LGBTQ Organizations
Use the filters below to find organizations that support and serve the LGBTQ community.
Category: Educational
Queer Wellness Center
Upstate SC(864) 655-5193
info@queerwellnesscenter.org
As the first of it’s kind, the QWC provides a safe and accepting environment where the queer community in Upstate SC can gain access to affirming resources and businesses alike. They have several programs: BLOOM provides LGBTQ+ competency training for school personnel/counselors and other adolescent mental health providers in Spartanburg, Greenville and Anderson counties. BLOOM also provides free group, individual, and family therapy to LGBTQ+ youth and their families. LEAP provides an open no-cost peer support group to the trans community. AFFIRM SC provides safe spaces for professionals within and outside the health and human services field to learn and grow in their understanding of cultural competency, diversity, and inclusivity. Project HEART works to bring affirming medical care to the LGBTQ+ community of Upstate SC. The Queer Wellness Center offers scholarships to provide financial aid to cover partial or full cost of medical visits for hormones, prescriptions, therapy, temporary housing and medical procedures.
The Ladies Room SC
Upstate SCebonisims14@gmail.com
TLR is the first Black-led, trans-led LGBTQ+ Center in Upstate South Carolina, serving primarily black and brown trans and non-binary people. They provide: Skills programs for adults and adolescents and sex workers, assistance with HRT and name change process, STD/STI/HIV services, resources for drug addiction, holistic healthcare support, emergency housing and food insecurity assistance, and more.
Fireweed Collective
administrator@fireweedcollective.org
Fireweed Collective offers mental health education and mutual aid through a Healing Justice lens. They help support the emotional wellness of all people, and center the needs of those most marginalized by our society. Their work seeks to disrupt the harm of systems of abuse and oppression, often reproduced by the mental health system.
Fireweed Collective Groups are virtual spaces where folks can connect, and offer mutual aid with others who share similar life experiences and struggles. They include groups for POC, QTPOC, and Disabled/Chronically Ill/Neurodivergent Folks, among others.
Groups run for a month. They meet once a week online for 60 to 90 minutes. All support groups are sliding scale and are facilitated by members of Fireweed Collective.
Lowcountry Pink Pistols
They are a shooting group that honors diversity and is open to all shooters. They help bring new shooters into the practice and provide a fun social environment for all our members. They work to build bridges between the shooting community and other communities, such as those based on alternative sexualities. They advocate the use of lawfully-owned, lawfully-concealed firearms for the self-defense of the sexual minority community.
They proudly represent the Low Country Areas of Charleston, Berkley, Dorchester, Colleton, Hampton, Jasper, and Beaufort Counties. (If you’re outside this area, you are still MORE THAN welcome to join.)
Camp Lightbulb
New York City or Los Angeles,
(323) 484-7993
info@camplightbulb.org
Camp Lightbulb is an LGBTQ+ summer camp for youth age 14 to 18. Since 2011 they have welcomed more than 2500 youth from across the US and around the world. Each trip is unique and incorporates their core principles of Art, Community, Fun, Learning, Outdoors, Service, and Wellness. Participants can expect a mix of fun, inspiration and celebration. Expect 25 to 35 participants per trip, which is the perfect number: large enough to make lots of friends, but small enough for plenty of individual attention. They offer financial assistance and payment plans on a Pay What You Can basis.
imi
Guides and activities built for and with LGBTQ+ teens to help you explore your identity and support your mental health. Topics include: Stress, Queerness, Stigma, and Gender.
Lambert House
Since 1981 the Lambert House LGBTQ Youth Center has cared for, championed, and celebrated over 15,000 individual minors and young adults through over 500,000 service contacts. They provide in-person and online programs to more LGBTQ+ youth than any other organization in the Northwestern United States. Lambert House’s programs and services are evidence-based and informed by Positive Youth Development Theory and Minority Stress Theory. Their work spans eight categories: 1) Social Connection, Peer Support, Resilience, and Self-Esteem Building; 2) Family Success, Bullying Resistance and School Retention; 3) Mentoring; 4) Homeless Services including Meals, Clothing, Personal Hygiene Items, and LGBTQ-Competent Housing, Medical, and Mental Health Referrals; 5) HIV and STI Prevention Education, and Violence Prevention through Healthy Relationships Education; 6) Culture, Sports, and Outdoor Recreation; 7) Youth Leadership, Workplace Skills Development, and Academic Internships, and; 8) Systems Advocacy and Training for Professionals (from 30 countries to date).
Forge
(414) 559-2123
Forge’s work is trauma-informed, research based and empowerment-focused. They provide training & technical assistance for professionals who work with transgender individuals. Find resources & support for service providers and transgender and non-binary individuals, survivors of violence, family and friends. They foster connection & awareness building healthy relationships and interactions with the general public.
Harriet Hancock Center
1108 Woodrow Street
Columbia, SC 29205
(803) 771-7713
Founded in 1993, HHC provides a safe space for the LGBTQ+ community. They host regular social groups, peer-support groups for different communities, Youth OUTLOUD for 6th-12th grade students, and special events. They also provide the Legal Name & Gender Marker Change Program (limited to SC residents).
Pride Myrtle Beach
Myrtle Beach, SC
(843) 839-2052
Pride Myrtle Beach is the primary and most active organization advocating for the Myrtle Beach area LGBTQ+ community, dedicated to fostering safe environments and enriching programs that uplift and affirm the lives of LGBTQ+ individuals. Collaborating closely with community organizations, medical providers and local government, Pride Myrtle Beach provides easy access to essential services such as medical care, HIV testing and prevention, and educational opportunities. They are also host to a number of cultural events, family spaces, and festivals, including the June Pride Month Picnic and the Myrtle Beach Pride in the Park Festival, drawing thousands of visitors each year. Through their inclusive approach and diverse offerings, Pride Myrtle Beach celebrates and empowers all members of the LGBTQ+ community, ensuring they feel supported and valued year-round.
Black Educated Lesbians
admin@blackeducatedlesbians.com
Black Educated Lesbians (BEL) is a global nonprofit organization dedicated to fostering community, empowerment, and professional growth for Black lesbians. Established in 2014 and officially recognized as a 501(c)(3) nonprofit, BEL provides mentorship, economic development, leadership training, and social advocacy to support Black queer women worldwide.
Alliance For Full Acceptance (AFFA)
4900 O’Hear Ave, Ste 100 PMB 215
North Charleston, South Carolina 29405
(843) 883-0343
info@affa-sc.org
The Alliance For Full Acceptance (AFFA) is a Charleston-based nonprofit organization. Founded in 1998, AFFA is working to achieve, nurture, and defend equality and full acceptance for lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, and queer (LGBTQ+) people throughout South Carolina. To achieve our mission, we work to build partnerships with municipal and civic leaders, legislators, medical and mental health care providers, policy makers and business leaders to advocate for awareness, protections and equality for the LGBTQ community. AFFA Action is the 501(c)(4) arm of the organization designated to promote social welfare through education, legislative advocacy and political action.
Bisexual Resource Center
brc@biresource.org
The Bisexual Resource Center envisions a world where love is celebrated, regardless of sexual orientation or gender expression. Because bisexuals today are still misunderstood, marginalized and discriminated against, the BRC is committed to providing support to the bisexual community and raising public awareness about bisexuality and bisexual people.
Campaign for Southern Equality
(828) 242-1559
The Campaign for Southern Equality is working to build a South where LGBTQ people are equal in every part of life. Founded in 2011, they launched their work from a church basement in the mountains of North Carolina. Based in Asheville, NC, in the first chapter of their work, CSE was on the frontlines of efforts to win marriage equality in the South. They led the WE DO Campaign, which involved LGBTQ couples requesting – and being denied – marriage licenses in their Southern hometowns. More than 200 couples took action, with thousands of friends, family members and neighbors standing in support of them.
Today, CSE’s work includes the Legal Equality Project, focused on achieving legal equality by striking down anti-LGBTQ laws, passing pro-LGBTQ policies across the South; the Southern Equality Fund, which empowers local LGBTQ leaders across the South; and their Community Health Program, which responds to the acute and widespread need for direct services and resources for LGBTQ Southerners.
CenterLink – The Community of LGBT Centers
(954) 765-6024
CenterLink, The Community of LGBT Centers – CenterLink develops strong, sustainable LGBT community centers and builds a thriving center network that creates healthy, vibrant communities. Serving over 250 LGBTQ community centers across the country in 45 states, Puerto Rico and the District of Columbia, as well as centers in Canada, China, and Australia, CenterLink assists newly forming community centers and helps strengthen existing LGBT centers, through networking opportunities for center leaders, peer-based technical assistance and training, and a variety of capacity building services. Their efforts are based on the belief that LGBT community centers are primary change agents in the national movement working toward the liberation and empowerment of LGBT people.
Consortium of Higher Education LGBT Resource Professionals
The Consortium of Higher Education LGBT Resource Professionals is a member-based organization working towards the liberation of LGBTQ people in higher education. They support individuals who work on campuses to educate and support people of diverse sexual orientations and gender identities, as well as advocate for more inclusive policies and practices through an intersectional and racial justice framework.
Gamma Mu Foundation
info@gammamufoundation.org
The Gamma Mu Foundation was established to provide financial grants to organizations that serve clients and communities primarily in the rural and/or under-served United States. The Foundation makes available direct assistance through HIV/AIDS services, community services, or research and public education. The Foundation also awards financial support to members of the LGBT community who demonstrate financial need and the desire to pursue additional training through academic or vocational education. The Foundation’s mission is to make a positive difference in the lives of the LGBT community, primarily in rural and other under-served populations of the United States. The Foundation’s vision is the creation of an environment that promotes health, acceptance, and pride in the LGBT community and a more accepting and inclusive environment for people regardless of their sexual orientation or gender identity.
Gay and Lesbian Medical Association
1629 K St. NW Suite 300
Washington, DC 20006
(833) 456-2202
info@glma.org
GLMA is a national organization committed to ensuring health equity for lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, queer (LGBTQ) and all sexual and gender minority (SGM) individuals, and equality for LGBTQ/SGM health professionals in their work and learning environments. To achieve this mission, GLMA utilizes the scientific expertise of its diverse multidisciplinary membership to inform and drive advocacy, education, and research.
GLSEN – Gay, Lesbian, and Straight Education Network
244 Madison Ave. #108
New York, NY 10016
(212) 727-0135 Ext. 6565
info@glsen.org
Championing LGBTQ issues in K-12 education since 1990, GLSEN works to ensure that LGBTQ students are able to learn and grow in a school environment free from bullying and harassment. Together they want to transform our nation’s schools into the safe and affirming environment all youth deserve.
GSA Network
548 Market St. Suite 53568
San Francisco, CA 94104
(415) 552-4229
info@gsanetwork.org
GSA Network is a next-generation LGBTQ racial and gender justice organization that empowers and trains queer, trans, and allied youth leaders to advocate, organize, and mobilize an intersectional movement for safer schools and healthier communities.
Harriet Hancock LGBTQ Center
1108 Woodrow Street
Columbia, SC 29205
(803) 771-7713
info@harriethancockcenter.org
The Harriet Hancock LGBT Center is a safe and inclusive home that supports, educates, and empowers the LGBT community, our allies, and our neighbors. They have a vision for South Carolina where all people are accepted and affirmed, regardless of sexual orientation or gender identity, and LGBT people are able to live happy and healthy lives. The Harriet Hancock LGBT Center works to realize this vision in South Carolina, starting in the Greater Columbia community and Midlands region.
Human Rights Campaign (HRC)
1640 Rhode Island Ave. N.W.
Washington, DC 20036
(202) 628-4160
feedback@hrc.org
The Human Rights Campaign and the Human Rights Campaign Foundation together serve as America’s largest civil rights organization working to achieve LGBTQ equality. 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. The Human Rights Campaign envisions a world where lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender and queer people are ensured equality and embraced as full members of society at home, at work and in every community.
National Center for Lesbian Rights
(415) 392-6257
info@NCLRights.org
The National Center for Lesbian Rights (NCLR) was the first national LGBTQ legal organization founded by women and brings a fierce, longstanding commitment to racial and economic justice and our community’s most vulnerable.
Since 1977, NCLR has been at the forefront of advancing the civil and human rights of our full LGBTQ community and their families through impact litigation, public policy, and public education. Decades ago, NCLR led the way by establishing the first LGBTQ Immigration Project, Transgender Rights Project, Youth Project, Elder Law Project, and began working to end conversion therapy through what is now the Born Perfect campaign.
National Coalition of Anti-Violence Programs (NCAVP)
116 Nassau Street, 3rd floor New York, NY 10038
New York, NY 10038
(212) 714-1184
NCAVP works to prevent, respond to, and end all forms of violence against and within LGBTQ communities. They’re a national coalition of local member programs, affiliate organizations and individual affiliates who create systemic and social change. They strive to increase power, safety and resources through data analysis, policy advocacy, education and technical assistance.
Crisis Intervention Hotline: (212) 714-1141 – Available 24/7/365 – Bilingual
National LGBT Cancer Network
11 South Angell Street #377
Providence, RI 02906
(212) 675-2633
info@cancer-network.org
The National LGBT Cancer Network works to improve the lives of LGBT cancer survivors and those at risk by: EDUCATING the LGBT community about our increased cancer risks and the importance of screening and early detection; TRAINING health care providers to offer more culturally-competent, safe and welcoming care; and ADVOCATING for LGBT survivors in mainstream cancer organizations, the media, and research.
National LGBTQIA+ Health Education Center
1340 Boylston Street
Boston, MA 02215
(617) 927-6354
education@fenwayhealth.org
The National LGBTQIA+ Health Education Center provides educational programs, resources, and consultation to health care organizations with the goal of optimizing quality, cost-effective health care for lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, queer, intersex, asexual, and all sexual and gender minority (LGBTQIA+) people.
PFLAG: Parents, Families, and Friends of Lesbians and Gays
PFLAG’s mission is to build on a foundation of loving families united with LGBTQ people and allies who support one another and to educate ourselves and our communities to speak up as advocates until all hearts and minds respect, value and affirm LGBTQ people.
South Carolina Local Chapters:
Spartanburg
Anderson
Greenville
Aiken
Rock Hill
Pawleys Island
Savannah, GA
Point Foundation
(833) 887-6462
info@pointfoundation.org
Point Foundation empowers promising lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, and queer students to achieve their full academic and leadership potential – despite the obstacles often put before them – to make a significant impact on society.
Southern Poverty Law Center (SPLC)
400 Washington Avenue
Montgomery, AL 36104
(334) 956-8200
The SPLC is dedicated to fighting hate and bigotry and to seeking justice for the most vulnerable members of our society. Using litigation, education, and other forms of advocacy, the SPLC works toward the day when the ideals of equal justice and equal opportunity will be a reality. We’re dedicated to protecting and advancing the rights, dignity, and freedom of the LGBTQ community in the Deep South and to removing barriers to equality.
Transgender Awareness Alliance (TAA)
1830 S Lake Drive, 84383
Lexington, SC 29073
info@taagg.org
TAA exists to supply emergency assistance to the transgender community of SC and partners with other organizations to create an affirming network of legal, health and consumer resources.