychological violence within the family, while 17% have lost financial support from their parents, compromising their studies or training.

In the workplace, reported cases of discrimination account for 11.61% of contacts, mostly due to exclusion or mobbing, with a particularly severe impact on trans people, who struggle to find employment (81%). Furthermore, 5.71% of those assisted dropped out of school due to homophobic and transphobic bullying.

Since 2016, Gay Help Line has created concrete solutions for those suffering violence and discrimination, inaugurating the first Refuge LGBTQIA+ family home, followed in 2021 by Refuge T*, dedicated to trans and non-binary people, and in May 2024 a third facility was added: an LGBT+ cohousing facility in the historic center of Rome.

“"Nineteen years of listening and supporting us have shown us that homophobia and transphobia are still a daily reality, but also that a support network can truly make a difference. We will continue to be here for those in need. This service has been possible thanks to the Municipality of Rome, the Lazio Region, since its founding and subsequently also by UNAR, 8×1000 funds from the Italian Buddhist Institute Soka Gakkai, the Waldensian Church, and donations from companies and individuals. In addition, the daily support of hundreds of volunteers who have always been close to us over the years," says Alessandra Rossi, Gay Help Line Coordinator 800713713.

“"This is a significant milestone for a valuable service for the LGBTQIA+ community and for our city. We thank the Gay Help Line operators, who now manage Rome's Contact Center through the Gay Center, for their professionalism and daily commitment to the LGBTQIA+ community. As Rome's City Council, we will continue to support their work, as well as that of the many organizations dedicated to the well-being of LGBTQIA+ people living in our city." This was stated by Roberto Gualtieri, Mayor of Rome.

“"Lazio is a region where discrimination and abuse have no place. Therefore, we support this important organization that supports LGBT+ people who are victims of violence and intolerance. Sexual orientation and gender identity are not and should not be a reason for marginalization. It is the institutions' duty to ensure this," stated Francesco Rocca, President of the Lazio Region.

“"Combating discrimination is an essential commitment for institutions, which must guarantee concrete protection and support tools. The centers dedicated to the prevention and fight against discrimination represent a fundamental means of providing a listening ear, assistance, and protection to LGBT+ people who suffer violence and intolerance, continuing the service that began 19 years ago. This commitment continues today so that no one is left alone and that inclusion and respect are increasingly a reality for all," stated Mattia Peradotto, Director of UNAR.

“"Soka Gakkai has always been committed to spreading the values of respect for the dignity of life and human rights. Funding projects like the Gay Help Line and the LGBT+ Refuge Family Homes through the 8×1000 tax return reflects our vision of an inclusive society, where differences represent a resource for peace and collective happiness.".

This was stated by Alberto Aprea, President of the Italian Buddhist Institute Soka Gakkai