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LGBTQ+ Resources

These local and national resources support LGBTQ+ individuals and their families. Additional resources are available from PFLAG National or you can find a PFLAG chapter in your area.

  • Advocacy
    • American Civil Liberties Union (ACLU) — LGBT Rights
      The ACLU defends the civil rights of LGBTQ+ people through litigation, legislation, and public education — working to end discrimination and protect equal rights nationwide.
    • Central Florida Gay & Lesbian Law Association (CFGALLA)
      A regional Voluntary Bar Association of The Florida Bar founded in 2004, supporting LGBTQ+ attorneys, legal professionals, and law students, while providing legal resources to the broader community.
    • Equality Florida
      Florida’s largest civil rights organization dedicated to securing full equality for LGBTQ+ residents through education, grassroots organizing, coalition building, and advocacy.
    • GLAAD
      A media advocacy organization that shapes the narrative around LGBTQ+ people in news, entertainment, and digital media to drive cultural change and accelerate acceptance.
    • GLSEN
      Works to ensure that LGBTQ+ students can learn and grow in K–12 schools free from bullying and harassment, through research, educator training, and student empowerment programs.
    • Human Rights Campaign (HRC)
      The largest LGBTQ+ civil rights organization, offering extensive resources, research, and educational guides for families and allies.
    • Family Acceptance Project
      A research-based initiative that helps ethnically, socially, and religiously diverse families support and affirm their LGBTQ+ children.
    • National Center for Transgender Equality
      The nation’s leading transgender advocacy organization, advancing policy change and public understanding to improve the lives of transgender people.
    • PFLAG National
      The nation’s largest organization for LGBTQ+ people, their parents, families, and allies — providing support, education, and advocacy to promote the health and well-being of LGBTQ+ people.
    • STOMP Out Bullying
      The leading national anti-bullying and cyberbullying organization for youth, working to reduce and prevent bullying, cyberbullying, and other digital abuse.
    • StopBullying.gov — LGBTQ Youth
      Federal government resource providing information and strategies for preventing and addressing bullying of LGBTQ+ youth, who face a heightened risk of harassment.
    • T Network Orlando
      Orlando’s Transgender Professionals Resource Group, chartered by MBA Orlando and Lockheed Martin PRIDE, offering networking and peer support for trans professionals.
    • The Center Orlando (LGBT+ Center Orlando)
      Central Florida’s LGBTQ+ community center since 1978, promoting and empowering the community through advocacy, education, support groups, health services, and social connection.
    • TransFamily Support Services — Insurance Assistance
      Helps transgender individuals and their families navigate insurance coverage questions, benefits, and access to gender-affirming care.
    • Watermark Online
      Florida’s LGBTQ+ news publication, covering community news, politics, entertainment, and events across the Tampa Bay, Orlando, and Sarasota areas.
  • Community
    • Central Florida Sounds of Freedom Band & Color Guard
      Orlando’s LGBTQIA+ community marching band and color guard, now in its 15th season. Performs concerts, parades, and community events throughout the year — no audition required.
    • Central Florida Softball League (CFSL)
      An inclusive slow-pitch softball league providing a safe, social, and competitive environment for the local LGBTQ+ community and its allies, hosting annual seasons and charity tournaments.
    • COLAGE — Children of Lesbians and Gays Everywhere
      The only national organization dedicated to people with one or more LGBTQ+ parents, building community and providing peer support, leadership development, and advocacy resources.
    • Come Out with Pride
      The all-volunteer nonprofit that organizes Orlando’s annual Pride parade and festival, one of the Southeast’s largest LGBTQ+ celebrations.
    • OUT Sports League
      Central Florida’s premier LGBTQ+ recreational sports league, providing a safe, inclusive, and social environment to meet new people through co-ed sports like kickball, dodgeball, soccer, and volleyball.
    • The Center Orlando (LGBT+ Center Orlando)
      Central Florida’s LGBTQ+ community hub offering more than 25 support groups, social programs, health services, and safe spaces at its Orlando locations.
  • Crisis & Suicide Prevention
    • Crisis Text Line
      Free, 24/7 crisis support via text. Text HOME to 741741 to connect with a trained crisis counselor.
    • 988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline — LGBTQI+ Resources
      Call or text 988 for 24/7 crisis support. The specialized LGBTQ+ youth “Press 3” subnetwork was shut down by the federal government in July 2025; general 988 services remain available. The Trevor Project (1-866-488-7386) now serves as the primary LGBTQ+ crisis resource.
    • The Trevor Project
      The leading national organization providing crisis intervention and suicide prevention services for LGBTQ+ young people under 25. Call 1-866-488-7386, text START to 678-678, or chat at TheTrevorProject.org. Available 24/7.
  • Education
    • American Psychological Association — LGBTQ+ Resources
      Research, publications, and resources on the psychological health, well-being, and experiences of lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, and intersex people.
    • Campus Pride Index
      The definitive national benchmarking tool rating LGBTQ+-friendly policies, programs, and practices at colleges and universities across the country.
    • CDC — LGBT Youth Resources
      Health data, research, and resources for LGBTQ+ youth, their families, educators, and school administrators from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.
    • GLSEN
      Provides educators, administrators, and students with the tools and resources to create safe, affirming school environments for LGBTQ+ youth.
    • National Center for Transgender Equality
      Educational resources, policy guides, and know-your-rights materials covering employment, housing, healthcare, and more for transgender people.
    • PFLAG National
      Offers educational guides, resource libraries, and training programs for families, educators, and allies learning to support LGBTQ+ loved ones.
    • Rollins College — Spectrum
      The LGBTQ+ student alliance at Rollins College in Winter Park, providing community, advocacy, and a welcoming space for students of all identities.
    • TED Talks — Coming Out
      A curated TED playlist of personal stories from LGBTQ+ individuals sharing their experiences of coming out and living openly.
    • The Center Orlando
      Provides LGBTQ+ education, cultural programming, HIV/STI awareness, and community resources for Central Florida residents.
    • University of Central Florida — LGBTQ+ Student Support Services
      UCF’s campus office connecting students to resources, peer support, programming, and community around sexual orientation and gender identity. Located in Student Union, Room 207.
    • Valencia College — Gay-Straight Alliance (GSA)
      A campus safe space for Valencia College students to build community, support one another, and work toward ending homophobia and transphobia.
  • Fine Arts
  • Healthcare
    • 26Health
      A nonprofit health center in downtown Orlando providing comprehensive primary care, mental health services, gender-affirming care, adoption services, HIV/STI testing, pharmacy access, and more — regardless of ability to pay. 801 N. Magnolia Ave, Suite 402 · (321) 800-2922
    • American Psychological Association — LGBTQ+ Resources
      Research and clinical guidance on healthcare for LGBTQ+ individuals, including mental health, gender identity, and best practices for affirming care.
    • Aspire Health Partners
      A Central Florida behavioral healthcare nonprofit offering substance abuse treatment, mental health services, and crisis stabilization, with affirming care for the LGBTQ+ community.
    • Bliss Healthcare (Bliss CARES)
      A nonprofit clinic in Orlando providing HIV/hepatitis/STD prevention and treatment, PrEP and PEP access, vaccines, mental health care, and sexual health services. Serves all regardless of ability to pay.
    • CDC — LGBT Youth Resources
      Federal health data and resources addressing the unique health disparities facing LGBTQ+ youth, with tools for families, educators, and healthcare providers.
    • SPEKTRUM Health
      A nonprofit LGBTQA+ healthcare clinic in Orlando offering primary care, mental health counseling, and telehealth. Operating on grants and private donations with care available regardless of insurance status. 5205 S. Orange Ave, Suite 110.
    • The Center Orlando
      Provides free, confidential HIV and Hepatitis C testing seven days a week, STI testing, free mental health and crisis counseling, and linkage to health and social services.
  • Homeless & Housing
    • Covenant House — LGBTQ+ Youth
      The largest provider of shelter and services for youth facing homelessness in the Americas, committed to welcoming, affirming, and safe environments for LGBTQ+ young people. 📍 5931 E. Colonial Dr, Orlando, FL 32807  ·  📞 (407) 482-0404
    • Zebra Coalition
      Provides emergency shelter assessment and housing support for LGBTQ+ youth ages 13–24 in Central Florida, alongside mental health, drop-in, and recovery services.
  • Insurance
  • Mental Health
    • 26Health
      Provides affirming mental health counseling, psychiatry, and addiction recovery services in Orlando for LGBTQ+ individuals, regardless of insurance status or ability to pay. 801 N. Magnolia Ave, Suite 402  ·  (321) 800-2922
    • American Psychological Association — LGBTQ+ Resources
      Research, clinical guidance, and consumer resources on the mental health and well-being of LGBTQ+ people, including therapist locators and guidance on affirming care.
    • Aspire Health Partners
      Central Florida nonprofit offering behavioral health services including mental health treatment, substance use recovery, and crisis stabilization with affirming care for the LGBTQ+ community.
    • Bliss Healthcare (Bliss CARES)
      Provides mental health care alongside sexual health services for LGBTQ+ individuals and the transgender community in Orlando, regardless of ability to pay.
    • Crisis Text Line
      Free, 24/7 mental health crisis support via text. Text HOME to 741741 to reach a trained crisis counselor. Available to anyone in emotional distress.
    • NAMI Florida
      The Florida affiliate of the National Alliance on Mental Illness, providing peer support programs, family education, crisis resources, and advocacy for those affected by mental illness, including the LGBTQ+ community.
    • Q Chat Space
      Free, live online chat groups for LGBTQ+ teens focused on peer support, mental wellness, and connection — moderated by trained facilitators.
    • SPEKTRUM Health
      Offers affirming mental health counseling and psychiatry services for LGBTQA+ individuals in Orlando, available in-person or via telehealth.
    • The Center Orlando
      Provides free, confidential mental health counseling and crisis support seven days a week, along with an HIV-positive peer support group and other ongoing mental wellness programming.
    • The Trevor Project
      The leading crisis intervention and suicide prevention organization for LGBTQ+ youth under 25. Offers free, confidential counseling 24/7 by phone (1-866-488-7386), text (START to 678-678), or online chat.
    • Zebra Coalition
      Provides mental health counseling and wraparound support services to LGBTQ+ youth ages 13–24 in Central Florida who are homeless or at risk.
    • 988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline — LGBTQI+ Resources
      Call or text 988 for 24/7 mental health and crisis support. Note: the specialized LGBTQ+ youth “Press 3” subnetwork was shut down in July 2025; The Trevor Project now serves as the primary LGBTQ+-specific resource.
  • PFLAG Florida Chapters
  • Scholarships

    Colin Higgins Youth Courage Awards
    Annual awards from the Colin Higgins Foundation recognizing LGBTQ+ youth in underserved communities who demonstrate bravery in the face of discrimination. The foundation has awarded over $5.8 million in grants since 1988.

  • Social & Networking
    • Q Chat Space
      A free, online community for LGBTQ+ teens featuring live-facilitated chat groups designed for peer connection, support, and fun — moderated by trained adults who care.
    • Rollins College — Spectrum
      The LGBTQ+ student alliance at Rollins College, open to students of all sexual orientations and gender identities for community, advocacy, and social connection.
    • The Center Orlando
      Hosts more than 25 ongoing social and support groups for LGBTQ+ people of all ages, including seniors, youth, those living with HIV, and trans and nonbinary individuals.
    • Watermark Online
      Florida’s trusted LGBTQ+ media source, covering news, entertainment, community events, and LGBTQ+ voices across Orlando, Tampa Bay, and Sarasota.
  • Transgender
    • American Psychological Association — LGBTQ+ Resources
      Clinical guidance, research, and advocacy on transgender and gender-diverse identities, affirming care, and the psychological well-being of trans individuals.
    • Bliss Healthcare (Bliss CARES)
      Provides sexual health services, HIV/STD prevention and treatment, and mental health care with a focus on the transgender community and those who are underserved.
    • Gender Identity in Florida Today (GIFT)
      Organizes the annual Orlando Transgender Day of Remembrance and Transgender Day of Visibility events, honoring and celebrating the trans community. Active in advocacy and public awareness.
    • GLAAD
      Advocates for transgender inclusion in media and culture, and publishes guides and resources on respectful coverage and support of transgender people.
    • GLSEN
      Provides resources and training to create supportive school environments for transgender and nonbinary students, including guidance for educators and administrators.
    • National Center for Transgender Equality
      Advocacy and policy resources on ID documents, healthcare, housing, employment, and legal rights for transgender people at the state and federal level.
    • SPEKTRUM Health
      Provides gender-affirming primary care and mental health services for transgender and nonbinary individuals in Orlando, in-person and via telehealth.
    • OurPath (formerly Straight Spouse Network)
      Peer support for partners of transgender people, offering confidential one-on-one support and community resources.
    • T Network Orlando
      Orlando’s Transgender Professionals Resource Group, providing networking, peer support, and community connection for trans professionals.
    • The Center Orlando
      Hosts a peer-led transgender and nonbinary support group where members can share experiences, access resources, and connect with community.
  • Youth
    • ⭐ Highly Recommended:
      Orlando Youth Alliance
      A safe, supportive space providing weekly peer-to-peer support groups, mental health referrals, and recreational activities for LGBTQ+ youth and young adults across Central Florida. Phone: (407) 244-1222
    • 26Health
      Offers youth-inclusive primary care, mental health services, gender-affirming care, and HIV/STI testing in Orlando, regardless of insurance status or ability to pay.
    • Bliss Healthcare (Bliss CARES)
      Provides sexual health education, HIV and STD prevention, PrEP access, and mental health services for youth and underserved communities in Orlando.
    • CDC — LGBT Youth Resources
      Health information and data on LGBTQ+ youth, including resources for young people, families, educators, and school administrators.
    • COLAGE
      Supports youth and adults who have one or more LGBTQ+ parents through peer networks, age-specific groups, and leadership development opportunities.
    • Colin Higgins Youth Courage Awards
      Recognizes and supports LGBTQ+ youth who demonstrate exceptional courage in the face of discrimination, with cash awards and national recognition.
    • Covenant House — LGBTQ+ Youth
      Provides shelter, case management, and wraparound services for LGBTQ+ youth experiencing homelessness, with a commitment to affirming, welcoming care. 📍 5931 E. Colonial Dr, Orlando, FL 32807  ·  📞 (407) 482-0404
    • GLSEN
      Champions safe, affirming schools for LGBTQ+ students through policy advocacy, educator training, and student-led GSA (Gay-Straight Alliance) network support.
    • Q Chat Space
      Free online live chat groups for LGBTQ+ teens to connect with peers, share experiences, and get support in a safe, facilitated environment.
    • STOMP Out Bullying
      Provides youth with tools to recognize, respond to, and prevent bullying and cyberbullying, with a particular focus on LGBTQ+ youth.
    • StopBullying.gov — LGBTQ Youth
      Federal resource with evidence-based strategies for preventing and addressing bullying of LGBTQ+ youth in schools and communities.
    • Zebra Coalition
      Central Florida’s primary resource network for LGBTQ+ youth ages 13–24, offering shelter, drop-in services, counseling, and support for those who are homeless or at risk.