fbpx

LGBTQ Resources

Local Resources

  • Columbus GA Mayor’s Commission on Unity, Diversity and Prosperitycolumbusga.gov/mayor/Commission-on-Diversity
    • the purpose of the Mayor’s Commission on Unity, Diversity and Prosperity is to create a community where every person is valued and presented with equal access to opportunities. The Commission will pursue its mission by gathering information, data and public input in order to provide and/or recommend policies, strategies, education efforts and programs to the Mayor, and, upon the Mayor’s invitation, to City Council.

Legal Resources

  • LAWFIRM.COM: WWW.LAWFIRM.COM
    • Our organization offers educational resources and access to an extensive legal network that’s vetted, experienced and ready to help. We publish in-depth lawsuit guides and breaking news about drugs, products, and other issues that could affect your residents in your community.

      Our mission is to empower people with the information they need to recover from their injuries — and to hold the companies that injured them accountable. We help those that have been affected by nursing home abuse, newborn disabilities, veterans exposed to toxins during their service and more.
  • Stonewall Bar Association of Georgia: www.stonewallbar.org
    • The Stonewall Bar Association (“SBA”) is a professional association of attorneys, judges, law students, paralegals and other legal professionals who support the rights of lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender people, and who oppose discrimination based upon sexual orientation or gender identity. Their website offers a directory of attorneys.
  • Lambda Legal Southern Regional Office: www.lambdalegal.org/sro
    • Our civil rights work from the SRO, which opened in 1997, is shifting the legal landscape throughout the South, where anti-gay and HIV-related discrimination is especially entrenched.
  • ACLU Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Transgender Project: www.aclu.org/lgbt-rights
    • The LGBT Project fights discrimination and moves public opinion on LGBT rights through the courts, legislatures and public education.
  • National Center for Lesbian Rightsnclrights.org/
    • includes legal issues, transgender issues

Statewide and Regional Resources

  • Georgia Equalitygeorgiaequality.org
    • Advocacy group working to advance fairness, safety and opportunity for lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender communities and allies throughout the state.
  • HRC Atlanta hrcatlanta.com
  • Southerners on New Groundsouthernersonnewground.org
    • A regional Queer Liberation organization made up of people of color, immigrants, undocumented people, people with disabilities, working class and rural and small town LGBTQ people in the south.
  • GLSEN Atlantaglsen.org/chapters/atlanta
    • GLSEN Atlanta is a chapter of the Gay, Lesbian and Straight Education Network and is dedicated to making K-12 schools a safe place for students regardless of their gender identity of sexual orientation.
  • OUT Georgia Business Alliancehttps://outgeorgia.org
    • Leading the way for development, advocacy and growth of the LGBT community and its allies. We accomplish this through building our small businesses, working with professionals in Corporations, supporting our non-profits and encouraging the general community to support those that support their rights.
  • Georgia Safe Schools Coalitionwww.georgiasafeschoolscoalition.org/
    • A partnership of educators, community organizations, and safe school activists dedicated to raising awareness about issues affecting lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, queer and questioning (LGBTQQ) youth and families. GSSC works with educators and community organizations to help Georgia’s schools become safe and affirming environments for all students, regardless of sexual orientation or gender identity/ expression.
  • Spark Reproductive Justicesparkrj.org
    • A nonprofit ensuring the voices of black women and LGBTQQ youth of color living in the south are included in the reproductive rights and justice movements. Spark is comprised of two different programs – a political advocacy group called Speak Justice Take Action (SJTA) and queer/trans POC civic leadership group called Fierce Youth Reclaiming & Empowering (FYRE.)

National Resources

  • U.S. Equality Employment and Opportunity Commission (EEOC) LGBT Page eeoc.gov/sexual-orientation-and-gender-identity-sogi-discrimination
    • Federal resource on LGBT employment discrimination protections under federal law
  • Camp Lejeune Claims Center https://www.camplejeuneclaimscenter.com/water-contamination/
    • Between the 1950s and late 1980s, individuals at U.S. Marine Corps Base Camp Lejeune were exposed to toxic chemicals in their drinking water. These chemicals have been proven to cause cancer, congenital disabilities, and other serious health conditions. After decades of investigations and tireless advocacy, new laws allow Camp Lejeune water contamination victims to take action.
      The Camp Lejeune Claims Center was founded by health advocate, Chris Carberg, whose father died from bladder cancer connected to Camp Lejeune water contamination. We exist to help military veterans and their families get justice.
    • We’re dedicated to helping veterans and families who were stationed at Camp Lejeune from 1953 to 1987 which had two contaminated water supply systems. Nearly 1 million people were exposed to toxic chemicals that have been proven to cause cancer and other serious health conditions. Due to the Camp Lejeune Justice Act of 2022, we’re now able to get justice for the victims. Our water contamination page gives a great breakdown of the cause and effects of the toxic water: 
    • Chestnut Hill, MA 02467
    • (877) 466-9268
  • Equality Federation www.equalityfederation.org
    • Equality Federation is the national alliance of state-based lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender advocacy organizations.  The Federation works to achieve equality for LGBT people in every state and territory by building strong and sustainable statewide organizations in a state-based movement.
  • GLAAD www.glaad.org
    • The Gay & Lesbian Alliance Against Defamation (GLAAD) is dedicated to promoting and ensuring fair, accurate and inclusive representation of people and events in the media as a means of eliminating homophobia and discrimination based on gender identity and sexual orientation.”
  • Gay, Lesbian and Straight Education Network (GLSEN)www.glsen.org
    • GLSEN works with educators, policy makers, community leaders and students on the urgent need to address anti-LGBT behavior and bias in schools. GLSEN strives to protect students from bullying and harassment, to advance comprehensive safe schools laws and policies, to empower principals to make their schools safer, and to build the skills of educators to teach respect for all people.
  • Human Rights Campaignwww.hrc.org
    • The Human Rights Campaign is America’s largest civil rights organization working to achieve lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender equality.”
  • Lambda Legalwww.lambdalegal.org
    • Lambda Legal is a national organization committed to achieving full recognition of the civil rights of lesbians, gay men, bisexuals, transgender people and those with HIV through impact litigation, education and public policy work.
  • National Black Justice Coalitionhttp://www.nbjc.org
    • The National Black Justice Coalition is a civil rights organization dedicated to empowering Black lesbian, gay, bisexual, and transgender people. Our mission is to end racism and homophobia.
  • National Center for Transgender Equalitytransequality.org
    • The National Center for Transgender Equality is a social justice organization dedicated to advancing the equality of transgender people through advocacy, collaboration and empowerment.
  • National LGBT Task Forcewww.thetaskforce.org/
    • The mission of the National Gay and Lesbian Task Force is to build the grassroots power of the lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender (LGBT) community. We do this by training activists, equipping state and local organizations with the skills needed to organize broad-based campaigns to defeat anti-LGBT referenda and advance pro-LGBT legislation, and building the organizational capacity of our movement.
  • Out and Equal Workplace Advocates www.outandequal.org
    • Out & Equal™ Workplace Advocates is the pre-eminent national organization devoted to the lesbian, gay, bisexual, and transgender (LGBT) community in the workplace.
  • Modern Military Association of Americamodernmilitary.org/
    • A non-partisan, non-profit, legal services, watchdog and policy organization dedicated to ending discrimination against and harassment of military personnel affected by “Don’t Ask, Don’t Tell” (DADT).
  • Straight for Equalitystraightforequality.org
    • Straight for Equality is an outreach and education project that empowers straight people in supporting and advocating for gay, lesbian, bi, and transgender (GLBT) people.
  • The Williams Institute: williamsinstitute.law.ucla.edu
    • The Williams Institute advances sexual orientation law and public policy through rigorous, independent research and scholarship, and disseminates it to judges, legislators, policymakers, media and the public. A national think tank at UCLA Law, the Williams Institute produces high quality research with real-world relevance.
  • SAGE – Advocacy & Services for LGBT Elders www.sageusa.org
  • ZAMI NOBLA – National Organization of Black Lesbians on Aging: https://www.zaminobla.org/
  • PFLAGhttp://pflag.org/
    • Formerly known as Parents, Friends and Family of Lesbians and Gays. Advocacy and education organization
  • Asexual Visibility and Education Network http://www.asexuality.org/
  • Intersex Society of North America http://www.isna.org/

Health and Wellness Resources

  • GRANITE RECOVERY CENTERS: LGBTQ & Addiction – Granite Recovery Centers
    • Telephone: Call 855.712.7784
    • Individuals who identify with the LGBTQ community (Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Queer, Transgender) often face scrutiny, discrimination, and social stigma in ways that others do not. To begin with, they are twice as likely to be harassed, assaulted, or excluded while in their formative years at school. As they come into adulthood, this can also occur in the workplace, in intimate relationships, and in the home, too. Lack of acceptance and understanding from the outside world often leads these individuals to feel badly about themselves and therefore more likely to reach for a substance to feel better or more accepted.
    • An estimated 20-30% of the LGBTQ community abuses substances, versus 9% of the general population. This staggering statistic is not altogether surprising considering the aforementioned adversity LGBTQ members face. Some of the other unique challenges they are met with include:
    • Discrimination because of sexual orientation or gender identity
    • Sexual assault, hate crimes, lack of medical care
    • Being ostracized or exiled from family (LGBTQ youth make up 40% of homeless youth)
    • Difficulty gaining and maintaining employment
    • Public scrutiny, threats
    • In order to deal with these challenges—especially in rural areas that lack community support—LGBTQ individuals might turn to substances to self-medicate, especially if they also have a psychological or emotional disorder. They may not even have the ability to get proper medical treatment, so they may feel it is the only option.
  • DEFINING WELLNESS CENTERS: Inpatient Drug & Alcohol Rehab | Defining Wellness Centers
    • Telephone: (855) 790-9303
    • About Us: Transforming Lives through Family-Led, Evidence-Based Addiction Treatment and Holistic Healing Family-owned and operated, Defining Wellness Centers is a true labor of love. My wife Robin and I, along with our children, are deeply passionate about wellness, mental health and addiction treatment. We are a family, dedicated to helping other families. We created Defining Wellness with two central goals in mind: to share our love, understanding and compassion with clients and to utilize the best health and wellness modalities available today to treat addiction. Our programs are built on a foundation of proven, evidence-based therapeutic techniques combined with cutting-edge bio-technological treatments, fitness and experiential learning. Our end goal is to provide the support and tools necessary for people become their best selves through emotional wellness and balance. The evidence-based technology we incorporate into our centers is second-to-none. We are at the forefront of utilizing neuroscience in our treatment programs which provides a whole new layer of understanding how our brains and bodies work. There is no other treatment center in the country that utilizes the variety and depth of services you will find at Defining Wellness. We understand that every person is different, and recovery programs need to be customized to be truly effective. The more tools we have, the better the outcomes.
  • Pride by My Obama Care: myobamacare.org
    • Everyone needs access to affordable, accessible healthcare. We make it easy to get the coverage you need as soon as possible.
    • Email community@myobamacare.org
    • Telephone: (770) 740-7900
    • Services Offered:
      • Live Enrollment Agents: Licensed enrollment agents available to answer any questions you have about the enrollment process. Get covered today!
      • Affordable Health Plans: The Affordable Care Act finally makes health insurance available for everyone. Guaranteed approval!  
      • Fast Results: Plans could start within 48 hours. Annual physicals include mammograms, prostate screenings, Dr. Visits, Rx Drugs.
      • Peace of Mind : All pre-existing conditions covered. Mental health and drug abuse counseling include in all plans. 5 minute enrollment.
      • Youtube Introduction Video: Pride Organization Interest Video – YouTube
  • STD Testing in Columbus, Georgia: STD Testing in Columbus, Georgia – Testing.com
    • You can get free or low-cost STD testing at many locations around Columbus, Georgia. Clinics accept a variety of insurance plans or may see uninsured patients on a sliding scale fee structure. Georgia has more reported cases of gonorrhea and primary and secondary syphilis per capita than the national average. The state also has many reported congenital syphilis and chlamydia cases, making it important to safeguard your sexual health through regular STD testing. The American Family Care clinic on Gateway Road is open seven days a week and provides STD testing on a walk-in basis. The Columbus Health Department’s Sexually Transmitted Infection Clinic also provides HIV counseling, testing, and discreet partner notification. MedCare accepts most major insurance policies, including Aetna, Humana, BlueCross BlueShield of Georgia, and Medicare. You can even get low-cost STD testing at a Walmart Care clinic, which accepts walk-ins and appointments.
    • What Will Be Tested in an STD Panel? You can request specific STD tests or a full panel. An STD clinic can recommend tests based on your sexual health and symptoms. A routine STD panel may include:
      • Chlamydia
      • Gonorrhea
      • HIV 1 and 2
      • Syphilis
    • A full-panel STD test adds:
      • Herpes
      • Hepatitis (A, B, C)
  • Feminist Women’s Health Centerfeministcenter.org/en/
    • A center committed to providing a safe space and trans-affirmative environment for individuals of all sexualities and gender identities interested in holistic wellness services. Services offered:
      • Hormone Replacement Therapy for Trans Men
      • T-Panels
      • Annual exams
      • Lower Exams
      • Pre or Post-Surgical Chest Exam
      • Surgical Clearance Lab Work and Letter
      • Gender Marker Letter
      • STI Testing and Treatment
      • Rapid HIV Testing
  • Northern Illinois Recovery Center: https://www.northernillinoisrecovery.com/treatment/
    • At Northern Illinois Recovery Center, we recognize that some individuals will heal best in gender-specific treatment. Therefore, we offer all of our therapies in contexts where same-gender peers work together exclusively. We offer both inpatient and outpatient drug rehab in Illinois. For most clients, these programs work transitionally within our continuum of care.
    • Addiction recovery works differently depending on the substance involved. Individuals beginning treatment for alcohol use will have a different road to recovery than, for instance, someone recovering from heroin use. This is one reason it is essential to cater to each individual, their circumstance, and their specific addictions.
    • When individuals struggle with both a mental health issue and substance use disorder, they have a co-occurring disorder. To properly heal and reduce the risk of ongoing relapse, both conditions need to be treated simultaneously. Here at Northern Illinois Recovery Center, our dual diagnosis treatment program can address several mental health issues that frequently confront individuals, such as:
    • Anxiety
    • Bipolar disorder
    • Depression
    • Post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD)
    • Attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD)
  • Medicare Plans.com: https://www.medicareplans.com/
    • The Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS) provides health coverage to more than 100 million people through Medicare, Medicaid, the Children’s Health Insurance Program, and the Health Insurance Marketplace.
    • Helping Medicare consumers understand their healthcare rights and the benefits available, navigate the complex Medicare system, and secure the quality care they deserve.
    • FOR THOSE WHO NEED IT MOST: Help for older adults and people with disabilities
  • Love Counseling lovepositivecounseling.com/counseling.html
    • Sex-positive counselor specializing with LGBTQ, kinky, polyamorous (non-monogamous) individuals, couples, and family units.
    • Services offered:
      • Individual counseling for adults or teens
      • Couples counseling, Marriage counseling, Relationship counseling
      • Suicide Assessment
      • Family counseling
      • Conflict resolution/mediation
      • Open group for people in or considering polyamorous relationships
      • Open group for transgender or gender non-conforming youth (23 or younger)
      • Consultation for professionals on non-traditional relationships and sexuality
      • Consultation for professionals on gender identity and transition
  • BEDROCK RECOVERY CENTER: https://bedrockrecoverycenter.com/lgbtq-addiction-treatment/
    • Lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, and queer (LGBTQ+) people have a higher risk of developing drug and alcohol use disorders. Here, you’ll find a guide for finding LGBTQ-friendly treatment and navigating life in addiction recovery. Bedrock Recovery Center offers 100% confidential substance abuse assessment and treatment placement tailored to your individual needs. Achieve long-term recovery. This provides valuable information for those who might feel alone in their struggle and works to end the stigma.
  • The Addiction Center: https://www.addictioncenter.com/addiction/lgbtq/
    • An estimated 20 to 30% of the LGBTQ community abuses substances, compared to about 9% the population as a whole.
    • LGBTQ-specific treatment centers are sensitive to the needs of the LGBTQ community and address any underlying elements that may have caused an addiction. This is instrumental to the recovery process. According to the National Institute on Drug Abuse (NIDA), addiction treatment programs that offer specialized groups for the LGBTQ community show better outcomes for those clients compared to non-specialized programs. Current research suggests that treatment should address unique factors in these patients’ lives, such as homophobia/transphobia, family problems, violence, and social isolation.
    • Looking for a place to start?
    • Join the thousands of people that have called a treatment provider for rehab information.
    •  Free and confidential
    •  Available 24/7
    •  Access to professional treatment
  • Pride Counseling: pridecounseling.com
    • Online counseling for LGBTQ People
  • The Recovery Villagetherecoveryvillage.com/resources/lgbtq/
    • Substance Abuse Recovery Resources for LGBTQ People
  • Alcohol Rehab Guidehttps://www.alcoholrehabguide.org/resources/lgbtq-alcoholism/
    • Online resource for LGBTQ people suffering from alcohol abuse and related issues
  • AddictionResource.nethttps://www.addictionresource.net/best-drug-rehab-centers/lgbt/
    • Including “9 Best LGBTQ+-Friendly Drug Rehabs”
  • AIS-DSD Support Groupaisdsd.org
    • Online support group and resources for people with Androgen Insensitivity Syndrome (AIS) and Differences of Sex Development (DSD)
  • Georgia CAPUSwww.gacapus.com
    • One-stop information source for all things HIV/AIDS within the state of Georgia.
  • CAEAR Coalition (Communities Advocating Emergency AIDS Relief)www.caear.org
    • Information on how to advocate for increased federal funding for Ryan White Programs
  • NASTAD (National Alliance of State and Territorial AIDS Directors)www.nastad.org
    • Information on policy related to HIV programs for state public health staff
  • HIV Prevention Justicewww.preventionjustice.org
    • Information on the national and international movement to bridge HIV prevention and social justice
  • The Social Security and Disability Resource Centerwww.ssdrc.com
    • informational website that provides answers to questions about how to apply for disability, how to appeal a claim in the event of a denial, how to navigate the federal system, and how to avoid certain mistakes that are commonly made by applicants. The site’s author is a former disability examiner for the social security administration. This page has information specific to HIV/AIDS: http://www.ssdrc.com/hiv.html
  • THRIVESSthrivess.org/
    • THRIVE Support Services is a 501c3 agency that provides support and linkage to culturally affirming and compassionate care for Black same-gender-loving men with HIV.
  • ColGACare with Dr. Meghan Galler www.colgacare.com
    • small, insurance-free, membership-based, Direct Primary Care practice in Columbus. Offers PrEP and gender affirming care.
  • Live Another Day – Extensive information on mental health and substance use resources for People of Color. Their mission is equal access to life-saving resources. 
  • Detox Local – An excellent resource that features abundant information including mental health and substance use resources specifically for the AAPI (American Asian and Pacific Islander) community.
  • Caring.com: LGBTQIA+ Senior Housing Options – The Comprehensive Guide: https://www.caring.com/caregivers/lgbtqia-senior-housing-options/

Financial Support

  • FreeGrantsForFelons.comhttp://freegrantsforfelons.org/
    • a website that helps ex felons with finding free grants. These grants help ex felons with housing, rent, utility bills, medical bills, college and medications.
  • SingleMonthersGrants.com http://singlemothersgrants.org/
  • FreeGrantsForVeterans.com http://freegrantsforveterans.org/
    • Our website provides comprehensive details on grants for veterans. We have been featured on va.gov, hunker magazine , idaho.gov, wi.gov, NationalDebtRelief , several educational institutions, and government websites. These grants are given away for free, and they could help low income veterans with bills, mortgage, rent, housing, college, and medications . Please note that grants are only given for veterans who can prove financial difficulties. Apply for multiple grants to ensure your needs are met.
    • We offer information on the following :
    • (1) grants for rent (2) housing assistance (3) help with bills (4) education grants (5) medical bills grants (6) business grants

LGBTQ+ HOUSING FINDER

Crisis Hotlines

  • ACLU National Help Line: 212-549-2500
  • Crisis Text Line: Text ‘GO’ to 741-741
  • Lambda Legal National Help Line: 866-542-8336
  • National GLBT Hotline: 888-843-4564
  • SAGE LGBT Elder Hotline: 888-234-SAGE
  • Trans Lifeline: 877-565-8860
  • Trevor Lifeline: 866-488-7386
  • Call Blackline: 1 (800) 604-5841callblackline.com/
    • BlackLine provides a space for peer support, counseling, witnessing and affirming the lived experiences to folxs who are most impacted by systematic oppression with an LGBTQ+ Black Femme Lens.

Educational Resources

  • BEAUTY SCHOOLS DIRECTORY: https://www.beautyschoolsdirectory.com/financial-aid/scholarships/lgbtq-students
    • Scholarships for LGBTQ+ Students
    • Paying for post-secondary education, including beauty school, can be a challenge for many people. However, LGBTQ+ (lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, queer or questioning people, and others who identify as part of this community) students may have an even more difficult time affording school. This is largely due to experiencing higher rates of housing insecurity and less stable support systems than their straight, cisgender peers. However, college or trade school doesn’t need to be out of reach for LGBTQ+ learners. Many scholarships and grants are available to help pay for tuition, books, and other expenses.
    • This guide will explore a variety of scholarships available for LGBTQ+ students interested in pursuing vocational education. We’ll go over a few additional resources, including scholarship databases, some general tips and tricks for searching and applying, and information about other forms of student financial aid.
  • Perlego: What is Intersectionality? Intersectional Feminist Theory Explained | Perlego
    • What is Intersectionality? Intersectional Feminist Theory Explained:
    • OUR MISSION: To make education accessible to all.
    • Improving the lives of learners globally: We believe education has the power to transform lives. By empowering people with all the resources they need to learn, we can give everyone a fair chance at a brighter future.
    • Supporting publishers & academia: Knowing which sources you can trust has never been more important. By partnering with publishers we support researchers and the creation of trustworthy educational resources.
    • Building a more sustainable future: We’ve built sustainability into our core by cutting out resource-heavy print and distribution services. As we grow we’re working hard to make a positive impact on our planet.
    • PERLEGO PACT: Here is what we promise.
    • To be open: We are honest and open about our business, what drives us and what keeps us up at night. We’re young and have a lot of growing to do, but we can’t do that alone. By sharing our journey with you, we can build a product that people love.
    • To be inclusive: We ensure inclusivity, both in the way we run our business and the way we build Perlego. This means accessibility is close to our hearts, ensuring people with learning disabilities and visual impairments can enjoy Perlego too.
    • To have integrity: We mean what we say and say what we mean. So, we will always work tirelessly to deliver a product that improves the lives of learners around the world and we will continue to build a business that we are proud of.
  • Queer Schoolqueerschool.co/collections
    • Master classes for the global LGBTQ community
  • College Experience Guide for LGBTQ Students LGBTQ+ College Student Guide | Study.com
  • LGBTQ Scholarships for College StudentsScholarships for LGBTQ+ College Students | Study.com
    • Our guide offers in-depth information in several areas, including:
      • • Information on finding and applying for scholarships
      • • A list of scholarships for LGBTQ students at the undergraduate, graduate, and professional levels
      • • An extensive FAQ for LGBTQ students looking for financial aid
      • • A guide to choosing an LQBTQ-friendly school
  • University of Georgia (UGA) College of Veterinary Medicine Broad Spectrumfacebook.com/groups/1634380433512654/
    • Broad Spectrum is a student chapter of the Pride Veterinary Medical Community. Broad Spectrum is part of a professional organization of lesbian, gay, bisexual, and transgendered veterinarians, veterinary students, technicians, and their supporters. Our mission is to provide support for individuals, education for the community, and a forum for information exchange and social interaction in order to foster a professional climate in which its members can achieve their full potential.
  • UGA LGBT Resource Center lgbtcenter.uga.edu
  • Out for Undergradwww.outforundergrad.org/
    • Our mission is to help high-achieving LGBTQ+ undergraduates reach their full potential.
  • Intelligent.com LGBT Online College Student Guide https://www.intelligent.com/lgbtq-online-college-student-guide/

LGBT News and Publications

Other Pride Festivals and Events in Georgia and Alabama

Cultural organizations