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Sexual Orientation / Gay and Lesbian

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, newsletter and membership directory. Online forums. Annual conventions for crossdressers, spouses, partners and couples.
Write:
Tri-Ess International
P.O. Box 980638
Houston, TX 77098-0638
Voice: 713-349-9910
Website: http://www.tri-ess.org
E-mail: triessinfo@aol.com
Verified: 4/1/2011

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). For information about TNET call Karen Gross 216-691-4357.
Write:
PFLAG
1828 L St. NW, Ste. 660
Washington, DC 20036
Voice: 202-467-8180
Fax: 202-467-8194
Website: http://www.pflag.org
E-mail: info@pflag.org
Verified: 4/1/2011

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: info@thetaskforce.org
Verified: 9/2/2011

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:
Rainbow Room
c/o Hartford Gay/Lesbian Health Collective
P.O. Box 2094
Hartford, CT 06145-2094
Voice: 860-278-4163
Fax: 860-278-5995
E-mail: info@hglhc.org
Verified: 8/22/2011

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 02254-0229
Voice: 781-899-2212
Website: http://www.ifge.org
E-mail: info@ifge.org
Verified: 4/1/2011

COURAGE

International. 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, spouses and friends of persons with same-sex attractions. Newsletter, phone help,ListServes (online support), annual conferences, regional days of recollection and assistance in starting groups.
Write:
COURAGE International, Inc.
8 Leonard Street
Norwalk, CT 06850
Voice: 203-803-1564
Website: http://www.couragerc.org
E-mail: nycourage@aol.com
Verified: 8/25/2011

COLAGE (Children Of Lesbians And Gays Everywhere)

International. 13 affiliated chapters. Founded 1990. Mission 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, newsletter, leadership development, education and advocacy. 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: 10/24/2011

Family Equality Council

National. 160+ local groups. Founded 1979. Support, education and advocacy for gay, lesbian, bisexual or 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: 8/22/2011

Straight Spouse Network (SSN)

International network. 57 groups and 88 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 to 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. Support media and research information call 510-595-1005
Website: http://www.straightspouse.org
E-mail: dir@straightspouse.org
Verified: 8/26/2011

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. Information and referrals, phone support, literature, newsletter and advocacy.
Write:
Mautner Project, The National Lesbian Health Organization
1875 Connecticut Ave. NW
Suite 710
Washington, DC 20009
Voice: 1-866-628-8637 or 202-332-5536 (Mon.-Fri., 9am-5:30pm EST)
Fax: 202-332-0662
Website: http://www.mautnerproject.org
E-mail: info@mautnerproject.org
Verified: 9/6/2011

Intersex Society of North America

Online. Support for individuals born with an anatomy that someone decided is not standard for male or female. Newsletter, reading materials, library, and weblinks.
Website: http://www.isna.org/support
Verified: 6/28/2011

Princess Boy / Strength Girl Acceptance Groups

National. Founded 2010. Nonjudgemental support for parents/caregivers of children who question their gender. A place for parents/caregivers to be together in an accepting environment, explore a positive sense of self and build a supportive community for children. Write Cheyl Kilodavis c/o MyPrincessBoy, 10115 Greenwood Ave N, #273, Seattle, WA 98155.
Write:
Princess Boy / Strength Girl Acceptance Groups
c/o MyPrincessBoy
10115 Greenwood Ave N, #273
Seattle, WA 98155
Website: http://www.myprincessboy.com
E-mail: cheryl@myprincessboy.com
Verified: 9/9/2011

Asexuality Visibility and Education Network (AVEN)

(MULTILINGUAL) Online. Provides support for persons who are asexual, older asexual persons, demisexual persons, their partners, friends and family. Website has forums, chat, pen-pals, information and check for lical area meetups.
Website: http://www.asexuality.org/en/index.php?/forum/41-asexuality or http://www.asexuality.org
E-mail: info@asexuality.org
Verified: 9/29/2011

Regard Online

Online. Founded 2004. Provides mutual support for disabled LBGT people. Offers information, advice, online support for members. Combats the social isolation through Regard Chat for discussion and more social contacts. Provides advocacy and campaigns on issues affecting disabled LBGT people. Provides online newsletters, news and notices.
Write:
BM Regard
London, UK WC1N 3XX
Website: http://www.regard.org.uk or http://facebook.com/#!/group.php?gid=131451632773
E-mail: secretary@regard.org.uk
Verified: 10/19/2011

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 � 2011 American Self-Help Group Clearinghouse. All rights reserved.

WebMD Medical Reference from the American Self-Help Clearinghouse

Last Updated: May 16, 2012
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.This information is not intended to replace the advice of a doctor. Healthwise disclaims any liability for the decisions you make based on this information.   

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