National Coming Out Day

In celebration of National Coming Out Day, I wanted to do something a little different this year. With the many issues and stories going on in the country right now, I wanted to dedicate this post to providing different resources for anyone that may need them or want to know more about.

As many of you may know, there are currently three cases being argued in the Supreme Court regarding LGBTQIA+ rights. This is so important to pay attention to because this could set the tone for other civil rights cases that may come up in the Supreme Court. I don't want this to get too political but make sure you are paying attention and don't take anything for granted.

I wanted to write about this not only because today is National Coming Out Day, but also because I really wanted to put this information out to anyone that may be struggling with coming out or coming to terms with their sexuality. I hope that these resources can help any in need and provide a network for people that may be looking for more information.

Below are just some resources that I have found.There are so many more out there. These range from general organizations to organizations that have specific services to local (Pittsburgh) organizations. Many of these organizations I wish I would have know when I came out.

General:
Human Rights Campaign
  - HRC is a civil rights organization that advocates and helps to work toward LGBTQIA+ equality. You can donate to them as well as see other ways that you can help at https://www.hrc.org/

National Gay and Lesbian Task Force
  - This is another organization that advocates for and working toward equality for the LGBTQIA+ community. For more information, go to https://www.thetaskforce.org/

                                                                It Gets Better Project
                                                                 - The It Gets Better Project works to connect LGBTQIA+ individuals around the world. There are stories from celebrities, allies, and others to show that people don't have to go through this process alone. To read/watch those stories and learn more about the project, go to https://itgetsbetter.org/

                                                                 National Coalition for LGBT Health
                                                                 - The National Coalition for LGBT Health advocates for improvements and equal access to healthcare and treatment for the LGBTQIA+ community. They provide training, education and resources to anyone that may want to learn more. For more information, visit https://healthlgbt.org/

Veterans:
Modern Military Association of American
 - This organization is committed to connecting LGBT military families, supporting them through the challenges of military service, honoring them for their commitment to our country, and serving them by advocating on their behalf. For more information, visit https://modernmilitary.org/

American Veterans for Equal Rights
 - This organization advocates for full and equal rights and equitable treatment for all current and past service members. For more information, visit http://aver.us/

Aging:
National Resource Center for LGBT Aging
 - The National Resource Center on LGBT Aging is the country's first and only technical assistance resource center aimed at improving the quality of services and supports offered to lesbian, gay, bisexual and/or transgender older adults. For more information, visit https://www.lgbtagingcenter.org/

Services and Advocacy for Gay, Lesbian, Bisexual, and Transgender Elders
 - SAGE advocates and works to help achieve a high quality of life for LGBT Elders. To learn more about this organization, visit https://www.sageusa.org/

Legal:
ACLU
 -The ACLU works to fight for the civil liberties and rights of everyone in the country based on our Constitutional rights. Visit https://www.aclu.org/ for more information.

LGBT Bar
 - The LGBT bar promotes justice in and through the legal profession for the LGBTQIA+ community. They are able to help you find a lawyer if you need it. Visit https://lgbtbar.org/ for more information.

Transgender:
National Center for Transgender Equality
 - The National Center for Transgender Equality advocates to change policies and society to increase understanding and acceptance of transgender people. Visit https://transequality.org/ for more information.

Transgender Law Center
 - "Transgender Law Center (TLC) is the largest national trans-led organization advocating self-determination for all people. Grounded in legal expertise and committed to racial justice, TLC employs a variety of community-driven strategies to keep transgender and gender nonconforming people alive, thriving, and fighting for liberation." Taken directly from their website, https://transgenderlawcenter.org/

Youth:
Youth Pride Alliance
 - Empowerment of youth to encourage self development and expression, helping to bridge the community, and address issues within those communities. For more information, check out http://youthpridealliance.org/

PFLAG
 - PFLAG helps to promote the health and wellness of LGBTQIA+ people and their families for support, education and advocacy. Visit https://pflag.org/find-a-chapter to find your local chapter.

Talk lines: 

Crisis Text Line
 - This line can be used when someone is in crisis and needs/wants to talk to someone. You text HOME to 741741 and you will be connected to a trained crisis counselor through text. 

Trevor Project
 - The Trevor Project has many different ways of getting in touch with someone if you need/want to talk. 
     -TrevorLifeline: You can be connected to a trained counselor by calling 1-866-488-7386
     -TrevorChat: A secure and confidential instant messenger service that can be found on their website https://www.thetrevorproject.org/
     -TrevorText: You can be connected to a trained counselor by texting START  to 678678
     -TrevorSpace: Social networking site to connect with other LGBT+ youth and allies.This can be found on their website as well https://www.thetrevorproject.org/

Suicide Hotline
 - This line can be used when someone is feeling suicidal and needs/wants to talk to someone. You can call 1-800-273-TALK and you will be connected to someone you can talk to. 

Local:
Proud Haven
 - Proud Haven provides safe shelter to LGBTQIA+ youth, ages 18-25, in Pittsburgh. The also provide support and resources to assist individuals to live independently. For more information, please visit https://www.proudhaven.org/

Dreams of Hope
 - Dreams of Hope provides a welcoming and safe environment for LGBTQIA+ youth to express themselves through the arts. For more information, please visit https://www.dreamsofhope.org/

PGH Equality Center
 - This is a community center and safe zone for LGBTQIA+ individuals in the community to come and hang out. They also have a fundraising event call OUTrageous Bingo. For more information, visit http://www.pghequalitycenter.org/

SisTers PGH
 - SisTers PGH is a drop in center and shelter transitioning program for transgender individuals. This organization also provides resources for transgender individuals and advocates for rights in the city. Please visit https://www.sisterspgh.org/ for more information.

Persad
 - This is an organization that serves the LGBTQIA+ community and wants to improve the well being of the community. They provide services from Outreach to Counseling. Check out this organization at https://persadcenter.org/.

As I said before there are so many more organizations that work on advocating for and providing resources for the LGBTQIA+ community. Please feel free to share these organizations with anyone that may need these services or even if you are able to volunteer/donate to any of these organizations, I know it would be greatly appreciated! 

Happy Coming Out Day!!

If you want to read about my coming out story, follow this link: https://hangingwithkaron.blogspot.com/2015/10/my-coming-out-story.html

Till next time! <3

KaRon