Lothian Gay and Lesbian Switchboard was an activist-run mental and physical health service for LGBT+ people in the Lothians and beyond. Originally known as the Edinburgh Befrienders, it took its first call on 2 Mar 1974. In 1984, it changed its name to the Edinburgh Gay Switchboard, and at this point also expanded to operate a dedicated lesbian service known as Lesbian Line. In 1995, it then became the Lothian Gay and Lesbian Switchboard and operated until 2009.

LGLS was the UK’s first gay helpline and Scotland's first gay charity, and it was a key source of support to LGBT+ people across Scotland and the UK. They campaigned and advised on sexual health, mental health, and equality issues, and worked with the NHS and Scottish Government in health education and social and economic research. It provided a listening service and in-person befriending service to people struggling with issues or difficulties relating to their sexuality. Volunteers were available to listen to callers concerns as well as provide practical information, which included passing on details of gay-friendly organisations, counselling professionals, and sexual health advice.

The helpline was established after the gay rights organisation, the Scottish Minorities Group (SMG, founded in 1969) received a request from the Samaritans, who wanted to refer their clients to a specifically LGBT+ organisation. SMG also conducted an inquiry in their opening year, which looked into the views of people who were likely to be concerned with the gay community (including psychiatrists, social workers and clergy) to find out more about the social needs of homosexuals. The results confirmed that loneliness and isolation was the major problem facing homosexuals in Scotland at that time.

The service closed in 2009. However, a helpline continues in the form of the LGBT Helpline Scotland, operated by LGBT Health and Wellbeing.