National Resources & Support
This section provides a comprehensive listing of LGBTQIA+ resources available across the entire United States. These national organizations offer vital support, advocacy, legal aid, and crisis intervention services, filling gaps where local or regional options may be limited and providing critical support regardless of your location.
Categories
Education & Youth Services
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GLSEN (Gay, Lesbian & Straight Education Network)
Works to ensure that LGBTQ students are able to learn and grow in a school environment free from bullying and harassment. Provides resources for students, educators, and advocates, and conducts research.
Also: Advocacy & Civil Rights Organizations
Youth-Focused Resources
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A nonprofit organization with a mission to uplift, empower, and connect lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, and queer (LGBTQ+) youth around the globe through storytelling and community building.
Also: Social & Support Groups, Publications & Media
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Provides online chat-based, facilitated, live peer support groups for LGBTQ+ teens (ages 13-19).
Also: Social & Support Groups, Mental Health Services
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Provides inclusive, comprehensive, and supportive sexuality and relationship education for young people, including LGBTQ youth.
Also: Sexual Health Services, Education & Youth Services
Parent, Family & Ally Support
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A national organization that unites people with LGBTQIA+ parents into a network of peers and supports them as they nurture and empower each other to be skilled, self-confident, and just leaders in our collective communities.
Also: Youth-Focused Resources, Social & Support Groups
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Advances legal and lived equality for LGBTQ families, and for those who wish to form them, through building community, changing hearts and minds, and driving policy change.
Also: Advocacy & Civil Rights Organizations, Legal Services
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PFLAG National (Parents, Families, and Friends of Lesbians and Gays)
The first and largest organization for LGBTQ+ people, their parents and families, and allies. Committed to creating a world where diversity is celebrated and all people are respected, valued, and affirmed. Provides peer support through local chapters, educational materials, and advocacy.
Also: Social & Support Groups, Advocacy & Civil Rights Organizations
Elder-Focused Resources
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Provides peer support and resources for older LGBTQ adults. Operated by LGBT National Help Center.
888-234-7243
Also: Crisis Intervention & Helplines
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SAGE (Services & Advocacy for GLBT Elders)
The country's largest and oldest organization dedicated to improving the lives of LGBTQ+ older people. SAGE builds welcoming communities and keeps LGBTQ+ issues in the national conversation. Offers a National Resource Center on LGBTQ+ Aging and the SAGE LGBTQ+ Elder Hotline.
212-741-2247; Hotline: 1-877-360-LGBT (5428) | 305 7th Avenue, 15th Floor, New York, NY 10001
Also: Advocacy & Civil Rights Organizations, Housing & Homelessness Support, Crisis Intervention & Helplines, Social & Support Groups
Crisis Intervention & Helplines
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Provides a space for peer support, counseling, reporting of mistreatment, and affirming lived experiences for individuals most impacted by systematic oppression, with an LGBTQ+ Black Femme Lens. Prioritizes BIPOC.
800-604-5841
Also: BIPOC Specific Resources, Mental Health Services
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Provides free, 24/7 crisis support via text message.
Text HOME to 741741
Also: Mental Health Services
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Provides free and confidential peer support, information, and local resources through national hotlines and online programs. Operates the LGBT National Hotline, Youth Talkline, and Senior Hotline.
888-843-4564; Youth: 800-246-7743; Senior: 888-234-7243
Also: Youth-Focused Resources, Elder-Focused Resources, Social & Support Groups
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National Suicide Prevention Lifeline (988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline)
A national network of local crisis centers that provides free and confidential emotional support to people in suicidal crisis or emotional distress 24/7. A critical resource for anyone in crisis.
Call or Text 988
Also: Mental Health Services
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The leading national organization providing crisis intervention and suicide prevention services to lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, queer & questioning (LGBTQ) young people under 25. Offers 24/7 confidential support through phone, text, and chat.
1-866-488-7386; Text START to 678-678
Also: Youth-Focused Resources, Mental Health Services
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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. Operators are all transgender.
(877) 565-8860
Also: Transgender Specific National Resources, Financial Assistance
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Trevor Lifeline (LGBTQ Youth Suicide Prevention)
A national service providing crisis intervention and suicide prevention specifically for LGBTQ youth. Offers phone, text, and chat support.
1-866-488-7386; Text START to 678678
Also: Youth Services, Mental Health Services
Legal Services
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ACLU (American Civil Liberties Union)
The ACLU works to defend and preserve the individual rights and liberties guaranteed by the Constitution and laws of the United States, including extensive work on LGBTQ+ rights. Provides legal assistance, advocacy, and educational materials.
Also: Advocacy & Civil Rights Organizations
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The oldest and largest national legal organization in the U.S. whose mission is to achieve full recognition of the civil rights of lesbians, gay men, bisexuals, transgender people, and everyone living with HIV. Pursues this through impact litigation, education, and public policy work.
212-809-8585; Legal Help Desk: 866-542-8336 | 120 Wall Street, 19th Floor, New York, NY 10005-3919
Also: Advocacy & Civil Rights Organizations
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The largest national trans-led organization advocating self-determination for all people. Provides legal services and advocacy for transgender and gender nonconforming individuals.
Also: Transgender Specific National Resources, Advocacy & Civil Rights Organizations
Advocacy & Civil Rights Organizations
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GLAAD (Gay & Lesbian Alliance Against Defamation)
A national organization that works to promote understanding, acceptance, and equality for LGBTQ people through media advocacy. Tackles tough issues to shape the narrative and provoke dialogue that leads to cultural change.
Also: Publications & Media
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The largest national lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, and queer (LGBTQ+) civil rights organization in the United States. Focuses on protecting and expanding rights for LGBTQ individuals by advocating for policies.
(800) 777-4723
Also: Education & Youth Services, Legal Services, Publications & Media
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Founded in memory of Matthew Shepard, the Foundation works to amplify his story to inspire individuals, organizations, and communities to embrace the dignity and equality of all people. Programs include hate crime prevention training and speaking engagements.
303-830-7400
Also: Education & Youth Services
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National Center for Transgender Equality (NCTE)
A national social justice organization devoted to ending discrimination and violence against transgender people through education and advocacy on national, state, and local levels.
Also: Transgender Specific National Resources, Legal Services
Transgender Specific National Resources
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Provides resources, training, and support to help create gender-sensitive and inclusive environments for all children and teens. Focuses on families, schools, and healthcare professionals.
Also: Youth-Focused Resources, Education & Youth Services, Parent, Family & Ally Support
Queer-Owned Business Directories
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ICIC LGBTQ+ Business Directory (Initiative for a Competitive Inner City)
ICIC features an LGBTQ+ Business Directory as part of its Urban Business Initiatives, highlighting small businesses from across the country that are members of their Inner City Alumni Network (ICAN).
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National LGBT Chamber of Commerce (NGLCC)
The largest advocacy organization dedicated to expanding economic opportunities and advancements for LGBTQ+ owned businesses. Offers certification for LGBT Business Enterprises (LGBTBEs) and connects them with corporate partners.
Also: Advocacy & Civil Rights Organizations
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Pride Business Alliance (Compass LGBTQ+ Community Center - Palm Beach County, FL)
Illustrates a common model of LGBTQ+ community centers hosting local/regional business directories of LGBTQ+ owned and friendly businesses. Similar initiatives may exist in other areas and can be good resources.

Zanele Muholi
If I wait for someone else to validate my existence, it will mean that I'm shortchanging myself.

Rachel Maddow
The single best thing about coming out of the closet is that nobody can insult you by telling you what you’ve just told them.