LGBTQ+ Resources: SEXUAL ORIENTATION
Below are lists of resources that have been aggregated from various sources. Scroll down to access resources on LGBTQ+ topics. Their inclusion here does not necessarily provide an endorsement. We welcome your feedback and invite you to share other resources you believe would be important to include.
ONLINE RESOURCES
PFLAG NATIONAL: Glossary of Terms
The power of language to shape our perceptions of other people is immense. Precise use of terms in regards to gender and sexual orientation can have a significant impact on demystifying many of the misperceptions associated with these concepts. However, the vocabulary of both continues to evolve, and there is not universal agreement about the definitions of many terms. Here are some working definitions and examples of frequently used (and misused) terms as a starting point for dialogue and understanding.
Visit PFLAG National’s Glossary of Terms Page
Family Acceptance Project
The Family Acceptance Project® is a research, intervention, education and policy initiative that works to prevent health and mental health risks for lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender (LGBT) children and youth, including suicide, homelessness and HIV – in the context of their families, cultures and faith communities.
Visit them online here: Family Acceptance Project
Human Rights Campaign
The Human Rights Campaign represents a force of more than 3 million members and supporters nationwide. As the largest national lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender and queer civil rights organization, HRC envisions a world where LGBTQ people are ensured of their basic equal rights, and can be open, honest and safe at home, at work and in the community. Below is a link to their Resources page for Children and Youth.
Visit them online here: HRC ONLINE
GLSEN
Resources to create safe and affirming schools for all, regardless of sexual orientation, gender identity, or gender expression.
Visit them online here: GLSEN
The Trevor Project
Founded in 1998 by the creators of the Academy Award®-winning short film TREVOR, The Trevor Project is the leading national organization providing crisis intervention and suicide prevention services to lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, queer & questioning (LGBTQ) young people under 25.
Visit them online here: The Trevor Project
Bisexual Resource Center
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.
Visit them online here: Bisexual Resource Center
Bi.org
Bi.org is a project of The American Institute of Bisexuality (AIB) and the Bisexual Foundation. We are a 501(c)(3) public charity that supports and sponsors projects likely to promote understanding and visibility about bisexuality through education, research, training, and media outreach.
Visit them online here: Bi.org
Services & Advocacy for Gay, Lesbian, Bisexual and Transgender Elders (SAGE USA)
SAGE is the country’s largest and oldest organization dedicated to improving the lives of LGBT older people. Founded in 1978 and headquartered in New York City, SAGE is a national organization that offers supportive services and consumer resources to LGBT older people and their caregivers.
Visit them online here: SAGE USA
Modern Military Association of America
Formed through the merger of the American Military Partner Association and OutServe-SLDN, the Modern Military Association of America is the nation’s largest non-profit organization for the LGBTQ military and veteran community. We are committed to education, advocacy and support for LGBTQ service members, veterans, military spouses, family members and allies.
Visit them online here: Modern Military
It Gets Better Project
The It Gets Better Project is a nonprofit organization with a mission to uplift, empower, and connect lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, and queer youth around the globe. Growing up isn’t easy, especially when you are trying to affirm and assert your sexual orientation and/or gender identity. It can be a challenging and isolating process – but, the good news is, no one has to do it alone. In 2010, Dan Savage and his partner, Terry Miller, uttered three words that would give rise to a global movement focused on empowerment of LGBTQ+ youth — it gets better. What began as a wildly successful social media campaign to provide hope and encouragement to young LGBTQ+ people has evolved into a major, multi-media platform offering over 70,000 personal video stories of LGBTQ individuals, along with our original content series.
Visit: IT GETS BETTER PROJECT
HRC Religious Resources
These resources are intended to help LGBTQ people, their families, friends and allies, find powerful and transformative spaces to learn more about the intersection of their faith and LGBTQ issues.
Visit them online here: HRC Religious Resources
Wear Your Voice is a digital magazine for and by LGBTQIA+ Black, Indigenous, and people of color (BIPOC) based in the United States. We publish reported articles, features, personal essays, and critical analyses of current events, politics, entertainment, culture, sexuality, health, and more.
CAMPUS PRIDE INDEX - Seeking colleges in safe states
SINCE 2007, THE CAMPUS PRIDE INDEX HAS BEEN THE PREMIER LGBTQ NATIONAL BENCHMARKING TOOL FOR COLLEGES AND UNIVERSITIES TO CREATE SAFER, MORE INCLUSIVE CAMPUS COMMUNITIES. THE FREE ONLINE TOOL ALLOWS PROSPECTIVE STUDENTS, FAMILIES/PARENTS AND THOSE INTERESTED IN HIGHER EDUCATION TO SEARCH A DATABASE OF LGBTQ-FRIENDLY CAMPUSES WHO HAVE COME OUT TO IMPROVE THE ACADEMIC EXPERIENCE AND QUALITY OF CAMPUS LIFE.
The Campus Pride Index sets the bar higher for LGBTQ-inclusive policies, programs and practices. The index is owned and operated by Campus Pride, the leading national nonprofit organization for student leaders and campus groups working to create safer, more LGBTQ-friendly learning environments at colleges and universities. The index is supported under the Campus Pride Q Research Institute for Higher Education as well as benefits from strategic partnerships with professional organizations in higher education and related LGBTQ nonprofit organizations.
Visit them online here: Campus Pride Index
Transforming Family: Parent Forum
Find Hundreds of Resources on this evolving parent forum list provided through Transforming Family
Resource Trove of Love and Wonder
LEGAL RESOURCES
Lambda Legal
Is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit, is a national organization committed to achieving full recognition of the civil rights of lesbians, gay men, bisexuals, transgender people and everyone living with HIV through impact litigation, education and public policy work.
Visit them online here: Lambda Legal
National Center for Lesbian Rights
NCLR is a non-profit, public interest law firm that litigates precedent-setting cases at the trial and appellate court levels; advocates for equitable public policies affecting the LGBT community; provides free legal assistance to LGBT people and their legal advocates; and conducts community education on LGBT issues.
Visit them online here: NLCR Online
SUPPORT GROUPS, MENTAL HEALTH, MEDICAL SERVICES
Visions Adolescent Treatment Centers
Is hosting a virtual Support Group for parents of LGBTQ+ teens. The free group will be facilitated by Beck Gee Cohen, MA, CADC-II on Mondays from 5:00- 6:00pm PST.
Visit them online here: VISIONS
South Bay LGBT Center
The Lesbian, Gay, Bi & Transgender Community Organization's mission is to provide a focal point for the members of our community in the South Bay for education, social interaction, personal growth, and political power, and to foster public understanding of our community. The Center offers groups, activities, resources and support for local area LGBTQ individuals and families. CLICK HERE to view a calendar of online virtual meetings.
LOCATION: 16610 Crenshaw Blvd. Torrance, CA 90504
CONTACT: 310-328-6550
Visit them online here: Southbay LGBT Center
The LGBTQ Center Long Beach
The LGBTQ Center Long Beach advances equity for LGBTQ people through culturally responsive advocacy, education, programs, and services. The Center provides Mental Health Counseling, Legal Services, Social Services, Education & Resources, Cultural Programs and Events.
LOCATION: 2017 East 4th Street, Long Beach, CA 90814
CONTACT: (562) 434-4455
Youth Services: youth@centerlb.org
Peter Baek (Manager of Youth and Family Services) : pbaek@centerlb.org
Cal Bigari (Lead School Liaison): cbigari@centerlb.org
Dani Garcia (Transitional Age Youth Coordinator) : dgarcia@centerlb.org
Visit the Center LB online here: : Long Beach LGBTQ Center
Los Angeles LGBT Center
Provides services for more LGBT people than any other organization in the world, offering programs, services, and global advocacy that span four broad categories: Health, Social Services and Housing, Culture and Education, Leadership and Advocacy.
LOCATION: 1625 N. Schrader Boulevard
Los Angeles, CA 90028-6213
CONTACT: 323-993-7400
Visit them online here: Los Angeles LGBT Center
Services Provided:
HIV and AIDS Specialty Care
Primary Medical Care
HIV and STD Testing and Prevention
Mental Health Services
Violence Prevention & Survivor Support
Addiction Recovery Services
Research
Pharmacy
STD TESTING
One in two sexually active individuals will contract an STD by age 25. Don’t be a statistic — be safe and get tested.
Find out more online here: STDTESTING.ORG
CAMPS
Camp Brave Trails
Campers describe Brave Trails as “a home away from home” and their “favorite place on earth.” Every day is at camp is full of adventure, laughing, new friends, and personal growth. All while being surrounded by LGBTQ identified role models and supportive peers that celebrate each camper for who they are. What makes us special is that we are a leadership focused summer camp. This means our campers spend every day learning about their potential to make change in their communities and grow as an individual. Want to learn more about the exciting activities and leadership workshops we offer at camp? Click Here.
MOVIES
THE SOCIAL DILEMMA (NETFLIX)
This documentary-drama hybrid explores the dangerous human impact of social networking, with tech experts sounding the alarm on their own creations.
BOOKS…
{pages} Book List from Pride 2022 - shop for books online or in person in Manhattan Beach
Books for Parents
This is a Book for Parents of Gay Kids: A Question & Answer Guide to Everyday Life
by Danielle Owens-Reid and Kristin Russo
How Homophobia Hurts Children: Nurturing Diversity at Home, at School and in the Community
by Jean M. Baker, Ph.D.
Is It a Choice: Answers to 300 of the Most Frequently Asked Questions About Gay and Lesbian People
by Eric Marcus
Always My Child: A Parent’s Guide to Understanding Your Gay, Lesbian, Bisexual, Transgendered, or Questioning Son or Daughter
by Kevin Jennings
Out of the Closet, Into Our Hearts
by Laura Siegel and Nancy Lamkin Olson, ed.
Books for Children
Hurricane Child (ages 8-12)
by Kheryn Callender
Drum Roll, Please (ages 9-13)
by Lisa Jenn Bigelow
Ivy Aberdeen’s Letter to the World (ages 8-12)
by Ashley Herring Blake
Alan Cole is Not A Coward (ages 8-12)
by Eric Bell
Educational Books for Teens
What if Someone I Know is Gay? : Answers to Questions About What it Means to be Gay and Lesbian
by Eric Marcus
Free Your Mind: The Book for Gay, Lesbian and Bisexual Youth and Their Allies
by Ellen Bass and Kate Kaufman
GLBTQ: The Survival Guide for Queer and Questioning Teens
by Kelly Hegel
Educational Books for Young Adults+
The Velvet Rage: Overcoming the Pain of Growing up Gay in a Straight Man’s World
by Alan Downs
The Way Out: The Gay Man’s Guide to Freedom
by Chris Nutter
Fiction for Teens
What if it’s us
by Becky Albertalli and Adam Silvera
Juliet Takes a Breath
by Gabby Rivera
Dress Codes for Small Towns
by Courtney C. Stevens
Aristotle and Dante Discover the Secrets of the Universe
by Benjamin Alire Sáenz
Star-Crossed (Middle School)
by Barbara Dee
The House You Pass on the Way (ages 12+)
by Jacqueline Woodson
So Hard to Say (Ages 12+)
by Alex Sánchez
For Children of Same-Sex Parents
How It Feels to Have a Gay or Lesbian Parent: A Book by Kids for Kids of All Ages
by Judith E. Snow
Daddy, Papa and Me
by Lesléa Newman
Mommy, Moma and Me
by Lesléa Newman
Baby’s First Words
by Stella Blackstone & Sunny Scribens
A Tale of Two Daddies
by Vanita Oelshlager
A Tale of Two Mommies
by Vanita Oelshlager
The Best Man (ages 9-12)
by Richard Peck
Heather Has Two Mommies
by Lesley Newman and Diana Souza
How Would You Feel if Your Dad Was Gay?
by Meredith Maran
And Tango Makes Three
by Peter Parnell
Who’s in a Family?
by Robert Skutch
Families Like Mine: Children of Gay Parents Tell It Like It Is
by Abigail Garner Martin
For Same Sex Parents & Families
Love Makes Family: Portraits of Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual and Transgender Parents and Their Families
by Gigi Kaeser, Peggy Gillespie, Kath Weston and April
Journey to Same-Sex Parenthood: Firsthand Advice, Tips, and Stories from Lesbian and Gay Couples
by Eric Rosswood
Families of Value: Intimate Profiles of Pioneering Lesbian and Gay Parents
by Robert Bernstein
The Complete Lesbian and Gay Parenting Guide
by Arlene Istar Lev
RELIGIOUS RESOURCES
God and the Gay Christian: The Biblical Case in Support of Same-Sex Relationships
by Matthew Vines
Judaism and Homosexuality: An Authentic Orthodox View
by Rabbi Chaim Rapoport
What the Bible Really Says About Homosexuality
by Daniel A. Helminiak, Ph.D.
Do’s & Don’ts of Dealing with the Religious Right
by Marc Adams and Todd Tuttle
Stranger at the Gate: To be Gay and Christian in America
by Mel White
Undivided: Coming Out, Becoming Whole, and Living Free From Shame
by Vicky Beeching
Mama’s Boy, Preacher’s Son: A Memoir
by Kevin Jennings
P.S. I Miss You (ages 9-12)
by Jen Petro-Roy