Self-Help LGBTQ+ Resources

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Pride Resources That Support Our Community Because You Are Our Family

We always strive to provide our community with a safe zone to help you be who you truly are because you are important and you absolutely matter. It is no surprise that our LGBTQ+ family constantly faces struggles that hinder us from living a life full of happiness, love, peace, dignity, and respect. We are exposed to negative experiences that heavily impact us and may continue to now and in the future. For this reason, we have dedicated this resources page to help you, Beloved, overcome the adversity you have been facing in this highly challenging world. We have compiled a useful guide through recommendations and tips to help you gain access to vital support when you need it most. Each section highlights the top challenges and issues we face as a community and the relevant resources for help. Please feel free to use CTRL + F or Command + F to quickly find the relevant resources you need access to in the article.

Keywords: abuse, acceptance, anxiety, ayuda, bullying, campus, chat, depression, discrimination, employment, family conflict, harassment, housing, homelessness, immigration, rejection, school, trauma, unemployment

Two men with tape over the mouth

Bullying and Harassment

According to a survey, over 72% of LGBTQ students between ages 11–18 surveyed reported being bullied. LGBTQ+ adults also experience bullying and harassment at a higher rate than heterosexuals. You or someone you know may be suffering from bullying and harassment but are unsure if you can report these situations to the authorities. Yes, you absolutely can, and you definitely should. Your safety is a top priority. Try to remove yourself from dangerous situations that can quickly escalate. Once you are out of harm's way, here are two steps to help you report bullying and harassment.

Step 1: Compile evidence such as video and pictures for a police report. Cyberbullying is also a form of harassment. Take screenshots if you have been bullied online or on social media. If you were not able to capture or record the incident, you should still report it to the authorities.

Step 2: Visit or contact the police in your area to file a report. School-age students can also report bullying and harassment to parents, guardians, teachers, school counselors, or campus administrators. You may also reach out to any of the resources found here for help. They will connect you to support services both on a local and national level. The Matthew Shepard Foundation has offered five tips to help report hate crimes. Stomp Out Bullying also offers its HelpChat Line for kids and teens.

Actively seeking support from local authorities and these resources may help prevent prolonged exposure to conflict and suffering. If you are in immediate danger, do not hesitate to contact 911 emergency response services right away.

Safety will always remain a top priority, especially when it comes to keeping the youth safe from conflicts online and in real-world situations. More than ever, parents and guardians in our community face great challenges in protecting the youth against online harassment, invasion of privacy, cyberbullying, and others. ConsumerNotice.org has provided excellent information about internet safety and some great tips to help keep children and teens safe online.

Female sitting in chair covering ears

Family Conflict and Rejection

This is one of the most disheartening experiences our community constantly faces. Family members may not always see or accept the beauty and the uniqueness that make you who you are. But we see you, and we got you Awesomeness. Here are four organizations that offer their support to our LGBTQ+ family.

PFLAG: Founded in 1973, PFLAG (Parents, Families and Friends of Lesbians and Gays) is an organization that has created a world where diversity is affirmed, respected, valued, and celebrated. It is one of the nation's largest family and ally organizations with nearly 400 chapters and 250,000 members. They are an absolutely wonderful source of support.

Gender Spectrum: This organization's mission is to create gender-sensitive and inclusive environments for children and teens. It is an organization dedicated and committed to helping LGBTQ+ youth and their families. Helping our community is central to their work.

Family Acceptance Project: Founded in 2002, one of its primary initiatives is to develop research-based education, training, and assessment. They have been developing resources to help strengthen families to support LGBTQ+ children and adolescents.

Trans Lifeline: Launched in 2014, the organization provides direct emotional and financial support to trans people in crisis. They offer peer support phone services and ensure anonymity and confidentiality. Their hotline number is (877) 565-8860.

Pride ribbon wrapped around hand

Abuse and Trauma

Abuse and trauma is a conversation that is essential and critical to address. These experiences contribute to the scars that develop from the painful wounds inflicted by those who, at times, may have held a special place in our hearts. The severity of this struggle lingers deep within our community which includes the Black and Latinx communities. If you or someone you know has been suffering from abuse and trauma, here are some of the many resources you can turn to for support. Remember, dial 911 if you are in immediate danger and require assistance.

It Gets Better Project: Created in 2010, this organization aims to empower, uplift, and connect LGBTQ+ youth around the world. They have compiled a list of community-based service providers that support LGBTQ+, Black Pride, and Latino Pride communities. Affinity, Allgo, Black AIDS Institute, and the Black & Latino LGBTQ Coalition are only a few of the many organizations included in their list.

ConnectSafely: Based in Silicon Valley, this organization is dedicated to educating people about safety, privacy, digital wellness, and more. They provide research-based tips, guides, and advice. They have also provided a list of resources that support the LGBTQ+ community, which includes the CenterLink LGBTQ+ Center Finder, GLAD Law (GLBTQ Legal Advocates & Defenders), the Trevor Project, and many others.

Cardboard Sign saying need a job

Unemployment and Homelessness

Discrimination is one of the leading causes of unemployment and homelessness in our community. It is important to know who you can turn to for help when you have been unlawfully, unfairly, or discriminatorily denied employment due to race, sexual orientation, and other protected characteristics. Lambda Legal has been providing expertise to help achieve full recognition of the civil rights of lesbians, gay men, bisexuals, transgender people, and everyone living with HIV through impactful litigation. They have also provided resources for LGBTQ+ youth across the country.

Immigration Equality is a leading LGBTQ+ and HIV-positive immigration rights organization. They have been working to secure freedom, equality, and safe haven for over 25 years. They provide their assistance through legal services, advocacy, and litigation.

National Runaway Safeline: Serving for over 50 years, this organization was founded to meet the current needs of vulnerable youth toward ending homelessness. They are a national communication system for runaways and homeless youth. They can be contacted at 1-800-RUNAWAY. They can also be reached through chat and email.

Person sitting with face in hands

Anxiety and Depression

Undeniably, anxiety and depression continue to impact our communities. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, suicide is the second leading cause of death for people ages 10–34. Both the adult and youth populations of our family face higher rates of depression rooted in discrimination and stigma. We at Pride Clothes want to provide you and your loved ones with the utmost care and support to help you break free from these types of negative experiences and live a higher quality of life. Always know, Beautiful, that you are loved and you are cherished! Here are four free helplines that are confidential and available 24/7/365.

  • SAMHSA's National Helpline (Treatment Referral Routing Service) 1-800-662-4357 or TTY: 1-800-487-4889. Available in English and Spanish.

  • 988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline — Call or text 988 anytime, day or night. Chat is also available at chat.988lifeline.org. For Spanish-language support, call 988 and press 2, or text AYUDA to 988. Learn more at 988lifeline.org.

  • Crisis Text Line provides support through SMS messaging by texting HOME to 741741. Spanish assistance is available by texting AYUDA to 741741.

  • The Trevor Project can connect you to a crisis counselor through chat, phone, or text messaging. Call 1-866-488-7386, or text START to 678678.

Person sleeping on the sidewalk

Employment and Housing Discrimination

Searching for a safe and supportive home is a basic human right. It is also a right to find the means to live a life of fulfillment without prejudice or discrimination. If you have encountered employment or housing discrimination and need guidance on the next steps to follow, here are some organizations that provide support, alongside Lambda Legal and Immigration Equality.

The backs of 8 people with arms across shoulders

Acceptance

Acceptance is a struggle that continues to prevent our LGBTQ+ community from living a healthy and happy life full of positivity. This is especially apparent in the Latino and Black youth communities. Struggling with self-acceptance and the acceptance of others can take a severe toll with disparities persisting over time. We want to remind you that you are accepted, you are celebrated, we are proud of you, and you matter to us here at Pride Clothes. If you or a loved one has been suffering from these types of experiences in school, work, or anywhere else, then consider these next steps.

  1. One of the most important steps to take is to NEVER accept cruelty and hurtful behavior. If they react in a negative way, know that their behavior is not your fault. If needed, distance yourself from them to help ensure your safety and well-being.

  2. Take a moment to breathe and remember to trust in yourself. Think about all that you have achieved and all of the incredible things that make up the marvelous person that you truly are. Your confidence and courage may help reduce the stress and anxiety you are feeling.

  3. Be patient. Whether it is your family, friends, classmates, or co-workers you are coming out to, it may take some time for them to understand what it is to be the wonderful and magnificent being that you are. Give them time.

For parents, guardians, friends, and relatives who are wondering how to support someone who is coming out:

  • Listen without interrupting or arguing. Doing so will help provide a more comfortable and supportive environment.

  • Express your affection, care, and love. Thank them for their trust. This is essential to their well-being and health. It will help develop confidence and courage and provide them with the assurance that comes from knowing that you are supporting them.

  • Provide or suggest LGBTQ+ resources like the ones included on this page for additional support.

As we live in this fast-paced and digital world, we continue to find ways to help and support one another. Connecting with like-minded peers in a safe, moderated space can make a real difference. TrevorSpace is the Trevor Project's free, safe online community for LGBTQ+ young people ages 13–24 — a place to connect, share, and find support from peers who understand.

Educators and school administrators play a critical role in society. They are at the forefront for encouragement, support, and a positive foundation for future generations. For this reason, it is equally essential to provide the tools necessary to support our LGBTQ+ youth. Here are some excellent resources for educators, school, and campus administrators.

  • Glisten (formerly GLSEN — Gay, Lesbian and Straight Education Network) champions LGBTQ+ issues in K–12 education and works to transform schools into safe, affirming environments. Their educator resource guide provides practical tools for supporting LGBTQ+ students.

  • GSA Network (Genders & Sexualities Alliances) unites and connects LGBTQ+ student-led organizations to provide safe spaces and support for youth in middle and high schools across the country. They also offer a resource library for gender justice and inclusion in schools.

  • Advocates for Youth has compiled a resource library that highlights the challenges faced by youth in the community and provides tools to enhance awareness and create safer spaces.

  • History UnErased was founded in 2015 and continues to develop curriculums that contextualize LGBTQ+ history for K–12 schools. They also offer teacher training to help create inclusive classrooms, libraries, and school culture.

  • Transathlete.com is a resource for athletes, coaches, students, and administrators. Its website offers information about trans inclusion in athletics at every level of play, from K–12 to the Olympics.

The struggles our family and communities have experienced and endured will be the pillars of strength for hope, inspiration, motivation, and love. We hope that you find these resources useful on your journey, Dearest. Always remember, we are more than just a Pride shop that produces high-quality and amazingly unique pieces. We are your family, and we are the ones you can always turn to for love and support. We adore you, Beautiful, and from the wise words of RuPaul, "Own who you are, and celebrate it."

Now get to shopping, Gorgeous! Pick a design that resonates with you and show off your fierceness because your beauty demands respect. Feel the love and spread the love, Darling. See you at Pride!