LGBTQ+ Resources
How can you find LGBTQ+ support? Having a strong support network can help people live longer, more satisfying lives. Connecting with other LGBTQ+ people can provide a level of support and acceptance that makes you feel more involved and empowered.
Community Resources
- Gender Spectrum
- LGBT Community Center in SF
- Lyric
- PFLAG
- Transgender Law Center
- WPATH Standards of Care.
- Gender Spectrum
- TransLifeline
- Community United Against Violence. Call 415.333.HELP
- National Center for Transgender Equality COVID-19. Call 202-642-4542.
- The Trevor Project, a national 24/7, confidential suicide hotline for LGBTQ youth. Call 1-866-488-7386 or text “START” to 678678.
- National Domestic Violence Hotline at ndvh.org or 1-800-799-SAFE (1-800-799-7233). This free hotline is available 24 hours every day in English and other languages.
Mental Health Resources
- Mental health services are available for Kaiser Permanente members. Find the phone numbers for an assessment and appointments in Northern California and learn more at Mental Health Services.
- The community websites samhsa.gov and glma.org are also ways to find additional mental health services. Counseling can work for anyone, and it can really help if:
- You have trouble loving or accepting yourself.
- Your stress or anxiety level feels like it’s too much.
- You’re having relationship or sexual issues.
- You feel isolated and alone.
- You feel depressed or have thoughts of hurting yourself.
- You’re being discriminated against or bullied.
- You’re being emotionally, verbally, or physically abused.
More Ways To Find Support
- Try sports or activity clubs organized for LGBTQ+ people. If you want to get more active or you’re not comfortable in a gym, think about joining a sport or activity club. You might also look for a workout buddy.
- Join a support group. Local LGBTQ+ community centers, your library, or meet-up groups (meetup.com) may provide options. Friends may also recommend groups. If you can’t find an existing group, maybe you can start one. You may also want to check out the following websites glaad.org and pflag.org to get more connected to people, events, or groups.
- Visit places of worship that are LGBTQ+ friendly. If you are looking for spiritual support, you can research churches or spiritual centers that are LGBTQ+ friendly.
- Find LGBTQ+ groups for people who want to quit smoking, or using alcohol or drugs. If you need help quitting, ask your Kaiser Permanente provider about stop-smoking programs and medicines. These programs can increase your chances of quitting for good. If you’re worried about substance use, you may also want to check out Alcoholics Anonymous (AA) or Narcotics Anonymous (NA).
If you’re not sure about reaching out in one of these ways, remember that a lot of people have felt the same way. Sometimes, taking the first step is the hardest part.