077 - Backup Important Contacts and Resources
“Keep copies of important phone numbers, support resources, and documents somewhere secure in case you lose access to a device or account.”
Losing a smartphone or getting locked out of an online account is an absolute nightmare for anyone, but the stakes can feel incredibly different depending on who you are. For many folks in the 2SLGBTQI+ community, a phone isn't just a piece of plastic and glass—it is a lifeline. It holds your chosen family's phone numbers, local community organizers, gender-affirming care resources, and safe housing contacts.
If that device vanishes or an account gets compromised, losing access to those connections doesn't just mean a boring afternoon; it can mean a sudden, scary loss of your support network when you need it most.
While we can't always prevent a phone from slipping out of a pocket or an app from crashing, we can make sure that a tech glitch doesn’t cut us off from our people. Building a physical, tangible backup system ensures that you are always in control of your resources, no matter what happens to your screen.
You can create an analog safety net today using a few straightforward steps:
Go Old School with Paper: Find a small, plain notebook. Handwrite the names, phone numbers, and signal handles of your emergency contacts, trusted friends, and local community elders.
Write Down the Critical Resources: Don't just list friends. Write down the direct lines for local LGBTQ+ community centers, trusted medical clinics, and national crisis support networks.
Hide it in Plain Sight: Store this notebook in a secure, private spot at home—like inside a lockbox or tucked away in a drawer. If you travel or attend a major event, consider writing just two or three essential emergency numbers on a small card to keep in your wallet.
An analog backup isn't old-fashioned; it is a bulletproof way to protect your peace of mind and keep your community close.
What Now
If you are a member of the 2SLGBTQI+ community and want to secure your support network against device loss, account compromise, or sudden tech failure, take these immediate protective actions to build your analog safety net:
Create an Offline "Emergency Contacts" Ledger: Find a physical, pocket-sized notebook or a piece of cardstock. Handwrite the full legal and chosen names, phone numbers, and secure messaging handles (such as Signal keys) of your emergency contacts, chosen family, and local community elders.
Log Vetted Community and Mutual Aid Resources: Do not rely on active internet access to find help during a crisis. Manually write down the hotlines and physical addresses of regional 2SLGBTQI+ community centers, trusted medical clinics, and safe housing networks. You can use the comprehensive nonprofit directory at InReach to find and log verified, safe resources in your area ahead of time.
Download and Print Digital Platform Recovery Codes: When setting up two-factor authentication (2FA) or password managers for your vital accounts, platforms generate one-time use backup or recovery codes. Print or write these down and store them with your physical ledger; if your phone vanishes, these codes are your only way to bypass 2FA lockouts.
Deploy the "Wallet Card" Travel Strategy: If you are traveling, attending a major community event, or heading into a high-risk space, write your two most critical emergency contact numbers on a small piece of paper and tuck it into your physical wallet or shoe. This ensures you can reach your network even if your phone is lost, broken, or confiscated.
Secure Your Analog Network From Prying Eyes: Store your physical backup notebook in a highly secure, private location at home—such as a personal lockbox or a hidden drawer. If you are navigating an unsupportive household or shared living space, ensure this ledger does not contain descriptive labels that could accidentally out your connections to others. For immediate, confidential guidance on safety planning, you can always reach out to The Trevor Project (for youth) or the LGBT National Help Center.
Local Resources
Queer Youth Resource Center (QYRC) https://www.qyrcvancouverwa.org/
(360) 831-0745
Akin (Triple Point Youth Program) https://www.akinfamily.org/
(360) 695-1325
YWCA Clark County https://ywcaclarkcounty.org
(360) 695-0501
