Local, Providence & Rhode Island

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Rhode Island Pride     http://www.prideri.com/
Providence & Rhode Island’s local pride organization. (Note: largest pride organization in New England).
 

Youth Pride, Inc.    http://www.youthprideri.org/
YPI’s goals are to meet the social, emotional and educational needs of lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, queer and questioning (LGBTQQ) youth and their allies through empowering programs of support, education, organizing and advocacy, while working to change the homophobic, biphobic and transphobic environments in which they live.
 

Options     http://optionsri.org/
Providence’s local gay news magazine.
 

Lesbian Social Group    http://www.meetup.com/RI-Lesbian-Social-Group/
A local community of lesbian writer’s that gather together to for writing exercises and support. Meets at the Rochambeau library, Hope Street, Providence – Mondays, 7-8:30pm.
 

PFLAG (Greater Providence Chapter)     http://www.pflagprovidence.org/
Parents and friends of lesbians and gays is a national organization that works to help and support GLBT people and their friends and families. They offer support in helping members to cope with an adverse society, provide educational services to educate an ill-informed public, and advocacy to end discrimination and secure equal civil rights.
 

Providence Gay Men’s Chorus     http://www.provgmc.org/
The Providence Gay Men's Chorus (PGMC) aspires to deliver uplifting, empowering messages of equality for all, to present unique & collaborative musical performances by one of the finest gay male choral ensembles in the country, and to be inspirational leaders of social change, locally, regionally & globally.
 

TGI Network of R.I.     http://www.tginetwork.org/
Our mission is to serve the needs of the transgender, gender-variant, and intersex (TGI) communities in Rhode Island and surrounding areas through support, advocacy, and education. We seek to be a resource for TGI people navigating their life journeys as well as the legal and medical systems through our own programs and through collaboration with other organizations. In addition, we seek to serve as a resource to professionals working with the TGI community and as a liaison between the TGI and LGBT communities as well as the community at large.
 

TransQueer RI    trans.queer.ri@gmail.com
Friendship, fun activities, and support for transgender, queer, and like-minded people. Gatherings 3rd Sunday of each month.
 

RI Women’s Association      http://www.riwa.net/
Lesbian social group; age 21+; dances and other fun events.
 

Women’s Resource Center of RI      http://www.wrcnbc.org/
The Women’s Resource Center (WRC) of Newport and Bristol Counties was founded in 1977 to provide comprehensive domestic violence intervention and prevention services that educate, advocate, and shelter any individual in need of assistance.  Each year we help women, children, families, men and the elderly to obtain the services they need to secure their physical, mental, emotional and financial safety from domestic abuse.
 

Newport Out      http://www.newportout.com/
LGBT website featuring everything Newport, RI.
 

Brown University Queer Alliance     http://students.brown.edu/Queer_Alliance/
Student advocacy and support organization at Brown University with numerous sub groups for various interests and identities within the LGBTQ community.
 

The Next Thing (TNT)  401.863.3062
Political and support group for queer people of color located at Brown University.
 

RI Human Rights Commission     http://www.richr.state.ri.us/frames.html
Anti-discrimination law enforcement agency with jurisdiction in employment, housing, public accommodations and credit.
 

RI Commission on Prejudice & Bias    http://hatecrimeri.org/
Hate crime awareness training program.

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Straight But Not Narrow Coalition   401.847.7637
Straight support for the LGBT community.
 

New England

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Fenway Gay & Lesbian Helpline    617.267.9001 Toll Free: 888.240.4528
Support, information, & referrals for the GLBT community from Fenway Community health Center in Boston. Open Daily, 6-11p. 
 

Bisexual Resource Center    http://www.biresource.net/
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.
 

American Civil Liberties Union - Providence      http://www.riaclu.org/
Their mission is to defend and promote the fundamental principles and values embodied in the Bill of Rights, the U.S. Constitution, and the Rhode Island Constitution, including freedom of speech and religion, and the right to privacy, equality and due process of law for all Rhode Islanders.
 

Biversity Boston     http://biversity.org/Biversity_Boston/Biversity.html
Mixed-sex social network. Bi-monthly brunches and other social events.
 

Boston Bisexual Women’s Network     http://www.biwomenboston.org/
Social activities including monthly brunches, coming out groups, and quarterly newsletter “Bi Women”.
 

Cape & Islands Gay & Straight Youth Alliance    http://www.cigsya.org/
CIGSYA (The Cape & Islands Gay & Straight Youth Alliance) is a community-based alliance of young people from fourteen to twenty-two that exists to improve the lives of LGBTIQQS (lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, intersex, queer, questioning and straight) youth on Cape Cod and the Islands by addressing key risk factors such as the self hate, isolation and fear, which are often prevalent in their lives. CIGSYA works toward eliminating all forms of discrimination based on differences through education and training, and by providing a space where young people come together in an environment of respect, free from judgment and harassment. CIGSYA’s programs involve youth leadership in decision-making, program design and implementation.
 

Gay Men’s Domestic Violence Project    http://www.gmdvp.org/
Support, information, shelter.

 

National Organizations

Bisexual Resource Center    http://www.biresource.net/
Advocates for bisexual visibility and raises awareness about bisexuality throughout the LGBT.
 

American Liberties Union    http://www.aclu.org/
The ACLU also works to extend rights to segments of our population that have traditionally been denied their rights, including people of color; women; lesbians, gay men, bisexuals and transgender people; prisoners; and people with disabilities.
 

Gay and Lesbian Advocates and Defenders     http://www.glad.org/
We are New England’s leading legal rights organization dedicated to ending discrimination based on sexual orientation, HIV status and gender identity and expression.
 

PFLAG National     www.pflag.org
Parents and friends of lesbians and gays is a national organization that works to help and support GLBT people and their friends and families. They offer support in helping members to cope with an adverse society, provide educational services to educate an ill-informed public, and advocacy to end discrimination and secure equal civil rights.
 

Gay, Lesbian & Straight Education Network (GLSEN)    http://www.glsen.org
The Gay, Lesbian and 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.
 

Lambda Legal Defense and Education Fund    http://www.lambdalegal.org/
Lambda Legal is a national organization committed to achieving full recognition of the civil rights of lesbians, gay men, bisexuals, transgender people and those with HIV though impact litigation, education, and public policy work.
 

Human Rights Campaign (HRC)   www.hrc.org
The Human Rights Campaign is America's largest civil rights organization working to achieve lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender (LGBT) equality. By inspiring and engaging all Americans, HRC strives to end discrimination against LGBT citizens and realize a nation that achieves fundamental fairness and equality for all.
 

BiNet USA     http://www.binetusa.org/
A nonprofit organization, it is the oldest national bisexual entity in the United States. It is a network of groups, projects and individuals, encouraging dialogue and participation as a way of creating and maintaining a cohesive bisexual community and empowering individuals to feel proud of their bisexuality.
 

The Gay & Lesbian Alliance Against Defamation (GLAAD)     http://www.glaad.org/
The Gay & Lesbian Alliance Against Defamation (GLAAD) amplifies the voice of the LGBT community by empowering real people to share their stories, holding the media accountable for the words and images they present, and helping grassroots organizations communicate effectively. By ensuring that the stories of LGBT people are heard through the media, GLAAD promotes understanding, increases acceptance, and advances equality.
 

National Gay & Lesbian Task Force     http://thetaskforce.org/
The mission of the National Gay and Lesbian Task Force is to build the grassroots power of the lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender (LGBT) community. We do this by training activists, equipping state and local organizations with the skills needed to organize broad-based campaigns to defeat anti-LGBT referenda and advance pro-LGBT legislation, and building the organizational capacity of our movement. Our Policy Institute, the movement’s premier think tank, provides research and policy analysis to support the struggle for complete equality and to counter right-wing lies. As part of a broader social justice movement, we work to create a nation that respects the diversity of human expression and identity and creates opportunity for all.
 

Sexuality Information and Education Council for the US     http://www.siecus.org/
SIECUS affirms that sexuality is a fundamental part of being human, one that is worthy of dignity and respect. We advocate for the right of all people to accurate information, comprehensive education about sexuality, and sexual health services. SIECUS works to create a world that ensures social justice and sexual rights.
 

Straight Spouse Network     http://www.straightspouse.org/
The Straight Spouse Network (SSN) is an international organization that provides personal, confidential support and information to heterosexual spouses/partners, current or former, of gay, lesbian, bisexual or transgender mates and mixed-orientation couples for constructively resolving coming-out problems. SSN also offers research-based information about spouse, couple, and family issues and resources to other family members, professionals, community organizations, and the public. SSN is the only support network of its kind in the world.
 

National Association of LGBT Community Centers     http://www.lgbtcenters.org/
The Community of LGBT (Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Transgender) Centers exists to support the development of strong, sustainable LGBT community centers and to build a unified center movement.
 

National Center for Lesbian Rights     http://www.nclrights.org/
The National Center for Lesbian Rights is a national legal organization committed to advancing the civil and human rights of lesbian, gay, bisexual, and transgender people and their families through litigation, public policy advocacy, and public education.
 

American Civil Liberties Union    http://www.aclu.org/
The ACLU is our nation's guardian of liberty, working daily in courts, legislatures and communities to defend and preserve the individual rights and liberties that the Constitution and laws of the United States guarantee everyone in this country.
 

Gender Pac: Gender Public Advocacy Coalition    http://www.gpac.org/

TrueChild helps donors, policy-makers and practitioners reconnect race, class and gender through "gender transformative" approaches that challenge rigid gender norms and inequities. They are especially interested in the impact of gender on at-risk communities, including those that are of color, LGBTQ, or low income.
 

Gay and Lesbian Medical Association    http://glma.org/

GLMA's mission is to ensure equality in healthcare for lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender (LGBT) individuals and healthcare providers.
 

Financial Aid for LGBT Students    http://www.finaid.org/otheraid/lgbt.phtml

Finaid describes a number of scholarships available to lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgendered students. These scholarships offer a variety of criteria for eligibility. This is not an exhaustive list of all the possible sources of scholarships.
 

The Point Foundation    http://www.pointfoundation.org/

Point Foundation seeks the partnership of philanthropic individuals, corporations and foundations to supply financial support, professional guidance and a network of contacts for LGBTQ undergraduate, graduate and post-graduate students.

 

National Youth Organizations

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National Consortium of Directors of LGBT Resources in Higher Education     http://lgbtcampus.org/

The combined vision and mission of the Consortium is to achieve higher education environments in which lesbian, gay, bisexual, and transgender students, faculty, staff, administrators, and alumni have equity in every respect.
 

Youth Guardian Services     http://www.youth-guard.org/
Youth Guardian Services is a youth-run, 501(c)(3) non-profit organization that provides support services on the Internet to gay, lesbian, bisexual, transgendered, questioning, and straight supportive youth. At this time the organization operates solely on private donations from individuals.
 

Youth Pride     http://www.youthpride.org/
YouthPride, a 501(c)3 non-profit organization, protects, unites, and dignifies the lives of gay, lesbian, bisexual, transgender, queer and questioning youth and young adults.
 

National Youth Advocacy Coalition    http://www.nyacyouth.org/
The National Youth Advocacy Coalition (NYAC) is a social justice organization that advocates for and with young people who are lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, or questioning (LGBTQ) in an effort to end discrimination against these youth and to ensure their physical and emotional well-being.
 

LGBTQ People of Color

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Gay Asian Pacific Alliance    http://www.gapa.org/
The Gay Asian Pacific Alliance (GAPA) in San Francisco Bay Area, is an organization dedicated to furthering the interests of gay & bisexual Asian/Pacific Islanders by creating awareness, by developing a positive collective identity and by establishing a supportive community.
 

Trikone     http://www.trikone.org/
Trikone offers a supportive, empowering and non-judgmental environment, where LGBT South Asians can meet, make connections and proudly promote awareness and acceptance of their sexuality in society.
 

Faith Communities

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Cathedral of Hope     https://www2.cathedralofhope.com/
A congregation of the United Church of Christ that accepts and welcomes GLBT people and recognizes their relationships.
 

Dignity USA     http://www.dignityusa.org/
DignityUSA works for respect and justice for people of all sexual orientations, genders, and gender identities—especially gay, lesbian, bisexual, and transgender persons—in the Catholic Church and the world through education, advocacy, and support. In local chapters across the United States, they worship openly with other GLBT and supportive Catholics, socialize, share personal and spiritual concerns, and work together on educational and justice issues.
 

Lutherans Concerned    http://www.lcna.org/
Lutherans Concerned / North America (LC/NA) works for the full inclusion of lesbian, gay, bisexual, and transgender Lutherans in all aspects of the life of their Church and congregations. We provide a place of comfort and safety. We reach out to teach that Christ's message, the Gospel, is for everyone equally. We call for the blessing of committed and covenanted same-gender relationships, and for the ordination of those called to minister.
 

More Light Presbyterians     http://www.mlp.org/
A network of people seeking the full participation of lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender people of faith in the life, ministry and witness of the Presbyterian Church (USA).
 

HeartStrong    http://www.heartstrong.org/
HeartStrong is a non sectarian organization established to provide outreach to gay, lesbian, bisexual, transgender and other persons adversely affected by the influence of all denominations of religious educational institutions. HeartStrong is also committed to educating the public about the persecution of GLBT’s and others at religious educational institutions.
 

Professional Organizations

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National Lesbian and Gay Journalists Association
Founded in 1990, NLGJA is an organization of journalists, media professionals, educators and students working from within the news industry to foster fair and accurate coverage of LGBT issues. NLGJA opposes all forms of workplace bias and provides professional development to its members.
 

American Library Association GLBT Task-force
The Gay, Lesbian, Bisexual, and Transgendered Round Table of the American Library Association is committed to serving the information needs of the gay, lesbian, bisexual, and transgendered professional library community, and the gay, lesbian, bisexual, and transgendered information and access needs of individuals at large. We are committed to encouraging and supporting the free and necessary access to all information, as reflected by the missions of the American Library Association and democratic institutions.
 

Consortium of Higher Education LGBT Resource Professionals
The combined vision and mission of the Consortium is to achieve higher education environments in which lesbian, gay, bisexual, and transgender students, faculty, staff, administrators, and alumni have equity in every respect. Our goals are to support colleagues and develop curriculum to professionally enhance this work; to seek climate improvement on campuses; and to advocate for policy change, program development, and establishment of LGBT Office/Centers.

 

Gender Identity & Expression

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*See local resources list for local support organizations for gender identify & expression in Providence.

International Foundation for Gender Education
IFGE promotes acceptance for transgender people. They advocate for freedom of gender expression and promote the understanding and acceptance of All People: Transgender, Cis-gender, Transsexual, Crossdresser, Agender, Gender Queer, Intersex, Two Spirit, Hijra, Kathoey, Drag King, Drag Queen, Queer, Lesbian, Gay, Straight, Butch, Femme, Faerie, Homosexual, Bisexual, and Heterosexual.
 

Gender Education & Advocacy
Gender Education and Advocacy (GEA) is a national organization focused on the needs, issues and concerns of gender variant people in human society. We seek to educate and advocate, not only for ourselves and others like us, but for all human beings who suffer from gender-based oppression in all of its many forms.
 

Intersex Society of North America
The Intersex Society of North America (ISNA) is devoted to systemic change to end shame secrecy, and unwanted genital surgeries, for people born with an anatomy that someone decided is not standard for male or female.
 

World Professional Association for Transgender Health (WPATH)
The World Professional Association for Transgender Health (WPATH), formerly known as the (Harry Benjamin International Gender Dysphoria Association, HBIGDA), is a professional organization devoted to the understanding and treatment of gender identity disorders. WPATH Mission Statement.
 

Transgender Law & Policy Institute
We are a non-profit organization dedicated to engaging in effective advocacy for transgender people in our society. The TLPI brings experts and advocates together to work on law and policy initiatives designed to advance transgender equality.
 

Transgender Care
TransGenderCare contains a large archive of health information that we have written and compiled from our years of directly providing medical, psychological, electrology, and general health services to generations of transgender folk. Whether you are searching for information for yourself, wish to understand more about a friend or loved one, or you are a health provider wanting to explore differing treatment perspectives—we hope you find our online transgender health information archive helpful.

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Alternative Family Organizations

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COLAGE
COLAGE is a national movement of children, youth, and adults with one or more lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender and/or queer (LGBTQ) parent/s. We build community and work toward social justice through youth empowerment, leadership development, education, and advocacy.
 

Family Equality Council
They envision a future where all families, regardless of creation or composition, will be able to live in communities that recognize, respect, protect, and celebrate them. We envision a country that celebrates a diversity of family constellations and respects individuals for supporting one another and sustaining loving families.

 

Health & Sexuality Local Organizations (Rhode Island & Boston Area)

MEN2MENRI
An initiative piloted by AIDS Project RI, this website is the state of Rhode Island's most comprehensive resource for gay men's health. Filled with information on HIV testing sites, LGBTQ-friendly local doctors, community events, coming out stories, general support, frequency asked questions, and much more! Get the facts on prevention and safe sex while also staying connected to the local LGBTQ community.
 

AIDS Project: RI
Free and confidential, rapid HIV Testing (couples testing offered), HIV Resources, case managers, access to healthcare for people infected with HIV and other HIV Awareness & Health services. This organization also organizes the annual RI AIDS Walk.
 

AIDS Care Ocean State
HIV Case Management, emergency funds, mental health and nutrition support, FACTS Nursery, housing for PWAs, referrals, advocacy, Ada.m.S Clinic for adolescents, street outreach, ENCORE, education, HIV+ support groups. Sunrise Community Housing for people with HIV/AIDS. Free and confidential rapid oral HIV Testing.
 

AIDS Quilt RI
Displays local AIDS Memorial Quilt panels, panel-making programs, including Anna’s Workshop, HIV/AIDS education for young people.
 

Afia Center for Health & Wholeness     401.331.1350 x3268 or coopergo@familyserviceofri.org
Socializing with other HIV+ individuals. Meals, food, pantry, HIV support groups, recovery groups, and recreational and social activity.
 

House of Compassion    401.658.3992
HIV/AIDS Housing.
 

Jewish AIDS Taskforce    401.421.4111 x172
Displays local AIDS Memorial Quilt panels, panel-making programs, including Anna’s Workshop, HIV/AIDS education for Programs for HIV/AIDS and Jewish communities.
 

Health & Sexuality National Organizations

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Gay Straight Alliance Network
Empowering youth activist to fight homophobia and trans-phobia in schools.
 

National Black Justice Coalition
The National Black Justice Coalition (NBJC) is a civil rights organization dedicated to empowering Black lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender (LGBT) people. NBJC’s mission is to end racism and homophobia.
 

Gender Education and Advocacy
Gender Education and Advocacy (GEA) is a national organization focused on the needs, issues and concerns of gender variant people in human society. We seek to educate and advocate, not only for ourselves and others like us, but for all human beings who suffer from gender-based oppression in all of its many forms.
 

Harry Benjamin International Gender Dysphoria Association, Inc
The World Professional Association for Transgender Health (WPATH), formerly known as the (Harry Benjamin International Gender Dysphoria Association, HBIGDA), is a professional organization devoted to the understanding and treatment of gender identity disorders. WPATH Mission Statement.As an international multidisciplinary professional Association the mission of WPATH is to promote evidence based care, education, research, advocacy, public policy and respect in transgender health.
 

GLBT Health Access Project
The Gay, Lesbian, Bisexual, and Transgender (GLBT) Health Access Project is a community-based effort first funded by the Massachusetts Department of Public Health (MDPH) in 1997. The GLBT Health Access Project works with GLBT populations – and those who serve them – across the Commonwealth to respond to needs in a timely and targeted manner.
 

National Coalition for LGBT Health
The Coalition is committed to improving the health and well-being of lesbian, gay, bisexual, and transgender individuals through federal advocacy that is focused on research, policy, education, and training. The LGBT community includes individuals of every sexual orientation, gender, gender identity, race, ethnicity, and age; regardless of disability, income, education, and geography. Our members are dedicated to effecting change by uniting this rich diversity at the national level.
 

Gay & Lesbian Medical Association
GLMA's mission is to ensure equality in health care for lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender individuals and health care providers.
 

National Minority AIDS Council
The National Minority AIDS Council develops leadership in communities of color to address the challenges of HIV/AIDS.
 

Gay Men’s Health Crisis
GMHC is the world’s first and leading provider of HIV/AIDS prevention, care and advocacy. Building on decades of dedication and expertise, we understand the reality of HIV/AIDS and empower a healthy life for all.
 

The Body: Complete HIV/AIDS Resource
A complete online HIV/AIDS Resource filled with many important facts, statistics, preventative measures, and breaking developments in the fight against HIV/AIDS.
 

Lesbian Health Resource Center
Dedicated to improving the health and well being of lesbians, bisexual women and transgender individuals.
 

AEGIS
Up-to-date HIV information from around the world.