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Culture-Based Resources Selected culture-based resources included here focus on connecting LGBTQ youth and families with organizations, events and activities that affirm ethnic, racial, spiritual and LGBTQ & Two Spirit identities. Currently, most of the culture-based resources that are available in the community were developed for adults and few were specifically developed for youth.

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Whether you're a small non-profit, a large business, or a government agency, we can help you evaluate and improve the services and climate you provide to lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, queer, and questioning (LGBTQ+) people. We accomplish this through policy work, trainings on LGBTQ+ cultural competency, and other proven interventions.

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Transitional Justice - Moving queer people to safe communities.

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With your support, we provide safe emergency housing to LGBT+ political refugees. Donate now to provide shelter to displaced individuals and families fleeing anti-trans legislation.

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We Believe Everyone Deserves Access to Healthcare

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Transgender, nonbinary, gender-nonconforming, and queer people are under attack in the upper Midwest.

"PFund has heard directly from our transgender community members-they are scared for their safety and feel unwelcome in many parts of our region," stated PFund Executive Director Aaron Zimmerman. "The TRANSCEND Campaign is our response to the increasingly hostile environment that transgender, nonbinary, and gender-expansive people have to live in. PFund is working with partnering organizations to do everything we can to support and protect our region's trans, nonbinary, and gender-expansive youth."

The TRANSCEND Campaign is raising funds for distribution to partners across the region doing on-the-ground work to protect and assist trans, nonbinary, and gender-expansive youth and adults. 100% of donations to the TRANSCEND Campaign will support:

Transportation costs to receive necessary and life-saving healthcare out-of-state for trans and gender expansive people from the Upper Midwest;

Tuition costs for remote schools that are welcoming to all gender identities in cases where students' local districts are not safe spaces for trans and queer youth;

Cash grants for trans-serving organizations doing on-the-ground service work; and

Sponsorship of queer gatherings across the Upper Midwest.

PFund has set an initial goal of $25,000 for the TRANSCEND Campaign. The focus is not only to raise funds, but also to build a network of trans-affirming supporters across the region and to increase capacity for organizations doing on-the-ground work in states with hostile political climates.

Signing up to be a TRANSCEND Campaign ambassador is easy! You can view a short video (15 minutes) that guides you through the steps to set up your own dedicated funding page on GiveLively and use the resources we've compiled in our resource kit for campaign ambassadors.

When you take steps to visibly support trans and gender-expansive youth, you play a critical role in protecting their futures. By becoming a member of the TRANSCEND Campaign, you not only inform people around you about the issues, you also show trans and gender-expansive youth that they are loved, wanted, and valued.

Together, we can rise above hate and provide necessary resources to help trans and gender-expansive youth from across the region access the affirming medical care and safe learning spaces that every child deserves. Click here to make your donation or to sign up as a peer fundraiser.

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Transgender, nonbinary, gender-nonconforming, and queer people are under attack in the upper Midwest. "PFund has heard directly from our transgender community members-they are scared for their safety and feel unwelcome in many parts of our region," stated PFund Executive Director Aaron Zimmerman.

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Find resources for Transgender Individuals at or outside of Massachusetts General Hospital.

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The APFM Site is currently under renovations. Basic information is provided on the working home page. If you want to help the cause, please go to the donation page. Lots more info and features like team pics, bios, testimonies, etc... are coming soon!

The Trans Community is under attack.
currently tracking 501 anti-LGBT Q+ bills in the U.S. Many of these bills target g ender affirming care and the rights of Trans people to exist safely in the public space. Violence against the Trans community goes largely uncovered while, in many states, it is so high that many Trans individuals are sheltering in their homes out of fear.

A PLACE FOR MARSHA...
is a team of young Trans individuals providing mutual aid to our community moving Trans Refugees into new homes in the legislatively and socially safer city of Las Vegas, Nevada. Through donations, we fund the Refugees' moving expenses and provide transportation. Our Mission is not only to get people to safety but to build a community here in Las Vegas where they have the support to build new, safer lives.

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The APFM Site is currently under renovations. Basic information is provided on the working home page. If you want to help the cause, please go to the donation page. Lots more info and features like team pics, bios, testimonies, etc... are coming soon! The Trans Community is under attack.

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The Commission is an independent state agency that helps all youth thrive.

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The Genderbread Person version 4 - ❤ It’s Pronounced Metrosexual

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For 2018 and beyond, my fourth take on this tasty little introduction to understanding gender.

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Changing the conversation on love & inclusion. Freeing hearts to love & be loved. For LGBTQ+, parents, allies, friends. Reminding us all that we are beloved!

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Family Acceptance Project® LGBTQ YOUTH & FAMILY RESOURCES To Decrease Mental Health Risks & Promote Well‐Being Welcoming your child's LGBTQ friends is one of more than 50 ways that parents & caregivers can reduce risk and increase well-being for LGBTQ youth FAMILY MATTERS Research from the Family Acceptance Project® shows that families play a critical role...

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Youth Activists fight for

LGBTQ young people should be safe and supported in our homes, schools, and communities.

Young people support LGBTQ rights more than any other generation.

We're horrified by anti-trans bathroom bills, policies that allow business to refuse service just because someone is LGBT, and bullying of LGBTQ young people in their schools and communities, and by politicians who don't work to stop these outrages.

Over three decades of activism

Advocates for Youth has worked with LGBTQ young people for over three decades, including founding the first online space for LGBTQ youth to help and support one another. Now, we work with schools and youth serving professionals around the country to ensure LGBTQ youth are safe in schools; included in sex education lessons; and above all, celebrated for who they are.

"Knowing that there are voices that are silenced and need a platform keeps me motivated to continue the work."

- Rikki, YouthResource

My Story Out Loud

#MyStoryOUTLoud is a digital storytelling campaign dedicated to uplifting the narratives of LGBTQ+ youth of color across the nation by capturing OUR stories, our experiences, our truths.

Go to website

Through YouthResource, Advocates recruits, trains and supports a cohort of young people passionate about LGBTQ health and rights.

YouthResource is a group of LGBTQ+ youth of color between the ages of 13-24 that are actively involved with a youth-serving community-based organization, a student group or any other organized group. YouthResource leaders are responsible for providing their communities, and communities around the country, with information, resources, and education to address LGBTQ+ health and rights.

Lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, and questioning (LGBTQ) youth of color (YOC) generally receive poor quality of care, disingenuous support, and hostile educational environments due to stigma, lack of youth-serving professionals' competence, and societal insensitivity. For over 10 years, the Queer and Gender Equity Project (QGEP) has provided support to youth-serving organizations seeking to enhance their support for LGBTQ youth, especially young people of color, via education, policy, research, professional training, and technical assistance. As a result of Advocates' partnership, many of these organizations created youth leadership councils; adopted LGBTQ-enumerated anti-bullying policies; installed gender-neutral restrooms; normalized pronoun usage; implemented sexual health frameworks; and created safe and supportive environments.

The All Students Count Coalition (ASCC) is a network of national, state, and community organizations led by Advocates for Youth. The ASCC encourages state and local education and health agencies to include sexual orientation, gender identity and expression-related questions on their Youth Risk Behavior Surveys (YRBS).

Join the movement of young people working to protect our health and lives

Get Started

We'll give you the tools you need to organize in your community.

Learn More

Donate Now

Support youth activists working for reproductive and sexual health and rights.

Donate

Sign Up

Get text and email updates

Join Us

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LGBTQ Health and Rights - Advocates for Youth

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Advocates for Youth has worked with LGBTQ young people for over three decades, including founding the first online space for LGBTQ youth to help and support one another. Now, we work with schools and youth serving professionals around the country to ensure LGBTQ youth are safe in schools; included in sex education lessons; and above all, celebrated for who they are.

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The Family Acceptance Project ® is a research, intervention, education and policy initiative to prevent health and mental health risks and to promote well-being for lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender and queer-identified (LGBTQ) children and youth, including suicide, homelessness, drug use and HIV - in the context of their families, cultures and faith communities.

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Welcome to the Family Acceptance Project®

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The Family Acceptance Project ® is a research, intervention, education and policy initiative to prevent health and mental health risks and to promote well-being for lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender and queer-identified (LGBTQ) children and youth, including suicide, homelessness, drug use and HIV - in the context of their families, cultures and faith communities.

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advocate elect educate protect ABOUT US MassEquality is the leading statewide grassroots advocacy organization working to ensure that everyone across Massachusetts can thrive from cradle to grave without discrimination and…

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GLAD is a leading civil rights organization dedicated to justice and equality for LGBTQ+ people and people living with HIV.

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Despite the recent legalization of gay marriage, the LGBT youth of America still face unwanted discrimination in and out of school. Throughout primary school and college, students who identify as LGBTQ are more susceptible to bullying, social isolation, and even physical assault. In fact, according to the Human Rights Campaign, 92% of LGBT youth say they've heard negative messages about their sexuality. Another 42% say they live in a community intolerant of LGBTQ people. In light of these striking statistics, it's imperative that parents, teachers, and LGBT students themselves learn about the various resources available to better understand and support all students in the LGBT community.

The Language of LGBTQ

LGBT terminology can be confusing to those outside of the community, but understanding and accurately using language goes a long way toward becoming a supportive ally. Allowing LGBT students to self-identify by using terminology most comfortable to them works to reduce bias and avoid discrimination. Over the years, the preferred terminology has shifted and grown to encompass changing attitudes toward and within the LGBTQ community. For example, the once popular term "homosexual" has fallen out of favor since it limits the scope of representation and doesn't always accurately represent an individual's identity.

LGBT Terms and Definitions

Lesbian - A woman who is primarily attracted to other women.

Gay - A person who is primarily attracted to members of the same sex. The term can be used to refer to people of any sex, but "lesbian" is often preferred when referring to gay women.

Bisexual - A person who is attracted to people of both genders. The term is often shortened to "bi".

Transgender - An umbrella term for people who do not identify with the gender they were assigned to at birth or the binary "man/woman" gender system.

Queer - Often used to describe the entire LGBTQ community, though the term can be construed as offensive when used by someone who is not a member of that community.

Questioning - The process of exploring and discovering gender identity and expression or sexual orientation.

Asexual - A person who generally is not sexually attracted to any group of people.

Ally - A non-LGBT individual who believes in and stands up for the rights of LGBTQ people. Whether LGBTQ or not, anyone can be an ally.
Source: University of Michigan Spectrum Center
LGBTQ Youth and Children

Childhood can be tricky for LGBTQ students as they navigate their identity in an at-times hostile world. Unfortunately, many LGBT youth are often bullied, and lack the proper support they need to feel safe at school.

Challenges faced by youth who identity as LGBTQ

As they begin to question, or experience confusion over their gender or sexual identities, LGBT students can endure an especially tough time in school. Over 55% of LGBT students have reported feeling unsafe at school due to their sexual orientation. The bullying that these students experience is often at its worst in middle school, where homophobic epithets and physical harassment are alarmingly common. Frequent bullying instills fear and social isolation in many LGBT students, especially if they lack a strong support network at home.

The importance of inclusive curriculum

Fostering an inclusive curriculum built on mutual respect can combat the hostile school environments many LGBTQ youths face. Inclusive elementary school curriculums help students develop empathy and respect differences. For grades 6-12, educators may focus more on sexual orientation and identity development, relationships, and the history and fight for LGBTQ rights. The Gay, Lesbian, & Straight Education Network (GLSEN) has a host of resources for school counselors and educators, with appropriate lesson plans for elementary, middle, and high school students.

Safe schools and legal rights

There are a variety of resources that can help compassionate educators foster a healthy, safe school environment for all students, while letting LGBT students learn about their rights. GLSEN has developed a "Safe Space Kit" for educators that provides guidance on how to be a supportive ally to LGBTQ students, along with resources they can use to challenge and change unsupportive school environments.

Safe schools begin with students and educators who know their legal rights. The American Civil Liberties Union (ACLU) provides guidance on what high school students should do if they face homophobic harassment at school, including tips on how to report harassment and how students can protect their privacy.

Gay-Straight Alliance (GSA) clubs at schools have often caused controversy on campuses. Students facing resistance from administrators or peers, however, should be aware of the Federal Equal Access Act. The law indicates that any school receiving government funding and sponsoring at least one other non-curricular club must allow a GSA club to form on campus.

Additionally, students and educators should review the specific anti-bullying and harassment laws in their state.

Alternative and online schools

Some LGBT students may feel safest in an alternative school atmosphere. Students or parents wary of mistreatment may consider homeschooling alternatives or special online programs, like Global Village, that are sensitive to the needs of the LGBTQ community. Another option for students may be enrolling in private, LGBT-only schools, like the k-12 Pride School that recently opened in Atlanta, GA.

Support and social networks

All students can make their campus safer and more inclusive. They can start or join a GSA club on campus, or build other LGBTQ-oriented campus organizations. They can also search for local resources like youth groups and community centers through sites like The Trevor Project and GLTB Near Me. Online networks provide an additional lifeline to students who cannot access other resources in-person, offering information, LGBT youth peer support, and other forms of guidance.

Parenting LGBTQ Youth

LGBT youth experience more challenges, bullying, and harassment than other children their age. Consequently, they need additional familial support while they grow and develop their identity. Unfortunately, 30% of LGBT youths hide their identity from family members because they feel their family is not accepting. To provide optimal support, parents should familiarize themselves with the coming out process and how they can advocate on their child's behalf.

The coming out process

"Coming out" refers to the process through which an individual decides to share their sexual orientation or gender identity with others. Out youth generally report higher levels of happiness and support, but it's important for parents to let their children come out on their own schedule. Under no circumstances should parents out them before they're ready to do so themselves.

Advocating for LGBTQ students

Parents can provide a critical voice with their advocacy and support for LGBT children in the community, in schools, and in their extended family. The first step is to learn more about sexual orientation and gender identity. They may also want to search for LGBT support networks, and learn more about their child's rights as they pertain to LGBT issues. Parents are invited to explore Advocates for Youth's resources page on LGBTQ matters for more information.

Caring for foster children

Of the approximately 175,000 kids from 10-18 in foster homes, an estimated 5-10% identify as LGBTQ. Foster parents should build a welcoming home for these especially vulnerable children, as some of them may have entered the foster care system after they were kicked out of their homes due to sexual or gender orientation. The Child Welfare Information Gateway provides a thorough guide for foster parents to learn more about understanding and supporting LGBTQ youth.

LGBTQ College Students

Choosing a school with a robust support network for LGBTQ students can ease the transition to college, particularly for students leaving home for the first time. Students should examine the resources available through LGBT colleges, what their campus centers are like, and what LGBTQ courses are required or offered before deciding where to attend school.

Choosing an LGBTQ-Friendly Campus

The Campus Pride Index assesses each school's LGBTQ-friendliness by examining its policies, practices, and programs through a 50-question self-assessment. Hundreds of schools are listed in the Campus Pride Index's searchable database.

Students should evaluate each response, even if it doesn't directly pertain to their situation. For example, a college applicant may not be married, but learning whether one of their target schools extends health coverage to the partners of LGBTQ employees provides insight into the campus culture.

Campus Pride Index

Policy Inclusion

Does the campus prohibit discrimination based on sexual orientation by including the words "sexual orientation" in its nondiscrimination statement for students, faculty and staff?

Does the school's state recognize civil unions or marriage for same-sex couples?

Does the campus offer health insurance coverage to employees' same-sex partners?

Support & Institutional Commitment

Does the campus have an LGBTQ concerns office or an LGBTQ student resource center?

Does the school actively seek to employ a diversity of staff, faculty, and administrators, including visible and out LGBTQ individuals?

Academic Life

Does the campus offer training opportunities for new faculty, staff, and administrators during their orientation program, incorporating topics relevant to sexual orientation?

Does the school actively recruit faculty for their LGBT-related academic scholarship?

Student Life

Does the campus have at least one university-recognized student organization for LGBTQ students and allies?

Does your campus have any university-recognized student organizations for LGBTQ graduate students?

Housing

Does the school offer LGBTQ students a way to be matched with an LGBT-friendly roommate on the application for campus housing?

Does the college provide an LGBT-focused living space, LGBTQ-themed floor or LGBT/Ally living-learning community program?

Campus Safety

Does the campus have an easily accessible, visible and known procedure for reporting LGBT-related bias incidents and hate crimes? Is it distinct from generic reporting procedures?

Does the school provide support for victims of same-gender/same-sex sexual violence and intimate partner violence?

Counseling & Health

Does the campus offer a support group (or groups) to help individuals in the process of acknowledging and disclosing their identities and related concerns?

Does your campus offer free, anonymous, and easily accessible HIV and STI testing?

Recruitment and Retention Efforts

Does the school provide scholarships specifically for LGBTQ students?

Does the university offer programs that incorporate topics around gender identity and expression in new student orientation programs every year?

Source: Campus Pride
Campus centers

Students should also consider whether their prospective schools have supportive LGBTQ campus centers. These centers should be run by at least one paid professional staff member - or graduate assistant - working at least 20 hours per week to help students find and take advantage of LGBT colleges and resources. Use this interactive map to find qualifying campus centers.

LGBTQ Courses and Majors

If students are interested in studying LGBTQ issues, they'll want to explore schools with queer studies or gender and sexuality studies departments. Many schools offer majors or minors in LGBTQ subjects. Disciplines outside of LGBTQ departments may also address LGBTQ issues.

Online communities

Regardless of where they attend school, LGBTQ students have access to supportive resources online. Students can browse and post in chats and forums - such as emptyclosets - and social media networks. Many colleges themselves have begun designing and implementing school-affiliated online social media presences for LGBTQ students.

Legal Rights

It's important for all students to know their rights, particularly LGBTQ students who have not yet faced much discrimination. Lambda Legal, a national organization dedicated to achieving recognition for LGBTQ rights, has educational resources for college students related to their legal rights at school, including information regarding transgender college students and free speech rights.

Additionally, LGBTQ students are protected under Title IX , a federal law stipulating that people cannot be discriminated against based on their sex in educational programs and activities that receive funding from the federal government.

Scholarships

There are several scholarships for exceptional LGBTQ students and allies seeking higher education opportunities; the Human Rights Campaign maintains a database of these scholarships.
Deaf Queer Youth Scholarship Gammu Mu Foundation Scholarship NLGJA Leroy F. Aarons Scholarship Award Out to Innovate Scholarship Pedro Zamora Young Leaders Scholarship Point Foundation Scholarships Queer Foundation Scholarships STDcheck.com HIV-Positive Scholarship Stonewall Levin-Gofee Scholarship
Helpful Resources

Many educational and support resources are available to LGBTQ students, their parents, and educators that are accessible online; peruse select resources below.

Parents and Family of LGBTQ Youth

LGBTQ Teenagers

Educators

College Students

LGBTQ Students of Color

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Despite the recent legalization of gay marriage, the LGBT youth of America still face unwanted discrimination in and out of school. Throughout primary school and college, students who identify as LGBTQ are more susceptible to bullying, social isolation, and even physical assault.

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Swagly - Supporters of Worcester Area Gay and Lesbian Youth | Worcester MA

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Swagly - Supporters of Worcester Area Gay and Lesbian Youth, Worcester, Massachusetts. 394 likes · 2 talking about this. SWAGLY is a social support club for LGBTQIA+ youth and allies ages 11-18.…

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The LGBT Asylum Task Force is a ministry of Hadwen Park Congregational Church, UCC that welcomes LGBTQ people of all faith traditions. We provide housing, food, and connection to legal, medical and mental resources at other local agencies.

Asylum seekers are not allowed to work for up to 2 years after arriving in the US. Our vital ministry provides comprehensive support for the entire duration of that two-year period in which it is needed.

My father sent me to boarding school to get a good education. There I began to explore my sexual orientation and found that I was attracted to women. I got in trouble for that and was bullied a lot. I did well in school. I loved math. I am good at numbers. I dreamed of growing up to be a successful accountant. In my dreams, I imagined sharing my life with a woman, but I knew that was impossible in Nigeria. After I graduated from high school, my father began to pressure me to marry. I resisted. Finally, I told my father I was lesbian. He beat me for the very first time in my life. It broke my heart...

Join us for our monthly community dinner/planning sessions- 2nd Monday of every month, 6:00 p.m., at Hadwen Park Church, 6 Clover St. Worcester, MA 01603.​​​

For more information on the asylum process and how you may assist with our mission, please review our brochure here.

Put your money where your heart is! Make a secure online donation today

Saturday, September 25, 2021
Livestreamed at 5:30PM (EDT)

​Help with our social media campaigns! Follow us onFacebook, Instagram, and Twitter. Help reach more people and raise more money for asylum seekers. ​​​

and complete our Intake Form before traveling.
info@lgbtasylum.org | 1-774-261-8199 ​

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LGBT Asylum Task Force - Supporting New Beginnings

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The LGBT Asylum Task Force is a ministry of Hadwen Park Congregational Church, UCC that welcomes LGBTQ people of all faith traditions. We provide housing, food, and connection to legal, medical and mental resources at other local agencies. Asylum seekers are not allowed to work for up to 2 years after arriving in the US.

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The Rainbow Lunch & Supper Clubs

The Rainbow Lunch & Supper Clubs offer LGBTIQ+* seniors age 60+ a nutritious meal and an opportunity to socialize with friends and enjoy various activities including programs, entertainment and educational series.

The Rainbow Supper Club meets the 1st Wednesday of each month at the Unitarian Universalist Church of Worcester, 90 Holden Street, Worcester, MA. Supper is served at 4:00pm, followed by entertainment, activities or programs. (4pm-6pm)

The Rainbow Lunch Club meets the 2nd & 4th Wednesdays of each month at the Unitarian Universalist Church of Worcester, 90 Holden Street, Worcester, MA. Lunch is served at noon, followed by entertainment, activities or programs. (12pm-1:30pm)

Advance reservations are required.

A wide variety of nutritious meals are offered ranging from roast turkey to salmon, meatloaf sandwiches to vegetable Alfredo and shepherd's pie to macaroni & cheese. All the meals are prepared with no added salt and meet 1/3 of the recommended daily intake for persons age 60 and older.

Reservations & Cancellations: If you wish to attend the Rainbow Lunch or Supper Club or cancel your reservation, please call or email WLEN before 9am the Friday before at (508) 756-1545 ext. 404 - wlen@eswa.org. If no one is available please leave a message including your name and phone number and date you plan to attend.

Is there a cost to participate? We suggest a $2.50 donation from guests age 60 and older. The fee for all guests under age 60 is $5.50. Donations and fees help to defray the agency's cost. The donation is anonymous and voluntary; any amount you can contribute is appreciated. As always, no eligible senior will be denied service based on their income or their ability to make a donation. We thank you for your continued support and generosity!

Important Notice about Inclement Weather: If the Rainbow Lunch Club is cancelled because of inclement weather (snow, icy conditions, etc.), the cancellation will be announced as "Elder Services of Worcester Meals on Wheels and Dining Centers are closed" on: WCRN 830AM, WTAG 580AM, and WXLO 104.5 radio stations and WHDH Channel 7 website. You may also call the Nutrition Office at (508) 852-3205 after 8:30am for cancellation information. Cancellations are also posted on ESWA's website and social media pages. Please note that evening meals are always cancelled when daytime meals are cancelled.

The Nutrition Project is administered by Elder Services of Worcester Area, Inc. and receives federal financial support under the Older Americans Act provided by the Central Massachusetts Agency on Aging and the Massachusetts Executive Office of Elder Affairs. Funders also include United Way of Central Massachusetts, Greater Worcester Community Foundation, local Councils on Aging, participant donations, grants and individual support.

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The Rainbow Lunch & Supper Clubs The Rainbow Lunch & Supper Clubs offer LGBTIQ+* seniors age 60+ a nutritious meal and an opportunity to socialize with friends and enjoy various activities including programs, entertainment and educational series. The Rainbow Supper Club meets the 1st Wednesday of each month at the Unitarian Universalist Church of Worcester, [...]

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If a loved one has come out,

If you are coming out,

If you want to help others on their journey,

PFLAG of Greater Worcester is for you!!!

PFLAG of Greater Worcester is a local chapter of the national organization PFLAG - Parents, Families and Friends Lesbians and Gays. We, the parents, families and friends of lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender people, celebrate diversity and envision a society that embraces everyone, including those of diverse sexual orientations and gender identities. Only with respect, dignity and equality for all will we reach our full potential as human beings, individually and collectively. PFLAG of Greater Worcester welcomes the participation and support of all who share in, and hope to realize this vision. PFLAG of Greater Worcester promotes the health and well-being of gay, lesbian, bisexual and transgender people, their families and friends through:

Support, to cope with an adverse society; Education, to enlighten an ill-informed public; and Advocacy, to end discrimination and to secure equal civil rights.
Support:
PFLAG provides opportunity for dialogue about sexual orientation and gender identity and acts to create a society that is healthy and respectful of human diversity.

We provide a safe, confidential space where all people can come to give and receive support. Education:

We educate each other and work to educate the public on issues relevant to the lives of lesbian, gay, bisexual & transgender people and the people who love them.
Advocacy:
We tell our stories, and through those stories, the stories of our loved ones, in public and political forums -- sometimes because our loved ones cannot speak out on their own behalf, or because they are not heard.

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If a loved one has come out, If you are coming out, If you want to help others on their journey, PFLAG of Greater Worcester is for you!!! PFLAG of Greater Worcester is a local chapter of the national organization PFLAG - Parents, Families and Friends Lesbians and Gays.

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Skip to Content

Our state pages allow you to find local programs, events, news, and discover any local steering committees to join. You can use our databases to learn more about the equality issues or protections in your state, municipality, or employer.
Find out what you can do to take action today.

Without comprehensive equal rights legislation at the federal level, LGBTQ+ people are subject to an inconsistent patchwork of legal protections in their states and local communities. This leaves millions of our most marginalized people at risk of potential discrimination at work and in their daily lives.

That's why The Human Rights Campaign fights for LGBTQ+ equality alongside lawmakers at the local and state levels across the country. Find out what HRC is doing in Massachusetts and how you can help secure equal rights for all of its LGBTQ+ citizens.

Communities in Massachusetts

HRC has communities all over the US, each with initiatives and events based on local priorities for LGBTQ+ rights and equality. See Massachusetts' community below and discover how you can get involved.

Explore Your State in Our Databases!

Join us

Opportunities for action vary from state to state, but our goal of equal rights for every LGBTQ+ person is the same everywhere. Check out these ways to volunteer in Massachusetts.

If you are a reporter seeking up to the minute information about measures in this state, please email press@hrc.org and/or subscribe to our daily tipsheet.

You'll receive email updates from HRC. You can unsubscribe at any time.

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The nation's largest-circulation LGBTQ+ magazine

Full-time positions, fellowships and internships

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Department contacts, membership inquiries

The Human Rights Campaign, All Rights Reserved

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HRC has communities all over the US, each with initiatives and events based on local priorities for LGBTQ+ rights and equality. See Massachusetts' community below and discover how you can get involved.

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Gay & Lesbian National Hotline
2261 Market Street, PMB #296   San Francisco, CA  94114
1-888-THE-GLNH (1-888-843-4564)
A non-profit, social-services agency that is dedicated to meeting the needs of the GLBT community, as well as those questioning their sexuality.  You can learn more about us at our website at www.glnh.org . Services are confidential and free.

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All of our support volunteers identify as part of the LGBTQIA+ family, and are here to serve the entire community, by providing free & confidential peer-support, information, and local resources through national hotlines and online programs.

Hotline Hours:
Mon-Fri:
1 PM - 9 PM/pacific time
4 PM - Midnight/eastern time

Sat:
9 AM - 2 PM/pacific time
Noon - 5 PM/eastern time

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Contact our hotlines or chatrooms, designed for all members of the LGBTQIA+ community, and receive help regarding questions regarding sexual orientation and gender identity.

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is a collaborative community initiative fiscally sponsored by Love Your Labels that is working to bring activities supporting LGBTQ+ folx in Central Mass closer together.

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Heck. Yes. Our curricula, activities, and resources are all uncopyrighted, and reasons like this are WHY THAT IS SO EXCITING FOR US. So you have our permission 100%.

Here's one word of caution: people often think they need to customize our Foundational Curriculum for a ton of reasons (their group is more "advanced," or older, or younger, or more rural, or more urban, etc.), and we've found that people often overestimate how much tailoring is needed. If you have the ability, put a small pilot group together of your population and try the curriculum on them before you start customizing things. It might just work - or it might not work, but not in the ways you were expecting.

Oh! And tell us about it. This isn't required, but we love hearing about the different ways people are putting the curricula to use.

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The Safe Zone Project: Free LGBTQ+ Curriculum, Activities, & Resources!

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The Safe Zone Project is a free online resource for creating powerful, effective LGBTQ+ awareness and ally training workshops. Download our free, ready-to-rock 2-hour curriculum to get started!

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Our Chapter

GLSEN Massachusetts is a chapter of GLSEN, a national organization fighting for every student's right to a safe, supportive education.

GLSEN Massachusetts is a grassroots initiative, working locally in our community to ensure safe schools for all students, regardless of sexual orientation and gender identity. There are 43 Chapters around the country doing this important work. Join us today!

Our chapter supports students and educators locally, organizes around LGBTQ-affirming public policy, plans teacher trainings, and hosts events for students, educators, parents, and allies. Chapters like ours play an important role in bringing GLSEN's programs and visions to right where we live, work, and learn. While some chapters have full-time or part-time staff, most are entirely volunteer-based. We're always looking for new volunteers to help us ensure safe schools for all students.

Explore our website to find out more about our work here in Massachusetts and to learn about how you can get involved in local and national events.

LGBTQ+ Youth Virtual Support Calendar

GLSEN Massachusetts is a chapter of GLSEN, a national organization fighting for every student's right to a safe, supportive education.

As we move into a period of supporting students in creative ways, many organizations are offering virtual meetings as a way for young people to connect. With all the information released daily, it can be hard to keep track of what's happening when and what support would work best for oneself. GLSEN MA has compiled a living calendar of meetings being held for LGBTQ+ and allied students by orgs across the state of Massachusetts. These virtual meetings range from informational workshops to identity based social groups. We hope to continue adding to and updating this calendar in the coming weeks. If you'd like to contribute, please email us at massachusetts@chapters.glsen.org
Contributing Organizations
BAGLY

Out Metro West
info@outmetrowest.org

GSA Link

NAGLY

https://www.nagly.org

MA LGBTQ Youth Commission

CIGSYA Thrive

https://cigsya.org/CIGSYA_House_-_English/Welcome.html

GLSEN MA Virtual Drop-in Space

In the midst of social distancing, it's important for folks to remain connected to community. Weekly on Thursdays at 6pm, GLSEN MA will be offering virtual support meetings for LGBTQ+ and allied students. Meetings typically consist of check-ins, mutual support from other young people, resource sharing, and games.

To receive the link to join the meeting, please register HERE

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GLSEN Massachusetts is a chapter of GLSEN, a national organization fighting for every student's right to a safe, supportive education. GLSEN Massachusetts is a grassroots initiative, working locally in our community to ensure safe schools for all students, regardless of sexual orientation and gender identity.