Community Resources

Whether you’re questioning your sexual orientation or interested in exploring your gender identity, it’s important to have support from people you can trust. If you need more information about therapy, medical care, and other services for LGBTQ+ individuals, visit the following resources. With the right information, you can make better decisions about your life.

• Parents, Families and Friends of Lesbians and Gays (PFLAG): PFLAG is an organization dedicated to ensuring that all people are valued and respected. Membership is open to LGBTQ+ individuals, their family members, and allies advocating for equal rights. PFLAG has active chapters throughout the United States, making it a good source of support in your community.
• American Civil Liberties Union: The American Civil Liberties Union works to ensure that LGBTQ+ of all ages, races, and ethnic backgrounds can live their lives free of discrimination and harassment. ACLU attorneys file lawsuits against employers, government organizations, and health care facilities to ensure that LGBTQ+ individuals have equal access to employment, health care, and public services.
• National LGBTQ Task Force: The National LGBTQ Task Force is an advocacy group that works to make sure LGBTQ+ individuals have equal access to freedom and justice. Activists work to end discrimination and eliminate barriers for the LGBTQ+ community when it comes to health care, employment, housing, retirement, and other aspects of life.
• GLAAD: Founded in 1985, GLAAD advocates for the acceptance of all LGBTQ+ individuals by working with media organizations to ensure that television shows, news coverage, and advertising promote acceptance and discourage discrimination. GLAAD has also organized national marches and other events to increase awareness of important issues in the LGBTQ+ community.
• Bisexual Resource Center: BRC is a nonprofit organization dedicated to raising awareness of bisexuality and advocating for bisexual visibility. Because bisexual individuals are discriminated against by both heterosexuals and other members of the LGBTQ+ community, BRC aims to provide support and work toward a world where everyone is celebrated.
• The Trevor Project: The Trevor Project offers a variety of life-affirming programs to prevent suicide among LGBTQ+ individuals under the age of 25. Trained counselors are available via telephone, text message, and instant message to provide crisis intervention when needed. The Trevor Project also offers training for teachers and other allies.
• Gay, Lesbian and Straight Education Network: GLSEN aims to eliminate discrimination in schools and other educational environments. The organization conducts an annual survey to determine what it’s like for LGBTQ+ youth to attend public and private schools in the United States. GLSEN also has local chapters working to cultivate safe school environments for LGBTQ+ children and teens.
• The Association of LGBTQ+ Psychiatrists: AGLP members are psychiatrists committed to conducting research to determine best practices in delivering mental health care to members of the LGBTQ+ community. Members also work with the American Psychological Association to influence policy and ensure that LGBTQ+ individuals can live their lives as free from discrimination as possible.
• Forge: Forge dedicates its resources to building resilience in the transgender community. The organization offers training and resources to help family, friends, and professionals support transgender individuals in a respectful way. Forge also has resources available on building healthy relationships as a transgender individual, having positive interactions with community members, and transgender health care.
• National Center for Transgender Equality: NCTE works to increase acceptance of transgender individuals and influence policy so that members of the transgender community can work, attend school, and participate in community activities without fear of discrimination. The organization emphasizes equal opportunity and access to health care, safety, and justice as part of its mission.
• GSA Network: The GSA Network consists of student-led chapters at middle schools and high schools throughout the United States. Chapter members work to promote social change and increase acceptance of youth of all orientations and identities. The GSA Network also has virtual chapters to ensure LGBTQ+ students can stay connected even when they’re not in school.
• It Gets Better Project: The mission of the It Gets Better Project is to empower LGBTQ+ youth and remind them that they’re not alone. What started out as a social media campaign is now a global platform that brings LGBTQ+ youth together and promotes acceptance of every sexual orientation and gender identity.
• American Veterans for Equal Rights: Founded in 1990, AVER is made up of active services members, retirees, and reserve members advocating for the equal treatment of all members of the military, including the LGBTQ+ individuals who are often oppressed by military policies. AVER has chapters throughout the United States to ensure strong support in each region.
• Transgender Law Center: The Transgender Law Center employs community-focused strategies to ensure transgender individuals can thrive no matter where they live. Members advocate for equal treatment of transgender individuals in prisons, schools, health care facilities, and workplaces, helping to prevent discrimination and give members of the transgender community more freedom.
• National Center for Lesbian Rights: With a commitment to racial and economic justice, the NCLR promotes equal rights for LGBTQ+ individuals. Members work to influence public policy and educate members of the public on some of the key issues faced by members of the LGBTQ+ community. When necessary, the NCLR files lawsuits to remedy situations involving discrimination.
• LGBTQ+ College Student Guide: LGBTQ students have a significant presence on college campuses. In 2018, an Association of American Universities survey of over 180,000 university students found that 16.9% of students identify as non-heterosexual. While many colleges try to make their campuses welcoming to LGBTQ students, their success rate varies. If you’re a prospective college student who identifies as LGBTQ+, it’s important that you research schools to make sure they’ve created a supportive environment. In this guide, you’ll learn how to research colleges and review additional topics such as the unique challenges LGBTQ students face and the resources and legal rights available to them.
• Employment Law Help

  Steps LGBTQ+ Workers Can Take If They are Experiencing Discrimination in the Workplace

  All LGBTQ+ workers should know that they have legal protections when it comes to discrimination in the workplace. In the past LGBTQ+ often just put up with discrimination or left the job if they were discriminated against because they didn’t have legal protections against discrimination. But the Supreme Court has decided in the last couple of years that Title VII of the Civil Rights Act protects LGBTQ+ workers as well as women and people of color from discrimination. Employers can’t discriminate against anyone because of their religion, place of birth, race, sex, gender, or identity. If you’re experiencing discrimination at work because you are LGBTQ+ you have a legal right to file a complaint with the Equal Employment Opportunity Commission.

  Resources Found Via:

• https://www.eeoc.gov/
• https://employmentlawhelp.org/sexual-harassment/sexual-orientation-harassment
• https://employmentlawhelp.org/discrimination/gender/lgbtq-discrimination-complaint-letter
• https://mn.gov/mdhr/intake/consultationinquiryform/