LGBTQ+ bullying

Bullying can have lasting negative effects on LGBTQ+ youth. It can cause anxiety and depression, relationship problems, low self-esteem, substance use and even thoughts of suicide. Young people who are being bullied should seek out adult allies who are safe and confident. Adults who display rainbows in their offices, wear pins to show their support, or have Safe Zone stickers are likely good places to turn.

Education resources

Buckeye Region Anti-Violence Organization (BRAVO)

Receives calls from victims of crimes relating to the LGBTQ+ community and makes reports about how the community is affected and what changes should be made.

Equality Maps

Find safe communities and learn about State policies throughout the U.S.

The Gay, Lesbian and Straight Education Network, Inc.

Northeast Ohio chapter information, news and updates.

Human Rights Campaign

HRC is the nation’s largest LGBTQ civil rights organization.

Kaleidoscope Youth Center

Support for lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender and questioning (LGBTQ+) youth and their allies.

Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual and Transgender Health

National health education resources for the LGBTQ+ community.

LGBT People of Color

Find resources dedicated to addressing the unique experiences of LGBTQ+ people of color.

Light House Youth & Family Services

Youth homelessness support for young people in Cincinnati.

Safe Zone

Comprehensive cultural competency training and technical assistance to service providers, community organizations, and law enforcement agencies across Ohio.

Star House Columbus

Youth homelessness support for young people in Columbus.

Trans Ohio

Education and advocacy to promote and improve the health, safety and quality of life for transgender individuals in Ohio.

For allies

Considerations When Working with LGBTQ Students of Color

Learn the dos and don’ts for working with students of color in the LGBTQ+ community.

Guide to Becoming a Straight Ally

Demystify the secret to becoming an ally for the LGBTQ+ community.

Guide to Becoming a Trans Ally

Learn about the world of people who are transgender and become a trusted ally.

For people of faith

Coming Home

Information to help the LGBTQ+ community to establish and own their spiritual identities.

Religion & Faith

Resources and information to help members of the LGBTQ+ community to express their faith.

Straight for Equality in Faith Communities

Supporting LGBTQ+ people of faith along their spiritual journeys.

Help links

Battered Woman’s Shelter and Rape Crisis Center

Survivor resources for Summit and Medina counties.

CANAPI: Community AIDS Network/Akron Pride Initiative

HIV support services and LGBTQ+ advocacy.

Equality Ohio

Find news, equality maps and information about issues affecting the LGBTQ+ community.

Explore: Communities of Color

Learn about the unique challenges facing LGBTQ+ people of color.

GLAAD

Leading the conversation for LGBTQ+ engagement and activism.

The Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual and Transgender (LGBT) National Help Center

Free, confidential peer-to-peer support and resources.

Lesbian Gay Bisexual Transgender Community Center of Greater Cleveland

Education, awareness, advocacy and support for the Northeast Ohio LGBTQ+ community.

META Center Inc.

A safe place where trans and gender variant youth can come and gain information and support.

OneEighty

Continuum of substance abuse prevention, intervention and treatment services for members of the LGBTQ+ community.

RAINN

National network of local crisis centers for people who have experienced rape, abuse and/or incest.

Mental health & substance use resources

Gay & Sober

Find a substance use support group for LGBTQ+ individuals in Ohio.

NAMI LGBTQ

Mental health resources for members of the LGBTQ+ community.

Phoenix Rising Behavioral Healthcare and Recovery, Inc.

Recovery resources for people struggling with mental health and addiction in Stark County.

SAMHSA: Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual and Transgender (LGBT)

National survey reports, agency and federal initiatives and related behavioral health resources.

The Trevor Project

Crisis support for LGBTQ+ youth including crisis intervention and suicide prevention.

Physical & sexual health resources

CANAPI: Community AIDS Network/Akron Pride Initiative

HIV support services and LGBTQ+ advocacy.

Canton City Health Department

STD testing and HIV counseling, testing and referrals.

Equitas Health

Supportive HIV/AIDS services for individuals in Carroll, Harrison, Holmes, Stark, Tuscarawas and Wayne counties.

MetroHealth Pride Network

LGBTQ clinic in Cleveland, dedicated to serving the LGBTQ community.

Planned Parenthood

One of the area’s leading providers of high-quality, affordable health care and sex education.

Support group resources

Camp Lilac

Summer camp with the mission to provide a safe, welcoming space for transgender youth, ages 12-17.

Colors+

Nonprofit LGBTQ+ youth center, providing a space for LGBTQ+ youth and allies to socialize, grow, learn and celebrate.

LGBT Community Center

Community center that with a mission to enrich the lives of the diverse LGBTQ+ community through advocacy, support, education and celebration.

OutSupport

Online community offering resources and support for LGBTQ+ youth and their families.

PFLAG

Advancing equality in Akron, Ohio through its mission of support, education and advocacy.

PRISM of Wayne County

Support group in Wayne County for LGBTQ+ allies.

TransAlive

Encouragement for members of the Northeast Ohio transgender community.

TransFamily

A transgender support group that holds regular support group meetings in Cleveland and Akron that are open to everyone.

Talk to an ally

Ask an ally about helpful strategies to cope with bullying and discrimination. Adults who display rainbows in their offices, wear pins to show their support, or have Safe Zone stickers are likely good places to turn. Learn about ways to find an ally or to become an ally yourself.