8-800-200-5428 (8-800-200-LGBT) Gay Help Line (call toll free) started its work on February 1st, 2010. It was named after the Rainbow (Raduga) by the "Centre of social hotlines" with the support of the "Shagi" (Steps) foundation.

Gays, lesbians, bisexuals, transsexuals, their relatives and friends are welcome to use this free service. Another telephone number +7-495-783-83-33 continues to serve as Gay crisis hot line in Moscow (it was established in 2004 by "Together" Enlightenment centre).

Until spring this year the nationwide hotline hours are 2pm-10pm MT (Moscow time).

"Our team has launched this project for LGBT people and for those people who live with them and worry about them, who want to settle their own emotions and feelings for LGBT people. We won't give recipes how to be happier. We won't give advice how to jump over a difficult hurdle. We will work as a spin-doctor - help you to solve the problem together and turn difficulties into advantages", say "Raduga" help line's organizers.

Soon more vacancies for the position of volunteers at "Raduga" call-centre will be available.

Translated by Yerdna Bananes.