Self Help Clearinghouse

Sexual Orientation / Gay and Lesbian

This information is provided as a resource and does not constitute an endorsement for any group. It is the responsibility of the reader to decide whether a group is appropriate for his/her needs. For evidence-based information on diseases, conditions, symptoms, treatment and wellness issues, continue searching this site.

Dignity/USA

National. 50 chapters. Founded 1969. Organization of gay, lesbian, bisexual and transgendered Catholics, their families and friends. Concerned with spiritual development, feminism, education and advocacy. Newsletter and chapter development guidelines.
Write:
Dignity/USA
PO Box 15373
Washington, DC 20003
Voice: 1-800-877-8797
Website: http://www.dignityusa.org
E-mail: info@dignityusa.org
Verified: 10/14/2008

Society for the Second Self (Tri-Ess International)

National. 30 chapters. Founded 1976. Provides informational and educational resources to promote the understanding of crossdressing. Offers support equally for heterosexual crossdressers, their spouses, partners and families. Emphasizes security and confidentiality, full expression of both masculine and feminine elements, the balance and integration of these traits into the whole personality and relationship-building. Pen pals and Big Sister programs, quarterly journal and newsletter and membership directory. Online forums. Annual conventions for crossdressers, spouses, partners and couples.
Write:
Society for the Second Self
P.O. Box 980638
Houston, TX 77098-0638
Voice: 713-349-9910
Website: http://www.tri-ess.org
E-mail: TRIESSINFO@aol.com
Verified: 10/14/2008

PFLAG (Parents, Families and Friends of Lesbians and Gays)

International. 490 chapters worldwide. Founded 1981. Helps families understand and accept gay, lesbian, bisexual and transgendered family members. Offers help in strengthening families, support groups for families and friends, educational outreach, newsletter, chapter development guidelines, grassroots advocacy, information and referrals. Also has a Transgender Network (PFLAG TNET).
Write:
PFLAG
1726 M St. NW, Suite 400
Washington, DC 20036
Voice: 202-467-8180 or 216-691-4357 (for TNET)
Fax: 202-467-8194
Website: http://www.pflag.org
E-mail: info@pflag.org
Verified: 10/14/2008

National Gay and Lesbian Task Force

National. Founded 1973. Advocates and organizes for the rights of gay, lesbian, bisexual and transgendered people. Technical assistance for state and local organizers. Publications, materials and newsletter.
Write:
National Gay and Lesbian Task Force
1325 Massachusetts Ave. NW, #600
Washington, DC 20005
Voice: 202-393-5177
Fax: 202-393-2241
Website: http://www.thetaskforce.org
E-mail: ngltf@ngltf.org
Verified: 10/15/2008

Rainbow Room

Model. Founded 1979. Adult-facilitated support group for gay, lesbian, bisexual, transgender and questioning youth (ages 13-21). Provides a safe space for youth to talk about the issues that affect their daily lives.
Write:
Hartford Gay and Lesbian Health Collective
P.O. Box 2094
c/o Rainbow Room
Hartford, CT 06145-2094
Voice: 860-278-4163
Fax: 860-278-5995
E-mail: info@hglhc.org
Verified: 10/15/2008

International Foundation for Gender Education

International. Founded 1978. Support and educational services for and about gender variant persons (including transsexuals, cross-dressers, intersex, androgynes, non-gendered and multi-gendered persons). Services include referrals to local support groups and to medical and psychological professionals. Speakers program, publication of 'Transgender Tapestry' magazine, Synchronicity Bookstore and national outreach.
Write:
International Foundation for Gender Education
P.O. Box 540229
Waltham, MA 02454-0229
Voice: 781-899-2212
Fax: 781-899-5703
Website: http://www.ifge.org
E-mail: info@ifge.org
Verified: 10/14/2008

COURAGE

International. Over 95 groups. Founded 1980. Provides spiritual support and fellowship for men and women with same-sex attractions who are striving to live chaste lives in accordance with the Roman Catholic Church's teachings. The companion group, EnCourage, is for families and friends of persons with same-sex attractions. Newsletter, phone help, conferences, and assistance in starting groups.
Write:
COURAGE
210 W. 31st St.
c/o St. John The Baptist
New York, NY 10001
Voice: 212-268-1010
Website: http://www.couragerc.net
E-mail: NYCourage@aol.com
Verified: 10/15/2008

Homosexuals Anonymous

National. 40 chapters. Founded 1980. Christian fellowship of men and women who have chosen to help each other to live free from homosexuality. Group support through weekly meetings. Online groups. Newsletter, chapter manual.
Write:
Homosexuals Anonymous
P.O. Box 7881
Reading, PA 19603
Voice: 610-779-2500
Verified: 10/14/2008

COLAGE (Children Of Lesbians And Gays Everywhere)

International. 40 affiliated groups. Founded 1990. Mission of COLAGE is to connect and empower people to make the world better for children of lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender parents. Information and referrals, conferences, pen pals, literature and newsletter. Various online programs.
Write:
COLAGE
1550 Bryant St., Suite 830
San Francisco, CA 94103
Voice: 415-861-5437
Fax: 415-255-8345
Website: http://www.colage.org
E-mail: colage@colage.org
Verified: 10/14/2008

Family Equality Council

National. 160+ local groups. Founded 1979. Support, education and advocacy for gay, lesbian and transgendered parents, prospective parents and their families. Information and referrals, phone support, family events, literature and newsletter. Assistance in starting groups.
Write:
Family Equality Council
P.O. Box 206
Boston, MA 02133
Voice: 617-502-8700
Fax: 617-502-8701
Website: http://www.familyequality.org
E-mail: info@familyequality.org
Verified: 10/13/2008

Straight Spouse Network (SSN)

International network. 75 groups and 61 state/country contacts. Founded 1986. Confidential personal support network serving current or former heterosexual spouses or partners, of gay, lesbian, bisexual or transgender mates and mixed-orientation couples. Empowers straight spouses or partners cope constructively and promotes understanding between spouses, within families and with the larger community through education and collaboration. Resource information, research-based publications, referrals, newsletter, reading and media references. Guideline available for starting new groups. Numerous confidential internet lists.
Write:
Straight Spouse Network
P.O. Box 507
Mahwah, NJ 07430
Voice: 201-825-7763
Website: http://www.straightspouse.org
E-mail: dir@straightspouse.org
Verified: 10/15/2008

Mautner Project, The National Lesbian Health Organization

Model. Several groups in Washington, DC. Founded 1990. Cancer support and survivorship groups for lesbian, bisexual and transgender women who partner with women (WPWs) their partners, and caregivers. Bereavement support groups for WPWs who have lost a partner, friend or loved one. Smoking cessation groups for the lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender community. Health self-empowerment groups for black WPWs. Provides phone and online support to WPWs outside the DC-Metro area. Provides LGBT cultural competency training to health care professionals and their staff members. Educates the lesbian/WPW community about health issues. Information and referrals, phone support, literature, newsletter, advocacy.
Write:
Mautner Project
1875 Conn. Ave. NW, Suite 710
Washington, DC 20009
Voice: 1-866-628-8637 or 202-332-5536
Fax: 202-332-0662
TDD: 202-332-5536
Website: http://www.mautnerproject.org
E-mail: mautner@mautnerproject.org
Verified: 10/21/2008


The above information was "verified" as correct on the date at the end of each entry. Since American Self-Help Group Clearinghouse's database is extensive but staffing is limited and information for these organizations can change, it is not possible to keep every entry in American Self-Help Group Clearinghouse database completely current and accurate. Please check with the organizations listed for the most current information.

For additional information on self-help groups, please visit the American Self-Help Group Clearinghouse web site at http://www.mentalhelp.net/selfhelp

If you find information that is not current, please contact American Self-Help Group Clearinghouse at: admin@selfhelpgroups.org

Copyright © 2009 American Self-Help Group Clearinghouse. All rights reserved.


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Topic Contents
 Dignity/USA
 Society for the Second Self (Tri-Ess International)
 PFLAG (Parents, Families and Friends of Lesbians and Gays)
 National Gay and Lesbian Task Force
 Rainbow Room
 International Foundation for Gender Education
 COURAGE
 Homosexuals Anonymous
 COLAGE (Children Of Lesbians And Gays Everywhere)
 Family Equality Council
 Straight Spouse Network (SSN)
 Mautner Project, The National Lesbian Health Organization