I know I can't be everything for everyone, and sometimes there are things in life that require immediate attention and help. Amidst all the anti-LGBTQ+ legislation, bullying, harassment, violence and discrimination, it's hard to feel hopeful and supported in our world. I understand that. I want to offer a little ray of sunshine in the fact that some people and organizations exist that advocate for LGBTQ+ folks and their loved ones. There are also affirming churches here in California where you can worship safely and in a loving environment; I've listed a few below. To that end, here is a list of resources for people in the LGBTQQIA+ community:
Crisis Resources for LGBTQ+ People
For crises:
Trans Lifeline (1-877-565-8860 and translifeline.org) is a nonprofit hotline staffed by transgender people for transgender people currently experiencing a crisis.
For Loved Ones of LGBTQ People
For friends and loved ones of LGBTQ individuals: http://www.pflag.org/
For family members: https://lgbtqfamilyacceptance.org/
For civil rights defense: https://www.hrw.org/topic/lgbt-rights
For Advocacy: https://glaad.org/our-work/
and National Anti-violence Project from Lambda Legal Defense: https://avp.org/ncavp/
LGBTQ+ Affirming Churches:
Christ Chapel Long Beach: 562-438-5303
St. John's Presbyterian Church in Berkeley: www.stjohnsberkeley.org
Plymouth United Christ Church in Oakland, CA: https://www.plymouthoakland.org/contact
Metropolitan Community Church in San Diego: 619-521-2222
West Hollywood United Church of Christ: 323-874-6646
Unitarian Universalist Church of Long Beach: 562-597-8445
Unity of Antelope Valley: 661-486-1505.
First Unitarian Church of Oakland: 510-893-6129.
As always, if you are right on the edge of acting on suicidal or homicidal thoughts, or you just don't feel like you can manage to stay safe, please call 911, 988, or go to the nearest hospital! Your safety is important to me, and to the community. You deserve to live and be safe.
I will definitely add to this as I go along. This is a preliminary list. If you would like to speak with an LGBTQ-affirming therapist, please call me at 661-233-6771.
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