Regional Resources & Support
Expanding beyond Erie County, this section connects you with vital LGBTQIA+ resources and support networks across Northwestern Pennsylvania and Northeastern Ohio. These resources serve individuals in counties like Crawford, Venango, Warren, Mercer, and Ashtabula County in Ohio, or those willing to travel or access remote services.
Categories
Advocacy & Community Centers
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ACLU of Pennsylvania (Northwest PA Chapter)
The American Civil Liberties Union of Pennsylvania defends and protects individual rights and personal freedoms, including those of LGBTQ+ individuals, through advocacy, education, and litigation. The Northwest PA Chapter specifically serves this region.
1-877-PGH-ACLU (744-2258); (412) 681-7736
Also: Legal Services
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Empowers LGBTQIA2+ Pennsylvanians to have a strong political voice in Pennsylvania. This statewide organization works for equality through education, policy, and legislative reform.
(717) 319-5210; (215) 731-1447
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An organization serving the LGBTQ+ Community of Pennsylvania since 2011, with a statewide reach that includes Northwestern PA.
814-746-1739
Pride Organizations & Events
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An organization focused on Pride events and community building in Ashtabula County, Ohio.
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Shenango Valley Pride Alliance
Actively works to reduce social isolation and build community for LGBTQIA+ individuals in and around Western Pennsylvania, with a focus on the Shenango Valley (Mercer County). Organize various events and provide tangible support through "True Colors Corner Cabinet" (clothing, binders) and Safe Zone Trainings.
724-456-2059 | SVPridePicnic@gmail.com; Pladner@svpridealliance.org | 87 Stambaugh Ave, Sharon, PA
Also: Social & Support Groups, Advocacy & Community Centers
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Organizes the annual Warren County Pride Day held at Betts Park in Warren, PA. This event typically includes vendors, community agencies, resources, speakers, performers, games, and activities.
814-728-8546 | Warrencountypride@gmail.com | 444 Pennsylvania Ave W, Warren, PA 16365
Publications & Media
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A publication and online resource serving Pittsburgh and the broader Western Pennsylvania region. Maintains an LGBTQ+ owned business directory.
Also: Queer-Owned / Affirming Businesses
Queer-Owned / Affirming Businesses
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An online directory hosted by QBurgh, listing LGBTQ+ owned businesses primarily in the Pittsburgh and Western PA area. Useful for individuals in NWPA seeking services from affirming businesses.
Education & Youth Services
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Kent State University Ashtabula - Campus Resources
The Kent State Ashtabula campus offers resources for its students, including a Counseling Specialist, Jennifer D. Simspon, LPCC-S, and a Sociology Club Advisor, Dr. Jessica Leveto, who may serve as points of contact or support. Has designated Universal Restrooms.
440-964-4234 | ashtabulacounseling@kent.edu; jleveto@kent.edu | Library 2nd floor (L207)
Also: Mental Health Services
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LGBTQIA+ Alliance Shenango Valley (Youth Support)
Part of the Shenango Valley Pride Alliance, this initiative provides peer-to-peer support for youth and young adults in the Shenango Valley area (Mercer County). Holds specific meetings for youth.
724-456-2059 | SVPridePicnic@gmail.com | 87 Stambaugh Ave, Sharon, PA
Also: Social & Support Groups
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Pennsylvania Youth Congress (PYC)
A statewide organization dedicated to advancing freedom and justice for young LGBTQ Pennsylvanians. PYC engages in advocacy and also publishes a directory of LGBTQ resources across Pennsylvania.
717-743-1035
Also: Advocacy & Community Centers
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Pride Youth Alliance of Crawford County, PA
A support group specifically for LGBTQ+ youth, their families, friends, and allies in Crawford County. All ages are welcome.
Also: Social & Support Groups
Social & Support Groups
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A peer-led support group for LGBTQ+ adults in Venango County, meeting monthly at the Franklin Public Library. The second half of the meeting is open to parents and children.
Franklin Public Library, 421 12th St., Franklin, PA
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LGBTQIA Support Group – Ashtabula District Library
A support group for the LGBTQIA community hosted at the Ashtabula District Library in Ashtabula, Ohio.
(440) 997-9341
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Life Gets Better Together - Warren LGBTQ+ Support Group
A support group serving the LGBTQ+ community in Warren County and beyond by sharing news, events, and information, and providing a platform for mutual support.
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TransFamily of NWPA (Meadville Meetings)
Provides support for the transgender community and allies in Crawford County through its Meadville meetings. Regular meetings are held on the 2nd Tuesday of the month, 6:30 PM - 8:30 PM, at Empowerment With Grace, 296 Chestnut Street, Meadville, PA (use side entrance).
(814) 314-9328
Also: Transgender Specific, Family Support
Faith-Based & Spiritual
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New Leaf United Methodist Church (Conneaut, OH)
This church in Conneaut, Ohio, is recognized as an LGBTQ-welcoming and affirming faith community.
Also: Queer-Owned / Affirming Businesses
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Unitarian Universalist Church of Meadville
Recognized as a Welcoming Congregation by the Unitarian Universalist Association, this church actively affirms and includes LGBTQ+ individuals in all aspects of congregational life. Conducts same-sex weddings and advocates for LGBTQ+ justice and equality.
814-724-4023 | church@uumeadville.org | 346 Chestnut Street, Meadville, PA 16335
Also: Social & Support Groups
Medical Services
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Central Outreach Wellness Center (Cleveland Heights, OH & Columbus, OH)
Operates clinics in Northeastern Ohio (Cleveland Heights and Columbus) accessible or relevant for individuals in Ashtabula County or willing to travel. Offer LGBTQIA+ focused holistic healthcare including primary care, HIV/STI services, PrEP/PEP, gender-affirming care, and mental health support.
(216) 350-1000; (614) 360-2900
Also: Sexual Health Services, Mental Health Services
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PA Thrive / Northwest PA Rural AIDS Alliance
A critical healthcare provider for a significant portion of Northwestern and North-Central Pennsylvania. HIV specialists travel throughout 13 counties, providing state-of-the-art HIV clinical services, PrEP access, STI testing/treatment, medical case management, and a mobile testing unit.
(814) 297-8220; 833-4HIV-HELP (833-444-8435) | info@pa-thrive.com; bshank@pennwest.edu | 1008 S 5th Ave Suite #201, Clarion, PA 16214
Also: Sexual Health Services
Sexual Health Services
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Planned Parenthood - Western Pennsylvania
Provides reproductive healthcare services.
Also: Medical Services
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Ryan White HIV/AIDS Program - Cuyahoga County, OH
The Ryan White HIV/AIDS Program provides a comprehensive system of HIV primary medical care, essential support services, and medications for low-income people living with HIV who are uninsured or underserved.
216-201-2000
Also: Medical Services
Mental Health Services
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Angelus Mental Health & Wellness Services (Sharon, PA)
Located in Sharon (Mercer County), this service offers supportive mental healthcare for the LGBTQ community. Services include individual counseling (with group counseling planned) and LGBTQ-specific therapy sessions.
(724) 654-9555
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Persad Center, Inc. (Pittsburgh & Washington, PA)
The nation’s second oldest licensed counseling center specifically created to serve the LGBTQ+ community and individuals affected by HIV/AIDS. Provide outreach, prevention, mental health counseling, training, senior programs, and transgender-specific services. Services available to residents throughout Western PA.
412-441-9786 | intake@persadcenter.org
Also: Medical Services, Social & Support Groups
Crisis Intervention & Helplines
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Erie County, NY Crisis Services
General crisis hotline for Erie County, NY, but often listed in broader regional resources. Note: PA specific number should be prioritized if available.
24-Hour Crisis Hotline 716-834-3131 | Administrative Line 716-834-231
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Help Hotline (Columbiana and Mahoning Counties, OH)
A general crisis hotline serving parts of Northeastern Ohio. May be a resource for those in nearby areas like Ashtabula County if local options are limited.
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Legal Services
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An explicitly LGBTQ-owned law firm with "gay friendly litigators." Handles a wide range of litigation, including auto accidents, civil litigation, discrimination, family law (including LGBTQIA divorces), LGBTQ+ rights, personal injury. Serves various counties in PA and NJ.
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Northwestern Legal Services (Regional)
Provides free civil legal services to low-income individuals and families.