LGBTQIA+ Organizations and Support
PRIDE is not just a month. PRIDE is a movement that invites everyone to be who they were called to be and live in that truth. CRS stands in solidarity with all members of the LGBTQIA+ community, not just in word, but in action.
We are proud to offer worship resources to celebrate the LGBTQIA+ community. Keep up with the latest LGBTQIA+ legislations and take action by visiting our blog and announcements.
CRS has gathered this list of links to be used as a resource for information, education, and even some entertainment, and to be an encouragement to the LGBTQIA+ community. The Beloved Community is inclusive of all, for all. That is PRIDE!
Learn more information on how to get involved with CRS in work on LGBTQIA+ issues and/or make a donation to support this important work.
Chicagoland Organizations
1. Affinity Community Services
2850 S Wabash Ave, Suite 108 Rear Entrance, Chicago, IL 60616
773-324-0377
info@affinity95.org
Monday through Friday, 9 AM to 5 PM
7141 S. Jeffery Blvd., Chicago, IL 60649
872-333-5199
Monday through Friday, 10 AM to 5 PM
3656 N. Halsted
Chicago, IL 60613
773.472.6469
4025 N Sheridan Road, Chicago, IL 60613
773-388-1600
3533 W. North Avenue, Chicago, IL 60647
773-276-4900
Monday through Friday, 9 AM to 5 PM
8. The Peace And Education Coalition Alternative High School
Upton Sinclair location: 4946 S. Paulina, Chicago, IL 60609
773-535-9219
Second Chance location: 4747 S. Marshfield, Chicago, IL 60609
P.O. Box 70976, Oakland, CA 94612-0976
510-587-9696
Collect line for people in prison and detention: 510-380-8229
Not from the Chicagoland? Find resources in your state.
Counseling & Health
Howard Brown Health’s Center for Education, Research, and Advocacy (ERA) conducts rigorous community-based medical and behavioral research, cultivates responsive healthcare professionals, and advances policies that affirm the lives of LGBTQ people and their families.
2. GLMA
GLMA is the leading organization committed to ensuring equality in healthcare for lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender and queer (LGBTQ) individuals and healthcare professionals.
Founded in 1998 by the creators of the Academy Award®-winning short film TREVOR, The Trevor Project is the leading national organization providing crisis intervention and suicide prevention services to lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, queer & questioning (LGBTQ) young people under 25.
Trans Lifeline is a grassroots hotline and microgrants 501(c)(3) non-profit organization offering direct emotional and financial support to trans people in crisis - for the trans community, by the trans community.
5. How Addiction Affects The Transgender Community
A comprehensive guide by Sunshine Behavioral Health on how addiction affects the trans community, its dangers, and how to find proper programs to get help.
6. Drugwatch
A free online health guide for LGBTQIA+ individuals that covers various health concerns and ways to find help, reviewed by the Health on the Net Foundation.
7. What is Considered an Alcoholic?
A comprehensive guide by the Addiction Group on classifying an alcoholic, risk factors for excessive alcohol use and alcoholism, and professional guidance and support.
This guide provides an overview of how therapy supports members of the LGBTQ+ community and links to resources that can be helpful for navigating the coming-out process, strengthening your relationships, and learning how to be true to yourself as an LGBTQ+ individual.
9. The New Face of Beauty: Embracing LGBTQ+ Inclusivity
This article includes: How LGBTQ+ Representation Is Redefining Beauty Norms, 6 Ways Beauty Businesses Can Support Inclusivity, Importance of Creating Inclusive Work Environments, Top Beauty Companies for Inclusivity, LGBTQ+-Owned Beauty Companies Leading the Way, and Beauty Industry LGBTQ+ Resources.
10. LGBTQ+ Addiction Resource Guide
Members of the LGBTQ+ community can be subjected to more episodes of inequality, abuse, and rejection than people within other sectors of society. As a result of this, there is a higher risk of developing substance use disorders. This guide includes information on the prevention of substance abuse and mental health illnesses, helplines for addiction and mental health support and rehab treatment programs.
11. College Guide for Transgender & Nonbinary Students
This guide was designed to help trans and nonbinary students have a positive and supportive college experience, one where they are fully able to be themselves and thrive. This guide offers in-depth information in several areas including what to look for when choosing a college, inclusive school polices, faculty, and services, how to navigate gender-inclusive housing and name changes, mental and physical health resources, ways to build a support system through on-campus groups and other LGBTQ+ organizations and scholarships especially for trans and nonbinary students.
12. Guide to Mental Health for LGBTQ+ Students in College
This guide has a special focus on the mental health issues LGBTQ+ might face and where they can find help and support.
13. Online Therapy Guide for LGBTQ+ Youth
This is a guide from Innerbody Research to help LGBTQ+ children and their families get the help and information they need regarding online therapy for their mental health. We strive to create a safe space and helpful environment for all.
14. Mental Health for LGBTQ+ Students
This guide focuses on LGBTQ+ students' mental wellness and discusses different types of mental health support. Learn about barriers to receiving support and discover ways to make informed choices about your care.
15. LGBTQ+ College Student Guide
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.
16. The LGBTQ+ Community and Addiction
Use this guide to learn about the unique challenges that members of the LGBTQ+ community face when it comes to addiction and substance abuse.
17. Overcoming Barriers in LGBTQ Health Care
In this guide, you will learn about some LGBTQIA+ patients' struggles, review equitable health care improvements and solutions and be provided with various resources for finding care.
The Diverse Elders Coalition works with senior Black and Indigenous people of color, as well as seniors who are members of the LGBTQ+ community to provide advocacy and connect them with support services that may help to decrease isolation. Email: info@diverselders.org.
19. LGBTQ+ Guide to Health and Wellness
Whether you are a member of the LGBTQ+ community or you care about someone who is, this guide can be a good place to start to find the perfect healthcare team and the solutions available today. You will also learn about barriers that the LGBTQ+ community faces when accessing health care.
20. Anxiety & Depression Association of America
This site offers mental health aid for the LGBTQ+ community. Its mission is to help the community receive relevant care and resources.
21. Association of LGBTQ+ Psychiatrists
This organization gathers psychiatrists to advocate and educate on LGBTQ mental health issues.
22. FOLX Health
This health service provides a variety of care for LGBTQ+ people. It offers virtual health care and discreetly delivers pharmaceuticals such as estrogen and testosterone.
23. Gay and Lesbian Medical Association
This national organization focuses on health equity for the LGBTQ community.
24. National Coalition for LGBTQ Health
This group offers advocacy, education and research about health for the LGBTQ+ community.
25. Rainbow Health
This organization serves those in the LGBTQ+ community living with HIV and others seeking equitable health care. It also educates health care providers and policymakers about the community’s needs.
This mental health resource helps with emotional health, coping challenges, and support. It actively addresses suicide in the community.
27. Therapy for Queer People of Color
This site gathers professional counselors, psychologists, social workers, and more to provide health care to queer and trans people of color. It also includes directories to find nearby service providers.
28. LGBTQ Psychotherapists of Color
Also called QPOC, this San Francisco-based group provides community-building, leadership development, networking, and support for LGBTQ people of color in counseling, psychology, and social work.
29. Live Another Day
This group focuses on addiction and mental health resources, providing lists of providers and resources. It has specific resources listed for QTBIPOC people.
This self-described QTBIPOC resource promotes health care and social support. Articles center on healing, care and other issues.
31. QTBIPOC Addiction & Mental Health Support
QTBIPOC people often experience discrimination due to their gender identity and skin color. This discrimination can also be encountered when it comes to mental and physical health care. This directory of resources provides access to care for a variety of issues.
32. LGBTQ & Gay-Friendly Rehab Centers in Illinois
Here is information from Northern Illinois Recovery on addiction and LGBTQ drug rehab programs in the northern Illinois region.
33. LGBTQIA+ Suicide/Crisis Help Resources
This is a collection of online resources for the LGBTQIA+ community from the Pride Against Prejudice Project.
34. Resources for LGBTQ Parents of Children With Special Needs
As an LGBTQ parent raising a child with special needs, you may face unique challenges. However, by accessing the various forms of help that are available, LGBTQ families can become empowered to understand their child’s needs, handle potential discrimination and navigate their options. Learn more about medical, financial and emotional support resources for LGBTQ parents of children with disabilities.
35. Grants For LGBTQ+ People Seeking Addiction Or Mental Health Care
The LGBTQ+ community faces judgment, discrimination, and mistreatment, which leads to an increased risk of drug and alcohol abuse. Many grants are created specifically for LGBTQ+ people with mental health and substance use disorders.
36. Supporting the Transgender Community: Gender Affirming Care Resources
For anyone in the healthcare field or preparing as a student to work with diverse populations, including gender non-conforming youth, check out this article for research information, helpful websites, links to organizations, and even legal and healthcare resources.
Support Services
1. Gay & Lesbian International Sport Association (GLISA)
This group includes sports and human rights organizations worldwide. It represents athletes, sports teams and clubs.
Founded in memory of Matthew Shepard, this group targets hate crimes and provides support for LGBTQ people.
3. Modern Military Association of America
This group offers advocacy, education, and support for LGBTQ+ service members, spouses, family, veterans, caregivers and more.
4. National Resource Center on LGBTQ+ Aging
This organization provides services and support to LGBTQ+ people who are aging. Information is also available for their family and caregivers.
This group offers resources for transgender children and their families.
6. CenterLink
This organization offers leadership training, networking opportunities and technical assistance for LGBTQ community centers.
7. Campus Pride
This group is for student leaders and campus groups working to create a safer college environment for LGBT students.
8. GLAAD
This group works with the media to ensure accurate, fair, and inclusive representation for LGBTQ people.
9. GLSEN
Primarily organized as a resource for K-12 students. GLSEN also provides services and resources to educators and educator advocates.
10. National Center for Transgender Equality
This group advocates policies to increase understanding and acceptance of transgender people.
This group works to end discrimination for LGBTQ people in employment, health care, housing, retirement and more areas.
12. Familia: Trans Queer Liberation Movement
This group advocates for trans, queer, and gender nonconforming Latinx people.
This is a list of Two Spirit groups that service Native Americans. Links lead to local groups that can help those who identify as Two Spirit.
14. Call BlackLine
A place for affirming, counseling and supporting LGBTQIA+. Priority given to BIPOC people.
15. DeQH
This is a national support resource for South Asian LGBTQIA+ people. The group offers a collection of resources for this community.
16. GAPIMNY
This organization is working to empower queer and trans Asian Pacific islanders.
17. The National Queer Asian Pacific Islander Alliance (NQAPIA)
This is a federation of LGBTIA+ Asian American, South Asian, Southeast Asian and Pacific Islander (AAPI) organizations. They seek to develop leadership, promote visibility, educate the community, enhance grassroots organizing, expand collaborations and challenge anti-LGBTQ+ bias and racism.
18. National Queer and Trans Therapists of Color Network
This organization is committed to transforming the mental health of queer and trans people of color.
19. GLBTQ+ Asian Pacific Alliance
An organization dedicated to furthering the interests of the GLBTQ+ Asian and Pacific Islander community by organizing, bringing awareness and building community through social, political, cultural and professional programs.
Food Pantries
Brave Space Alliance is a Black-led, trans-led LGBTQIA+ Center located on the South Side of Chicago.
Housing
Senior Living For LGBTQIA+ Adults
This guide has information about housing rights for LGBTQIA+ seniors, common challenges faced by elderly members of this community, and how their loved ones can find safe, comfortable senior housing, as well as resources where seniors can seek help.
Hotlines
1. Trans Lifeline: 877-565-886
2. SAGEConnect Advocacy and Services for LGBTQ+ Elders: 877-360-5428 (Hotline) OR 914-650-2548 (Contact)
SAGEConnect exclusively serves LGBTQ+ seniors by providing online LGBTQ+ companions whom they can connect with via telephone and video chat.
3. The Trevor Project: 866-488-7386
4. LGBT National Help Center: 800-246-7743
5. The Village at University of Chicago: 773-834-5073
6. Project Vida: 773-277-2291
7. South Side Help Center: 773-445-5445
Social Justice
1. Affinity Community Services
Affinity Community Services is a Black led, queer led organization on Chicago’s Southside dedicated to social justice in Black LGBTQ+ communities.
2. ALAMA
ALMA advocates for fairness and equality and affirms Latino/a LGBTQ culture.
Black Lives Matter Chicago is an intersectional vehicle that values Black people and our right to self-determination.
4. Black Queer & Intersectional Collective
Black Queer & Intersectional Collective, a grassroots community organization, works toward liberation through direct action, community organizing, education, and creating spaces to uplift voices.
Black Trans Men is a nonprofit organization focused on social advocacy and empowering trans men with resources to aid in a healthy transition.
6. Black Youth Project 100 Chicago
Since 2017, Black Visions Collective has been putting into practice the lessons learned from organizations before us in order to shape a political home for Black people across Minnesota.
Brave Space Alliance is a trans-led center dedicated to creating and providing resources, programming, and services for LGBTQ+ individuals in Chicago.
Emergency Release Fund, a member of the National Bail Fund Network, posts bail for pretrial medically vulnerable individuals and anyone who identifies as LGBTQ+.
10. Equity Illinois
Equality Illinois was founded in 1991 as the Illinois Federation for Human Rights to secure, protect and defend the basic civil rights of gay, lesbian, bisexual, queer and questioning transgender (LGBTQ) Illinoisans.
11. Gender JUST
Gender JUST is a multi-racial, multi-generational collective with a diversity of marginalized gender and sexual identities, skills, cultures, abilities, citizenship status, educational backgrounds and income levels.
12. Incite!
Incite! is a national activist organization of trans and gender nonconforming people of color working to end violence against individuals and communities through direct action, dialogue, and grassroots organizing.
13. Lambda Legal
Lambda Legal was founded in 1973 as the nation’s first legal organization dedicated to achieving full equality for lesbian and gay people.
LGBTQ+ Freedom Fund posts bail to secure the safety and liberty of people in jail and immigration detention.
15. The Marsha P. Johnson Institute
The Marsha P. Johnson Institute’s mission is to protect and defend the human rights of Black transgender people.
16. The National Black Justice Coalition
The National Black Justice Coalition is a civil rights organization dedicated to empowering Black LGBTQ+ people.
17. The National Center for Black Equity
The National Center for Black Equity connects members of the Black LGBTQ+ community with information and resources to empower their fight for equity and access.
18. The National Center for Transgender Equity
The National Center for Transgender Equality advocates to change policies and society to increase understanding and acceptance of transgender people.
19. The Okra Project
The Okra Project addresses the global crisis faced by Black trans people by bringing them home-cooked meals and resources.
20. Transformative Justice Law Project
TJLP is a group of radical activists, social workers, and organizers who provide support, advocacy, and free, holistic criminal legal services to poor and street-based transgender people in Illinois.
Transgender Law Center changes law, policy, and attitudes so that all people can live safely, authentically, and free from discrimination regardless of their gender identity or expression.
22. Trans Justice Funding Project
Trans Justice Funding Project is a community-led funding initiative that supports grassroots trans justice groups run by-and-for trans people.
23. Trans Women of Color Collective
Trans Women of Color Collective, a grass-roots funded global initiative, uplifts the narratives and experiences of trans people of color and offers them opportunities.