LGBTQ+ Community Resources
National (or available in multiple states):
Funding, Financial Assistance, Housing, Food
- Point Foundation: https://pointfoundation.org/
- Provides scholarships and financial assistance to LGBTQ+ students pursuing higher education, which can be particularly valuable for those in need of support for educational and mental health resources.
- LGBTQ Freedom Fund: https://www.lgbtqfund.org/
- Primarily focused on bail support, this fund assists LGBTQ+ people in states where they are over-policed and can face discrimination within the legal system. It can also be a vital resource for people seeking legal help related to criminal justice issues. LGBTQ Freedom Fund pays bail to secure the safety and liberty of individuals in jail and immigration detention.
- Queer Money Project: https://www.queermoneyproject.com/
- Offers resources and guidance on financial literacy and budgeting, particularly focused on supporting queer individuals in creating stable financial plans, which can help with mental health and stability.
- OutRight Action International: https://outrightinternational.org/
- While globally focused, OutRight offers resources for individuals in the U.S. where support is limited, including grants for LGBTQ+ organizations and crisis response assistance.
- LEAGUE Foundation: https://www.leaguefoundation.org/
- Provides scholarships to LGBTQ+ high school seniors planning to attend college. Applications are open nationwide, making it accessible regardless of the student’s home state.
- Gamma Mu Foundation: https://gammamufoundation.org/
- They were established to provide financial support to non-profit organizations that serve clients and communities primarily in the rural and/or underserved areas of the United States. The Foundation awards direct financial grants to support HIV/AIDS services, community services, or research and public education that benefits the LGBT community. The Foundation also awards financial support in the form of academic scholarships to members of the LGBT community who demonstrate financial need and the desire to pursue additional training through academic or vocational education.
- Queer Art Mentorship (QAM): https://www.queer-art.org/mentorship
- This program offers funding and support to LGBTQ+ artists, writers, and performers, connecting them with mentors and helping them build their careers in states where artistic expression might be limited.
- True Colors United: https://truecolorsunited.org/
- Focused on addressing homelessness among LGBTQ+ youth, True Colors United provides resources and support, including connections to housing and emergency grants.
- Rainbow Railroad: https://www.rainbowrailroad.org/
- While originally aimed at helping LGBTQ+ individuals facing persecution abroad, Rainbow Railroad has also supported some cases within the U.S., especially for those facing extreme discrimination.
- The National Safe Place Network (Safe Place): https://www.nspnetwork.org/
- This organization partners with locations like fire stations, libraries, and schools to provide safe locations for youth in crisis. Many Safe Place programs are LGBTQ+ inclusive and help connect youth to shelter and housing services.
- YouthLink: https://www.youthlinkmn.org/
- Based in Minnesota, YouthLink offers a safe space, transitional housing, mental health services, and career support for LGBTQ+ and other youth facing homelessness.
- The Trevor Project: https://www.thetrevorproject.org/
- The Trevor Project offers crisis intervention and suicide prevention services to LGBTQ+ youth. While their primary focus is mental health support, they also provide referrals for food, housing, and other resources, especially for LGBTQ+ youth experiencing homelessness or economic hardship.
- Food Not Bombs: http://foodnotbombs.net/new_site/
- Food Not Bombs is an international volunteer organization that shares free vegan and vegetarian meals in various cities. Many chapters work closely with LGBTQ+ organizations to provide food to underserved LGBTQ+ communities.
Mental Health, Legal Resources, Employment, Business, Hotlines, Etc
- Lambda Legal: https://lambdalegal.org/
- This organization provides legal representation and advocacy for LGBTQ+ individuals facing discrimination, especially in states with restrictive policies. They offer a Legal Help Desk for free legal guidance and have a track record of fighting discriminatory laws in courts.
- GLBTQ Legal Advocates & Defenders (GLAD): https://www.glad.org/about/
- Through strategic litigation, public policy advocacy, and education, the GLBTQ Legal Advocates & Defenders (GLAD Law) mission statement defines our works in New England and nationally to create a just society free of discrimination based on gender identity and expression, HIV status, and sexual orientation.
- ACLU LGBTQ+ Rights Project: https://www.aclu.org/
- ACLU has a dedicated LGBTQ+ Rights Project that fights for legal protections, represents LGBTQ+ individuals in high-profile cases, and offers educational resources on rights in restrictive states. They also provide information on challenging state-level policies that limit LGBTQ+ rights.
- The National LGBTQ Task Force: https://www.thetaskforce.org/
- Advocates for policy changes, provides resources on how to navigate laws impacting LGBTQ+ people, and connects individuals with resources like housing, healthcare, and community support.
- LGBT National Help Center: https://lgbthotline.org/
- Offers free, confidential support hotlines, including a youth talkline and a senior hotline. They provide help by phone and email, offering a safe space for LGBTQ+ individuals to talk openly.
- It Gets Better Project: https://itgetsbetter.org/
- Although not a counseling service, this organization provides online resources, stories, and a supportive community that can benefit LGBTQ+ youth who feel isolated due to their environment.
- Out & Equal: https://outandequal.org/
- This organization focuses on LGBTQ+ workplace inclusion. They offer workshops, conferences, and networking events that can connect LGBTQ+ people with inclusive employers, helping them find supportive work environments even in restrictive states.
- StartOut: https://startout.org/
- For LGBTQ+ entrepreneurs, StartOut provides support through mentorship, access to investors, and networking opportunities. They aim to promote economic empowerment and support queer-founded businesses nationwide.
- GLBT Near Me: https://www.lgbtnearme.org/
- GLBT Near Me is a searchable national resource database managed by the LGBT National Help Center, with listings for shelters, food programs, and healthcare providers that cater specifically to LGBTQ+ individuals.
- National LGBT Chamber of Commerce (NGLCC): https://nglcc.org/
- The NGLCC certifies LGBTQ-owned businesses and connects them with corporate partners and government agencies that prioritize working with diverse vendors. The chamber also offers grants and training for LGBTQ+ entrepreneurs.
- GLSEN: https://www.glsen.org/
- Primarily focused on making K-12 schools safer for LGBTQ+ youth, GLSEN offers resources to support mental health and well-being. They also advocate for inclusive policies that protect students in schools, ensuring safer environments for learning and personal growth.
- The Trevor Project 24/7 Hotline: https://www.thetrevorproject.org/get-help/
- Text “START” to 678-678 to acces the text chat hotline
- For calls, call 1-866-488-7386
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
State-Level
Funding, Resources, Hotlines, Education, Etc
- Out for Education: https://www.outforeducation.org/
- A scholarship fund specifically for LGBTQ+ youth. While the foundation is based in Texas, students from restrictive states are welcome to apply.
- The Montrose Center (Houston): https://montrosecenter.org/
- This organization serves LGBTQ+ individuals of all ages with a strong focus on youth and family support, mental health counseling, and housing assistance. They operate the Hatch Youth Program, which provides support and safe spaces for LGBTQ+ youth, including homeless youth and those facing family rejection.
- Out Youth: https://www.outyouth.org/
- Out Youth in Austin supports LGBTQ+ youth ages 12-23 by offering free counseling, support groups, drop-in services, and community-building events. They also have a Youth Drop-In Center that provides a safe and welcoming space for young people to meet and connect.
- Dallas Hope Charities (Dallas): https://dallashopecharities.org/
- The Hope Center provides transitional housing specifically for LGBTQ+ youth experiencing homelessness. They offer life skills training, career services, and mental health support in addition to shelter
- Free Mom Hugs: https://freemomhugs.org/
- Provides support and resources for LGBTQ+ individuals, especially those in need of family-like support. Advocacy, resource referrals for healthcare, housing, and legal support, and food assistance programs.
- Oklahomans for Equality: https://okeq.org/
- Oklahomans for Equality operates the Dennis R. Neill Equality Center, providing resources for the LGBTQ+ community in Tulsa and surrounding areas. Food pantry, healthcare referrals, support groups, and legal support.
- Zebra Coalition (Orlando): https://zebrayouth.org/
- This network of organizations provides services to LGBTQ+ youth facing homelessness, bullying, and mental health issues. They offer case management, housing assistance, counseling, and healthcare support in a conservative area of Florida.
- Pridelines: https://www.pridelines.org/
- Pridelines provides a variety of services for LGBTQ+ youth in Miami, including safe housing, mentorship, job readiness programs, mental health support, and community events. They are committed to offering culturally competent care to youth of diverse backgrounds.
- LGBT+ Center Orlando: https://thecenterorlando.org/
- This center provides free HIV testing, youth support groups, and counseling services for LGBTQ+ individuals. They partner with Zebra Coalition to offer additional support to LGBTQ+ youth.
- We Are Family: https://waf.org/
- We Are Family supports LGBTQ+ youth and young adults in South Carolina. Food and clothing assistance, mental health support, peer support groups, and referrals for housing and healthcare.
- Palmetto Community Care: https://palmettocare.org/
- Focuses on healthcare services for the LGBTQ+ community and those living with HIV/AIDS in South Carolina. HIV testing, primary care, mental health services, food pantry, and case management.
- Oasis Center (Nashville): Oasis Center (Nashville)
- Oasis Center operates Just Us, a program specifically for LGBTQ+ youth that offers support groups, leadership programs, and counseling services. They also help LGBTQ+ youth access job training, college prep, and advocacy opportunities.
- OUTMemphis: https://www.outmemphis.org/
- OUTMemphis offers emergency shelter and transitional housing to LGBTQ+ young people facing homelessness through their Metamorphosis Project. They also provide job readiness training, healthcare referrals, and community support groups.
- Magic City Acceptance Center (MCAC): https://www.magiccityacceptancecenter.org/
- MCAC provides a safe and inclusive space for LGBTQ+ youth and young adults. They offer support groups, mental health services, sexual health education, and community events to help youth find support and connection in Alabama.
- Grace House: https://www.gracehousems.org/
- While not exclusively LGBTQ+, Grace House in Jackson, Alabama provides housing and healthcare for individuals living with HIV, many of whom are LGBTQ+. They are an important resource for youth who face healthcare discrimination or homelessness due to family rejection.
- AVOL Kentucky: https://avolky.org/
- AVOL provides housing support and healthcare resources, particularly for those living with HIV/AIDS. Many LGBTQ+ youth benefit from their housing programs, which also include connections to employment and health resources.
- PFLAG Casper: https://pflag.org/chapter/casper/
- PFLAG provides support and advocacy for LGBTQ+ individuals and families. Peer support, access to healthcare resources, and community programs in Wyoming.
- Lost-n-Found Youth: https://www.lnfy.org/
- This Atlanta-based organization offers shelter, transitional housing, and job readiness programs for homeless LGBTQ+ youth. They provide 24/7 emergency services and help youth access long-term housing, employment, and mental health support.
- Thrive Youth Center: https://thriveyouthcenter.org/
- This San Antonio shelter provides housing, case management, and life skills training for LGBTQ+ youth experiencing homelessness. Thrive also offers support for navigating employment and healthcare services.
- One-n-Ten: https://onenten.org/
- Based in Phoenix, One-n-Ten provides support for LGBTQ+ youth with a focus on creating a safe, accepting environment. Their services include: housing programs, food assistance, educational workshops, job skills training, and mental health services.
- House of Tulip: https://houseoftulip.org/
- House of Tulip provides housing solutions and supportive services for trans and gender-nonconforming individuals in Louisiana. Transitional housing, mental health support, job placement assistance, and food assistance.
- CrescentCare: https://www.crescentcare.org/
- CrescentCare offers health services to LGBTQ+ individuals, including those with low incomes. Primary care, hormone therapy, HIV care, mental health services, and food pantry access in Louisiana.
- Brave Space Alliance: https://www.bravespacealliance.org/
- Located in Chicago, Brave Space Alliance is a Black- and trans-led organization providing resources for LGBTQ+ individuals, especially those of color They offer: food pantry, crisis support, housing referrals, educational programs, and mutual aid.
- Trinity Haven: https://trinityhavenindy.org/
- Trinity Haven offers housing and support services for LGBTQ+ youth in Indiana. Transitional housing, meals, life skills programs, and case management.
- Indiana Youth Group (IYG): https://www.indianayouthgroup.org/
- IYG supports LGBTQ+ youth across Indiana with resources and community programs. Food pantry, healthcare referrals, support groups, housing assistance, and educational programs.
- LGBT Community Center of Greater Cleveland: https://lgbtcleveland.org/
- This center offers programs and resources for LGBTQ+ individuals, including housing support, health services, and educational resources. They offer emergency food and housing assistance, youth programming, and job readiness workshops.
- Ali Forney Center: https://www.aliforneycenter.org/
- Based in New York City, the Ali Forney Center is one of the largest agencies dedicated to LGBTQ+ homeless youth. They offer shelter, mental health support, food, job training services, transitional housing, drop-in centers with free meals, and educational programs for career development.
Create Your Own Website With Webador