To assist you in a time of need, or to provide a pathway to help a friend, colleague, or family member, we have compiled the following list of online and local organizations. Our goal is to be a resource of support, help, and healing. Remember … everyone’s journey is different. These sources are a way for you to find what is necessary for you. Please only use these resources as examples, and do not feel pressure to do any thing that you are not comfortable with. We wish you health, happiness, and wholeness!
Youth ONLINE & PHONE Resources
GENDER SPECTRUM (genderspectrum.org) - according to their website, “Gender Spectrum works to create gender sensitive and inclusive environments for all children and teens …. Our Online Groups and Programs reach adults and youth from more than 20 countries and all 50 states …. Every year we provide resources, referrals and support to hundreds of families and youth.”
GLADD (glaad.org) - according to their website, “GLAAD rewrites the script for LGBTQ acceptance. As a dynamic media force, GLAAD tackles tough issues to shape the narrative and provoke dialogue that leads to cultural change. GLAAD protects all that has been accomplished and creates a world where everyone can live the life they love.”
GLSEN (Gay, Lesbian & Straight Education Network) (https://www.glsen.org/) - works to create safe and inclusive schools for all students, regardless of sexual orientation, gender identity, or gender expression. They provide resources for students, educators, and parents to address issues such as bullying, harassment, and discrimination in schools. Services include GSA Network, No Name-Calling Week, and Day of Silence.
GSA NETWORK (gsanetwork.org) - according to their website, “GSA Network is a next-generation LGBTQ racial and gender justice organization that empowers and trains queer, trans and allied youth leaders to advocate, organize, and mobilize an intersectional movement for safer schools and healthier communities.”
It Gets Better Project (https://itgetsbetter.org/) - was created to show LGBTQ+ youth the levels of happiness, potential, and positivity their lives can reach if they can get through their teen years. The project offers a collection of inspiring stories from LGBTQ+ individuals and allies.
LGBT NATIONAL HELP CENTER (glbthotline.org) - according to their website, “Services provided are always free & confidential. We are the only LGBT organization that offers national support, resources, and information directly. All calls and online services are provided by highly trained LGBTQ volunteers. Calls are never out sourced or answered by other affiliated organizations.”
NATIONAL RUNAWAY SAFELINE -1-800-621-4000
NATIONAL SUICIDE PREVENTION LIFELINE - 1-800-273-TALK (8255) (press 1 for veterans, 2 for Spanish)
POINT FOUNDATION (pointfoundation.org) - according to their website, “Point Foundation empowers promising lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, and queer students to achieve their full academic and leadership potential – despite the obstacles often put before them – to make a significant impact on society.”
SAFE SCHOOLS COALITION (safeschoolscoalition.org) - according to their website, “Safe Schools Coalition, located in Washington State, is a public-private partnership, in support of gay, lesbian, bisexual and transgender, queer and questioning youth, working to help schools become safe places where every family can belong, where every educator can teach, and where every child can learn, regardless of gender, gender identity or sexual orientation.” Their work centers around schools and school-age youth, focused on anti-bullying, harassment, and intimidation issues.
THE TREVOR PROJECT (thetrevorproject.org) - is the world's largest suicide prevention and crisis intervention organization for LGBTQ young people, under the age of 25. Need help? Call The Trevor Project 24/7, at 1-866-488-7386.
TOP10.COM ONLINE THERAPY (top10.com) - Online therapy for LGTBQ youth and adults.
TRANS TEENS/LGBT NATIONAL HELP CENTER (glbthotline.org/transteens) - according to their website, “We provide a safe environment on the phone or internet for people of all ages to discuss issues that they don't feel comfortable talking about anywhere else …. We operate three national hotlines, the LGBT National Hotline, the LGBT National Youth Talkline, and the LGBT National Senior Hotline as well as private, volunteer one-to-one online chat, that helps both youth and adults with coming-out issues, safer-sex information, school bullying, family concerns, relationship problems and a lot more …. We are the oldest and most comprehensive national organization of its type and scope in the United States, providing this critically needed service regardless of age or geographic location …. Our services are always free and confidential.”
Youth LOCAL Resources
BRAVO (Buckeye Region Anti-Violence Organization)
● Location: Statewide (based in Columbus, OH)
● Description: BRAVO works to eliminate violence perpetrated on the basis of sexual orientation and/or gender identity. They offer support and resources to LGBTQ+ individuals who have experienced violence.
● Services:
○ 24-Hour Crisis Hotline: Confidential support for those experiencing violence or in crisis. Call 1-866-86-BRAVO (27286).
○ Advocacy: Assistance with navigating the legal system, accessing healthcare, and obtaining other support services.
○ Education & Training: Programs to raise awareness about LGBTQ+ issues and prevent violence.
● Website: BRAVO Ohio
Colors+ Youth Center
● Location: Fairview Park, OH (Greater Cleveland Area)
● Description: Colors+ is an LGBTQ+ youth center in Northeast Ohio that provides a safe space, advocacy, support, and programming for LGBTQ+ youth and their families.
● Services:
○ Youth Programs: Social events, support groups, and educational workshops for LGBTQ+ youth.
○ Mental Health Services: Counseling and therapy for LGBTQ+ youth and their families.
○ Community Outreach: Educational resources and training for schools and organizations.
● Website: Colors+ Youth Center
EQUITAS HEALTH (equitashealth.com) - according to their LinkedIn profile, they are “one of the nation’s largest HIV/AIDS, lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, and queer/questioning (LGBTQ) healthcare organizations. With 17 offices in 11 cities … Ohio, Kentucky, and West Virginia.” They are a “diverse healthcare and social service delivery system focused around: primary and specialized medical care, retail pharmacy, dental, behavioral health, HIV/STI prevention, advocacy, and community health initiatives.” LOCATION: 195 Union Street, Suite F, Newark, OH, 43055 PHONE: 740-281-5210.
Kaleidoscope Youth Center (KYC)
● Location: Columbus, OH
● Description: Kaleidoscope Youth Center is Ohio’s largest and longest-serving organization dedicated to supporting LGBTQ+ youth. KYC provides a safe and affirming environment for young people ages 12-24 to find community, support, and resources.
● Services:
○ Drop-In Center: A safe space for LGBTQ+ youth to hang out, access resources, and connect with peers.
○ Support Groups: Various groups for youth to discuss their experiences and receive support.
○ Education & Outreach: Workshops and training for schools, organizations, and families on LGBTQ+ issues.
● Website: Kaleidoscope Youth Center
LICKING COUNTY 24/7 CRISIS LINE - 740-345-4357
PATHWAYS OF CENTRAL OHIO (pathwaysofcentralohio.com) - According to their LinkedIn profile , “Pathways specializes in crisis intervention, substance use prevention, parenting, information referral, mental health promotion, behavioral health, social services, and problem gambling prevention.” CRISIS LINE: simply dial 211.
PFLAG COLUMBUS (columbuspflag.org) - according to their website, “PFLAG is the first and largest organization for lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, and queer (LGBTQ+) people, their parents and families, and allies. With over 400 chapters and 200,000 members and supporters crossing multiple generations of families in major urban centers, small cities, and rural areas across America, PFLAG is committed to creating a world where diversity is celebrated and all people are respected, valued, and affirmed …. This vast grassroots network is cultivated, resourced, and serviced by the staff of PFLAG National, the National Board of Directors, and the all-volunteer Regional Directors Council.” EMAIL: pflagcolumbus@gmail.com
YOUTH ENGAGED IN SERVICE (YES Club) - according to the Mental Health America of Licking County website, the YES Club is “a service-learning project funded by a grant from the Ohio Department of Education. They regularly serve 35-60 youths, ages 11-18, on a daily basis. Staff and adult volunteers provide mentoring, tutoring, life-skills and character development sessions, along with a daily meal. Membership is free thus allowing any youth to take advantage of all the services and opportunities that YES offers. Children who attend daily are required to participate in service projects in order to maintain membership.” LOCATION: 100 E. Church Street, Newark, OH, 43055 PHONE: 740-522-OYES (0937)
“Gay kids aren’t a ‘plot point’ that you can play with. Gay kids are real, actual kids, teenagers, growing up into awesome adults, and they don’t have the books they need to reflect that. Growing up, my nose was constantly stuck in a book. Growing up as a lesbian, I was told over and over and over by the lack of gayness in said books that I did not exist. That I wasn’t important enough to tell stories about. That I was invisible. Why are we telling our kids this? Why are we telling them that they’re a minority, and they don’t deserve the same rights as straights, that they’re going to grow up in a world that despises them, that the intolerance of humanity will never change, that they’re worthless. It’s not true.”