Finding Support
When we began our educational journey, we found ourselves seeking support. We wanted to learn more about resources for school aged children, for families looking to support loved ones, social groups, and about learning to be the best advocates we could be.
There are a number of excellent organizations that support members of the LGBTQIA+ community, and it’s allies! We kept track of many of the resources we found, and compiled a list that we hope helps all of you!
Whether you are questioning, looking for a LGBTQIA+ community, or interested in taking a role in advocacy, you’ll find support in the links down below. Simply click on the name of the organization to be directed to their pages.
And of course, you can always reach out to the family at Cookie Pride!
Youth Resources
GLSEN
GLSEN champions LGBTQIA+ issues in he K-12 education environment. This organization focuses on enduring that LGBTQ+ students are able to learn and grow in a school environment free from bullying and harassment.
GSA Network
GSA Network is a civil rights and activism organization, focused on uniting LGBTQIA+ youth for racial and gender justice.
Safe Schools Coalition
Safe Schools Coalition supports LGBTQIA+ youth, working to help schools become safe places inclusive of every family, teacher and child, regardless of gender, gender identity or sexual orientation.
The Trevor Project
The Trevor Project provides crisis intervention and suicide prevention services to LGBTQIA+ young people under the age of 25.
General Resources
Anti-Violence Project
The AVP supports and empowers the LGBTQIA+, and HIV-affected communities and their allies. The goal of this group is to end violence and harassment against these communities, and to support survivors. AVP works through education, counseling and advocacy.
Center Link
CenterLink develops and connects LGBT community centers here in the US, and worldwide. Their goal is to create sustainable, thriving centers, and to connect those centers to create a web of supports for the LGBTQIA+ community.
COLAGE
COLAGE establishes a network for empowerment and support of people with caregivers in the LGBTQIA+ community. This organization is dedicated to the support of LGBTQ+ families, and supports the marriage equality efforts that continue today.
GMHC
GMHC is a NYC based organization, serving the NYC area and its’ 5 boroughs. GMHC strives to end the AIDS epidemic, and supports and uplifts those living with AIDS with various programs.
Matthew Shepard Foundation
The Matthew Shepard Foundation is a civil right organization, striving to encourage the embracing of the LGBTQ+ community, and eliminating LGBTQ+ base hate crimes. Through speaking engagements, Matthew’s Place and legacy programs, this organization works to inspire community connectiveness with the LGBTQ+ community.
Out and Equal
Out & Equal focuses exclusively on LGBTQIA+ workplace equality. This organization offers programs and conferences worldwide to support LGBTQIA+ people thrive in their workplaces, and support organizations with a culture of inclusivity.
PFLAG
PFLAG is an organization dedicated to the support of the LGBTQIA+ community and it’s allies. Diversity is celebrated, and all people are respected and affirmed, inclusive of their sexual orientation, gender identity, and gender expression. This organization focuses of unification, support and community, and strives to educate to create a more inclusive world.
Political Resources
Equality Federation
Equality Federation strives to be a partner to state-based organizations advocating for LGBTQ people.
Human Rights Campaign
The HRC is dedicated to ensuring that all LGBTQ people, and particularly those who are trans, people of color and HIV+, are treated as full and equal citizens across our country and around the world
National LGBTQ Task Force
The National LGBTQ Task Force advances full freedom, justice and equality for LGBTQ people. This activist organization is dedicated building a future where everyone can be safe, respected and free to be themselves in every aspect.
Legal Resources
American Civil Liberties Union (ACLU)
The ACLU has a long history of LGBTQ+ support, bringing it’s first case in 1936! This organization works to ensure that people in the LGBTQIA+ community can live openly and without discrimination.
National LGBT Bar Association
The National LGBT Bar Association is a national association of lawyers, judges and other legal professionals, law students, activists, and affiliated lesbian, gay, bisexual, and transgender legal organizations. The LGBT Bar promotes justice in and through the legal profession for the LGBTQ+ community in all its diversity.
National Center for Lesbian Rights
NCLR is a national legal organization committed to advancing the civil and human rights of lesbian, gay, bisexual, and transgender people and their families through litigation, legislation, policy, and public education.
Resources for Aging
National Resource Center on LGBT Aging
The National Resource Center on LGBT Aging focuses on improving the quality of services and the support network available for older adults in the LGBTQIA+ community.
SAGE
SAGE is dedicated to the advocacy and protection of services and rights for the aging LGBTQIA+ community. They work through activism and awareness campaigns.
This list of LGBTQ+ resources is a great starting point, but there are so many more available! Be sure to check for state, local, and community resources that might be in your area. As part of our family’s personal commitment to the LGBTQ+ community, Cookie Pride gives back. See how we support many of these organizations HERE.