LGBTQ+ COMMUNITY RESOURCES
In keeping with our mission to enrich our vibrant Cleveland LGBTQ+ community, we have created this page in the hopes of providing ample resources that allow us to grow in positive and affirming spaces!
CENTER RESOURCES
Being an ally
"Ally" often refers to individuals who do not identify as LGBTQ+. However, it’s important to recognize that allyship within the community is important as well. Cisgender people can be allies to their transgender community members. Lesbian & gay individuals can be allies to bisexual people. Being an ally is a full-time label; that means that in order to fully realize your ally potential, it takes commitment and practice. Consider these points as you grow as an ally.
IDENTITY TERMS
When referencing the LGBTQ community, it is often specifically about a person's sexual orientation, gender identity, gender expression, sex assigned at birth, and/or some combination of those. However, there are many other facets that make up human diversity, including race, religion, nation of origin, ability, and so much more.
coming out
Coming out is a multiple stage process for individuals in the LGBTQ Community. The first part of that process is recognizing one's own sexual orientation and/or gender identity. This often takes careful thought and reflection and can take individuals either minutes or years to come to terms with their identity or fully understand how they wish to identify to others. Every person's pace is unique and deserves to be accepted and respected.
Gender Pronouns
Our pronouns are the way we are identified based on our own identified gender. Using appropriate gender pronouns for the person you are speaking to, or about, is an important way to respect and affirm that person's identified gender.
LGBTQ+ Reading List
There are hundreds of works of literature, non-fiction and fiction, that are available for folks to check out and enjoy! Be sure to check out our selection - check back every so now and then as we may update this growing list!
LGBTQ+ Resource GUIde
This LGBTQ+ resource guide details groups and organizations that are available in Northeast Ohio and offer services for the LGBTQ+ community. It is not an exhaustive list of resources, but is good for quick reference.
gENERAL lgbtq+ sUPPORT
BCC Full Spectrum Community Outreach Center
The mission of BCC Full Spectrum Community Outreach Center is to promote awareness, education, mental and emotional support, as well as advocacy for the LGBTQIA (Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Transgender, Questioning, Queer, Intersex, and Asexual, and our Allies) community within Mahoning, Trumbull, and Columbiana counties.
Community AIDS Network/Akron Pride Initiative
Community AIDS Network aims to prevent the further transmission of HIV through education and risk reduction efforts and to provide housing assistance and other services to people already affected by HIV/AIDS. Akron Pride Initiative seeks to advocate for the well-being of gay, lesbian, bisexual, transgender and questioning people in Akron.
CenterLink
CenterLink develops strong, sustainable LGBT community centers and builds a thriving center network that creates healthy, vibrant communities.
Interact: Advocates for intersex youth
InterACT uses innovative legal and other strategies, to advocate for the human rights of children born with intersex traits.
Lorain County LGBTQ+ Task Force
The mission of the "Lorain County LGBTQ+ and Allies Community Task Force" is to address the needs of Lorain County’s LGBTQ+ community through education, advocacy, and allied community resources. It is a volunteer-led coalition of community leaders and representatives of churches, social service agencies, and LGBT-serving organizations in the county and Northeast Ohio region.
OutSupport Medina
Our group was founded by mothers looking for ways to support their children going through the challenges of being a part of the LGBTQ community. We provide support services for both the person and the family because those support systems are critical in understanding options, coping with your own feelings and knowing you aren’t alone.
PFLAG Cleveland
Founded in 1973, PFLAG is the first and largest organization dedicated to supporting, educating, and advocating for LGBTQ+ people and their families. It is dedicated to creating a caring, just, and affirming world for LGBTQ+ people and those who love them. PFLAG Cleveland has been active in this effort in the Greater Cleveland area since 1985.
Prime Timers Cleveland
Prime Timers Cleveland is a social club for mature gay, bi and trans men and is the local chapter of Prime Timers Worldwide. We meet on the third Sunday afternoon of each month. Our goal is enrich our lives through social and educational events and develop new friendships.
Towards Employment
Towards Employment helps you get a job and keep a job with free training programs and wrap-around services. We help you find a career pathway that fits your individual needs, while providing support for anything life may throw your way.
iNTEREST-BASED SUPPORT
Cleveland Aquatic Team
Cleveland Aquatic Team is a U.S. Masters Swimming team based in Cleveland, Ohio. The team is a member of the United States Masters Swimming (USMS) and the Lake Erie Local Masters Swimming Committee, and also has an affiliation with International Gay & Lesbian Aquatics (IGLA.)
Cleveland Couples Together
Social group for LGBT couples in Cleveland. Monthly social gatherings in the community..
Cleveland Out & About
Cleveland Out and About is an all-volunteer outdoor recreational group serving Northeast Ohio. Although primarily a gay and lesbian organization, the group welcomes all to participate in its activities. Activities include nature and urban hikes, bicycle rides, camping, and winter sports.
Cleveland Pride Band
The Cleveland Pride Band is a musical arts organization comprised of individuals dedicated to the promotion of the arts through the unique art form of community band music. They aims to foster a musical culture within its local and national community while improving the quality of artistry and musicianship of its members, one note at a time.
Cleveland Transgender Choir
Cleveland Transgender Choir is a non-auditioned choral group for singers identifying as transgender or non-binary.
North Coast Men's Chorus
Established in 1988 as a local group performing in area churches, the North Coast Men’s Chorus has grown into the largest LGBT arts organization in Northeast Ohio with over 100 members. Each year the Chorus performs before 30,000+ people at venues that have included the Hanna, the State and Connor Palace Theatres at Playhouse Square, Cleveland State University, Notre Dame College and Severance Hall.
Out In Tech
Out in Tech unites the LGBTQ+ tech community by creating opportunities for members to advance their careers, grow their networks, and leverage tech for social change.
Oven Productions
Oven Productions sponsors lesbian and cultural activities in northeast Ohio, including art exhibits, films, concerts, and dramatic presentations.
PLEXUS: LGBT & Allied Chamber of Commerce
The mission of Plexus is to provide proactive business development for the LGBT business community and allies. Plexus is an affiliate of the National Gay & Lesbian Chamber of Commerce.
Sisters of Perpetual Indulgence (Rock n Roll City)
The Sisters of Perpetual Indulgence is a charity, protest, and street performance organization that uses drag and religious imagery to call attention to sexual intolerance by satirizing issues of gender and morality.
Stonewall Sports Cleveland
Stonewall Sports- Cleveland is a sports league for LGBTQ individuals and Allies and Stonewall Sports' 9th city expansion. We operate as a non-profit and aim to create a low-cost, high fun atmosphere in Cleveland where individuals are comfortable being themselves while taking part in a fun sport.
Windsong
Windsong Chorus is an organization of women and their supporters who empower women through their participation in music performance that is diverse, women-supportive, and environmentally responsible.
IDENTITY-BASED SUPPORT
Asians & Friends Cleveland
Asians & Friends Cleveland promotes Asian culture in a positive, supportive, informative, and fun environment while bridging the gap between various cultures.
Black Space Productions
Black Space Productions seeks to create safe spaces for queer and trans people of color.
Chevrei Tikvah Chavurah
Welcoming lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender Cleveland area Jews and their families and friends.
G2H2
G2H2 (Gay Guys/Girls Happy Hour) is a monthly social event in Cleveland, held the third Friday of every month at various venues. The events provide gay professionals with the chance to meet, network, or just hang out.
GayChurch.org
All churches in our Affirming Church Directory™ have confirmed that their congregation, in some form or fashion, is an affirming Christian church.
Margie's Hope
Margie's Hope assists transgender, non-binary and gender expansive individuals in need.
NE Ohio Women Over FORTY and Their Friends (WOFFs)
WOFFs is an active and supportive social community of lesbians over 40 and their women friends living in Northeast Ohio, including Cleveland, Akron, Medina, Canton and surrounding areas. WOFFs welcomes all lesbian women and their friends and truly wishes to develop a diverse community of women.
TransOhio
TransOhio serves the Ohio transgender and ally communities by providing services, education, support and advocacy which promotes and improves the health, safety and life experience of the Ohio transgender individual and community.
A Place For Us
A Place for Us Development is an LGBT and inclusive senior housing community with cutting-edge amenities, meticulously-groomed grounds, and a dedicated staff.
A Guide to Gender-Affirming Verbal Communication
Gender-affirming verbal communication refers to using language and speech patterns that align with a person’s gender identity and expression, particularly in the context of transgender and gender diverse individuals.
student & youth support
216 Teens
216teens.org is a website resource for all teens, including LGBTQ teens, in Cuyahoga County and the surrounding areas for information about sexual health, healthy relationships, puberty concerns, and more.
44 Self-Esteem Resources for Nonbinary Youth
Self-esteem can lead to positive mental health outcomes but can be thwarted by negative messaging from peers, parents, school communities and social media. This site provides resources to help build self-esteem.
Affordable Health Insurance for Vulnerable Youth
This guide can help you or a loved one find the health care you need as easily as possible. Learn what types of health insurance are available to vulnerable youth, who qualifies, and what coverage includes, along with resources where you can get help.
Affirming Pathways Online Youth Support
We specialize in affirming care for all gender, sexual/affectional, and relationship structure minority identities and expressions at any stage of the journey.
Case Western Reserve University LGBT Center
The LGBT Center exemplifies Case Western Reserve University’s commitment to serving its diverse student, staff and faculty populations. The space provides an inviting home to members of the LGBT and allied community interested in exploring and celebrating LGBTQIA identities.
Cleveland State University LGBTQ+ Student Services
LGBTQ+ Student Services is committed to enhancing the overall educational and social experience of the CSU community. We provide resources, support, and programming that promotes the academic and personal growth and development of lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, and queer or questioning (+) students and their allies, and work to create a more inclusive and welcoming campus for all.
Dare2Care
Dare2Lead is a an anti bullying program offered by the Cleveland Leadership Center (CLC) designed to unite LGBTQIA+ and straight youth in the Greater Cleveland community in the fight to eradicate harassment and intimidation in our schools. CLC provides leadership and community engagement opportunities across a wide spectrum of life and career stages to inspire, connect and challenge individuals to make a positive community impact.
Gay Lesbian Straight Education Network (GLSEN) - NE Ohio
The Gay, Lesbian & Straight Education Network strives to assure that each member of every school community is valued and respected regardless of sexual orientation or gender identity/expression.
Inside Out: LGBTQIA+ Writers & Allies Group
Build community and write with other LGBTQ+ teens & Allies. Queer teen writers and allies will share their stories and experiences while working on individual and collaborative writing projects. We will explore queer fiction, personal narrative, and poetry, and try our hand at all three of these genres, pulling from personal experience in our craft.
older adult support
Emergency Preparedness
While many Americans may have a general readiness plan for emergencies in their homes, these plans often don't take particular circumstances, such as limited mobility or barriers to communication, into consideration. That’s why the NCOA created an Emergency Preparedness guide, to help this group feel prepared should disaster strike.
CAUSE AFFILIATED SUPPORT
Northeast Ohio Adoption Services (NOAS)
Northeast Ohio Adoption Services (NOAS) is a private, not for profit 501(c)(3) agency incorporated in 1978 for the purpose of developing and supporting foster and adoptive families for children with special needs.
Stonewall Democrats
The Cleveland Stonewall Democrats are devoted to securing equal rights for all people, regardless of sexual orientation or gender identity by engaging voters to elect Democratic candidates who support important LGBT issues.
LEGAL SUPPORT & ADVOCACY
Buckeye Region Anti-Violence Organization
BRAVO works to eliminate violence perpetrated on the basis of sexual orientation and/or gender identification, domestic violence, and sexual assault through prevention, education, advocacy, violence documentation, and survivor services, both within and on behalf of the LGBT community.
Equality Ohio
Equality Ohio advocates and educates to achieve fair treatment and equal opportunity for all Ohioans regardless of their sexual orientation or gender identity or expression.
Human Rights Campaign
By inspiring and engaging individuals and communities, HRC strives to end discrimination against LGBTQ people and realize a world that achieves fundamental fairness and equality for all.
Shinn Law Firm, LLC
Serving Northeast Ohio LGBTQ+ individuals and families for over 20 years, Shinn Law Firm specializes in areas of adoption and parentage actions for married same-sex couples, estate planning and elder law, planning for LGBTQ+ individuals and families, and shared custody for unmarried same-sex couples.
UNIQUE RESOURCES & SUPPORT
College Guide for LGBTQ Students
Explore common experiences and challenges of LGBTQ+ college students and learn how you can ensure your campus supports and affirms LGBTQ+ students.
InterConnect Support Group
Online support group and resources for people with Androgen Insensitivity Syndrome (AIS) and Differences of Sex Development (DSD)
LGBTQ Recovery Information
Online support group and resources for people with Androgen Insensitivity Syndrome (AIS) and Differences of Sex Development (DSD)
LGBTQ Scholarships for College Students
LGBTQ+ students have a harder time paying for school than their straight, cis peers. Here are some scholarship options to help cover costs.
Pride Counseling
Get matched to a licensed therapist. Communicate via phone, video, and messaging.
