Even though LGBTQIA+ kids may face risk factors for mental health challenges, some may have access to protective factors that help them stay optimistic, proud and resilient. Here’s some helpful resources for youth, parents, schools and more to help support and understand LGBTQIA+ youth.
For schools
It Gets Better Project | Free-to-download EduGuides
Welcoming Schools | A Checklist for a Welcoming and Inclusive School Environment
Welcoming Schools | Gender Support Checklist for Transgender & Non-Binary Students
Welcoming Schools | Diverse Books to Create LGBTQ+ Inclusive Classrooms & Schools
CA Dept of Education | Educator Excellence: Supporting LGBTQ+ Students
For everyone
Community Counseling & Supportive Services CCSS | Orange County, California Health Care Agency
LGBTQ Center Orange County | Offers social events, groups, mental health services, and parent support (including a support group for Spanish-speaking caregivers). Also has a free binder clinic, name/gender change legal clinic, immigration resources, and more.
The Trevor Project | A Guide to Being an Ally to Transgender and Nonbinary Youth
For parents and caregivers
Family Acceptance Project ® | Educational material that highlights the importance of family support of LGBTQ youth
healthychildren.org | Gender-Diverse & Transgender Children | American Academy of Pediatrics
PFLAG | | Support and information for parents and families of LGBTQ+ people
Gender Spectrum | Information, virtual groups and discussion forums for parents
For youth
Q Chat Space | Online groups and resources for LGBTQ+ youth
TrevorSpace | An affirming international community for LGBTQ young people ages 13 & older
The Trevor Project | The Coming Out Handbook
The Trevor Project | Resource Center
For supporting LGBTQ+ youth of color and their families
GLSEN | Supporting LGBTQ+ Students of Color
NQAPIA | Supporting LGBTQ Asian American, South Asian, Southeast Asian, and Pacific Islanders
PFLAG | Resources for API Families (available in English, Vietnamese, Mandarin, Cantonese, Korean, Japanese, Indonesian, Thai, Khmer, Hmong, Lao, Arabic, Hindi, Bengali and more)
Somos Familia | Information, groups, and videos in English and Spanish
National Queer and Trans Therapists of Color Network
NBJC | National Black Justice Coalition
Faith-based
PFLAG National Faith Resources | LGBTQ-affirming resources related to Islam, Christianity, Judaism, and interfaith communities
Transgender Care Listings | Buddhist Trans Community Resources
National LGBTQ Task Force | Find a welcoming Christian congregation (International)
GALVA-108 | International organization for LGBTI Hindus and Vaishnavas
Sarbat Sikhs | Volunteer-led group addressing LGBT+ issues from a Sikh perspective
Legal
National Center for Transgender Equality
Crisis Resources
If your child expresses thoughts of wanting to harm themselves or others, call 9-1-1 or visit the nearest emergency department.
988 Suicide and Crisis Lifeline:
Call 9-8-8
Text any message to 9-8-8
Chat online at 988lifeline.org/chat
Crisis Text Line:
Text “HOME” to 741741
