Resources for LGBTQ+ Pioneers

Many institutions and funds have been established to help students get the education they need to build a future where they are happy and prosperous. If you need some additional funds to get your degree, consider applying for scholarships. We have several resources for you, but there is also a scholarship search from Unigo if you want to cover more ground. Don’t forget to visit the Sacred Heart Financial Assistance website to explore scholarships and grants available from the college.

Human Rights Campaign

Human Rights Campaign’s LGBTQ+ student scholarship database is a great resource to find specific kinds of scholarships for LGBTQ+ graduate and undergraduate students.

Point Foundation

Point Foundation has several scholarships available to LGBTQ+ students who will be enrolled full-time, including a BIPOC specific scholarship of up to $1,500 dollars.

Campus Pride

Campus Pride has numerous resources for LGBTQ+ students, including mini-grants for LGBTQ+ social justice and a national scholarship database.

These general resources can help you become an active ally to your LGBTQ+ pioneers. Whether you want to include more LGBTQ+ curriculum or want tips on fostering a welcoming environment to LGBTQ+ students and co-workers, there’s a variety of tools and guides available for free. If you would rather attend a training session, fill out our Training Request Form to request Safe Space for faculty and staff, or Safe Zone for students.

Movement Advancement Project

The Movement Advancement Project’s (MAP) Messaging Guides are research-based resources meant to help shape conversations and discussions about LGBTQ+ topics among Americans. In talking about challenges facing the LGBTQ+ community, such as equal protections, it is important not to rely on rhetorical language that further stigmatizes this community. Language about LGBTQ+ topics should be accessible not only to the community, but also to people who are less knowledgeable and can be convinced to provide support and active allyship. MAP also has excellent resources about LGBTQ+ legislation in the United States and related territories.

Associated Press Stylebook

The Associated Press Stylebook was updated in 2023 to include some updates to LGBTQ+ terminology under gender, sex and sexual orientation. All Pioneers have access to the AP Stylebook Online for free through the library.

Gay & Lesbian Alliance Against Discrimination (GLAAD)

The Gay and Lesbian Alliance Against Discrimination (GLAAD) has a list of resources for media professionals to reference when writing about LGBTQ+ people, including special focus on topics like Monkeypox and conversion therapy. This is an extremely valuable resource for writers and researchers, as they are currently on their 11th edition of the GLAAD Media Reference Guide. They also have resources specific to transgender individuals, highlighting the influential transgender characters and the challenges transgender people still face.

Gay Lesbian & Straight Education Network (GLSEN)

The Gay Lesbian and Straight Education Network (GLSEN) has a plethora of resources for educators who want to create more inclusive educational environments for LGBTQ+ students. GLSEN’s Educator Resources includes lesson plans, professional development, and more. These resources primarily target educators of students in K-12 schools, but is still a valuable resource for educators and administrators. They also have resources for students.

Human Rights Campaign

The Human Rights Campaign has LGBTQ+ resources for professionals, as well as resources for the general public. Topics include coming out, parenting, religion & faith, hate crimes, communities of color, and more. LGBTQ+ Spanish resources are also available from their site.

The Trevor Project

The Trevor Project’s Resource Center is full of research backed findings and evidence-based practices for supporting LGBTQ+ people. It’s an excellent hub for LGBTQ+ people and allies alike. Whether you want to understand sexual identities that are new to you or want to be a better ally to transgender and non-binary youth, The Trevor Project has you covered. You can also explore the Trevor Project’s research for valuable findings as it relates to the LGBTQ+ community.

Without Exception

Without Exception is a network of Catholic educators joined in the mission of including LGBTQ+ students in education and Catholic teachings. There is no cost to become a member, and membership grants you resources and networking opportunities to meet other Catholic professionals.

Sacred Heart University has an on-call counselor you can reach by calling Campus Safety at 203-371-7911. The Counseling Center also has a list of Crisis Resources for Students.

SAGE USA

SAGE USA has a national LGBTQ+ hotline specifically for elders. LGBTQ+ elders are more likely to feel isolated and live alone, but they aren’t alone in those feelings. Call 877-360-5428 to connect with a counselor. The hotline is open 24/7.

988

988 is a national suicide prevention hotline open 24/7. You can call or text 988 toll-free to be connected with a counselor in your state. Press 3 to connect with an LGBTQ+ affirming crisis counselor, visit their website to chat, or text Q to 988. Their website also has resources and guidance for specific populations.

Trans Lifeline

Trans Lifeline offers peer-support and crisis services to transgender and gender questioning individuals in English and Spanish, 24/7. It is entirely staffed by transgender individuals, and they will not call intervention services without your consent. If you are unable to get through, their website has a library of hotlines, warmlines, and other resources to help guide you overcome what you’re experiencing.

The Trevor Project

The Trevor Project’s Crisis Hotline is available to LGBTQ+ young people in crisis. You can talk to a counselor via their online crisis chat, by calling 1-866-488-7386, or by texting ‘START’ to 678-678. Available 24/7.

Sacred Heart University wants you to embrace and nourish all dimensions of yourself, including spiritually. Per our mission statement, the University embraces a vision for social justice that educates students in mind, body, and spirit. If you are struggling with your faith as it relates to your sexuality, we encourage you to reach out to our Chaplains or members of our Ministry. They are here to support your spiritual journey in a way that embraces your holistic self.

Our Chaplains include Father John Ograh (Catholic), Venerable Shim Bo (Buddhist), Rabbi Josh Ratner, Father Danny Schieffler (Russian Orthodox), Reverend Sara Smith (Protestant Christian), and Acharya Venkata Govardhanam (Hindu). You are also welcome to visit Mission & Culture, which is located across from the Multicultural Center in the Academic Center.

United Congregational Church

United Congregational Church of Bridgeport is an openly LGBTQ+ affirming church. It is one of the oldest churches in the United States, having been established in 1695. The church’s multicultural and welcoming community is lead by Senior Minister Sara Smith, who is also a member of our campus ministry. Services are Sunday at 10 a.m., and dinner on the third Sunday of the month at 5:30 p.m.

2200 North Avenue
Bridgeport, CT 06604
203-335-3107

Congregation B’nai Israel

Congregation B’nai Israel of Bridgeport is an LGBTQ+ affirming place of worship for Jewish individuals. They have a host of community-oriented programs and services for Jewish people, including scholarships. The congregation also has an outreach group specifically for LGBTQ+ identifying people called Kulanu, which means “all of us”. They have Shabbat dinners, holiday celebrations, educational programs, and more. pre-Oneg Shabbat is Friday nights at 5:30 p.m. On Saturday mornings, a bagel breakfast follows the 8 a.m. service.

2710 Park Avenue
Bridgeport, CT, 06604
203-336-1858

New Ways Ministry

New Ways Ministry is a Catholic outreach that seeks to build bridges between the LGBTQ+ community and the Catholic Church. They accomplish this through advocacy, programming, retreats, and resources for followers and professionals alike. You can find copies of their publication A Home for All: A Catholic Call for LGBTQ+ Non-Discrimination in the Multicultural Center & SAGE Center libraries.

GoodReads

GoodReads’ LGBT Christian Books list has positive, popular books that explore the intersections of faith and LGBTQ+ identity. The University Library also has resources available that explore this topic through an affirming lens. The SAGE Center also has several titles about faith & LGBTQ+ identity in their library.

Church Clarity

Church Clarity is a website where people of faith can find LGBTQ+ affirming congregations. If you are seeking a place to worship and bring your whole self, Church Clarity’s volunteers review the policies of local churches. You can also submit a church if you do not see yours.

Q Christian Fellowship

Q Christian Fellowship is a non-profit organization with the belief that everyone is a beloved child of God. Their website has resources for LGBTQ+ people of faith in both English and Spanish on a variety of topics. They also host community groups, an annual conference, mentorship programs and retreats.

Our Bible

Our Bible is a mobile application for progressive people of faith who are feeling isolated by harmful interpretations of the scripture. Developed by a Christian lesbian, the app has multiple translations of the bible, affinity chat groups, podcasts, and devotionals. You can enjoy the app for free or pay a small monthly subscription for more features. The app is available for Apple and Android devices.

PFLAG’s Faith Resources

PFLAG’s Faith Resources has a variety of resources to support the spiritual wellness for LGBTQ+ people of faith. Whether you are seeking a place to practice, a retreat, educational resources, or social support, they have several pages for multiple faiths.

• Faith in Our Families (publication)
• Taking the Long Road Home (video)
• Faith & Suicide Prevention Resources for Latter-day Saints Followers
• be not afraid- help is on the way! straight for equality in faith communities (publication)

There are a variety of measures that can be taken to provide gender affirming care to transgender individuals. Medical treatment, name changes, and even clothing can help a transgender person feel more comfortable in their body and in social environments. 30 medical organizations in the United States recognize gender affirming care as medically necessary for the well-being of transgender and gender non-conforming patients. Care providers can support people in transition and give them the information they need to make decisions about receiving care.

Hormone Replacement Therapy

Hormone Replacement Therapy (HRT) is a form of gender affirming healthcare. Hormones are prescribed by a healthcare professional to allow transgender people to essentially undergo their desired puberty. Most of the changes are irreversible, but necessary for many transgender people to feel more at home in their bodies and alleviate feelings of gender dysphoria. This treatment is often a precursor to other gender affirming treatments, such as sex reassignment surgery or chest reconstruction.

Planned Parenthood

Planned Parenthood offers hormone replacement therapy to individuals over 18 years of age without a mental health evaluation or counseling. They can also provide referrals, education and additional resources.

4697 Main Street
Bridgeport, CT 06606
203-366-0664

345 Whitney Ave
New Haven, CT 06511
203-503-0450

Anchor Health

Anchor Health offers consent-based hormone replacement therapy to individuals over 18 years of age. They can also assist with finding providers for gender-affirming surgeries and other procedures.

2200 Whitney Ave, Suite 290
Hamden, CT 06518
203-903-8308

30 Myano Lane, Suite 16
Stamford, CT 06902
203-903-8308

Circle Care Center

Circle Care Center can assist with all stages of your transition into comfort. Alongside hormone replacement therapy, they can assist with the name change process and provide you with referrals for gender affirming surgeries.

618 West Avenue
Norwalk, CT, 06850
203-852-9525

Yale Medicine

Yale Medicine offers pediatric gender affirming care to children, adolescents, and young adults. This care involves a team of specialists to provide compassionate care to transgender youth. Please note that the center does not offer medical intervention for pre-pubescent children; pre-pubescent children are guided through social transition until it is medically appropriate to use surgery or hormone replacement therapy.

Connecticut Children's

Connecticut Children’s has a pediatric program for pre-pubescent and adolescent transgender youth. Parents who wish to seek services for their children must have a provider refer the child for the Gender Program. Pre-pubescent children will not receive medical intervention, as it is not medically appropriate until the onset of puberty. They have a team of specialists to specialize in all realms of the child’s care during their social and/or medical transition.

Speech Therapy

During one’s transition, their voice can be a point of gender dysphoria. Speech Pathologists specializing in voice therapy (also known as voice training) can help patients acquire a voice that aligns with their gender. While there is no “right” or “wrong” way to express your gender, some transgender people experience distress when others misgender them based on their voice. Transgender voice therapy can help patients reach their transition goals safely and comfortably.

Sarah Gromko

Sarah Gromko is a gender-affirming voice therapist with over 30 years of experience. She runs her own private practice and sees patients via telehealth. Referral may be needed for insurance coverage. 203-868-0767

Hilary Weisberg

Hilary Weisberg runs her own private practice in Connecticut for speech-language pathology. Her approach to speech therapy incorporates mindfulness practices to treat patients holistically. Patients can work with Hilary to develop their authentic voice, as well as modify their non-verbal communication. 203-812-0036

Alida Engel

Alida Engel with the Center for Speech and Learning in New Haven has over 15 years of experience working with transgender patients to achieve their vocal transition goals. She is a licensed speech pathologist and therapist who can help patients habituate a non-stressed voice that gives them confidence. Free consultations available to interested patients. 

801 Edgewood Ave.
New Haven, CT, 06515
203-397-3224

PeerPride

PeerPride offers gender affirming voicework & music therapy from board-certified music therapist Rae Inmon to help individuals meet their gender affirming goals, whether that is to align with traditional expectations of one’s gender or to challenge these expectations. Using musical experiences, their approach uses the voice as a musical instrument to explore, access, and embody one’s voice in an affirming way. Sliding scale pay.

Speech Pathology Group & Rehab Services of CT

The Speech Pathology Group & Rehab Services of CT offers gender affirming voice services from speech-language pathologists (SLPs) at their Shelton and Southbury locations. A patient’s SLP can help them explore and change different aspects of their voice and communication, while also addressing overall vocal health.

10 Progress Drive, Suite 2B
Shelton, CT, 06484
475-239-5512

519 Heritage Road, Suite 1E
Southbury, CT 06488
475-239-5512

Document Update Assistance

Transgender individuals often change their name as part of their gender transition. To have this name and new gender be reflected on official documents is a gender affirming practice and can be important to the safety of a transgender person. Navigating the legal landscape can be challenging, which is why many organizations offer practical and financial assistance for those seeking to update their identifying documents.

National Center for Transgender Equality

National Center for Transgender Equality has guidance on what steps you will need to take to change your name on your documents in the United States & territories.

PeerPride

PeerPride offers free ID Change assistance, including individual support and group sessions for navigating the process. If you are interested, fill out the contact form on their page and someone should reach out to you.

New Haven Pride Center

New Haven Pride Center helps individuals update personal documents as part of their case management program. In-person and virtual appointments available.

50 Orange Street
New Haven, CT, 06511

Circle Care Center

Circle Care Center can assist with the legal name change process as part of their offerings to transgender individuals.

618 West Avenue
Norwalk, CT, 06850
203-852-9525

Gender Affirming Clothing & Accessories

We know to feel your best, you also need to look your best. For transgender people, this means wearing garments that help you feel more comfortable in your body. Gender affirming clothing, like shapewear, can alleviate feelings of dysphoria and give confidence.

Rubies

Rubies offers gender affirming shape wear for transgender girls. They offer youth sizes up to 45” waist and 42” chest. Beyond undergarments, they also offer swimwear.

Spectrum Outfitters

Spectrum Outfitters sells clothes, swim-safe chest binders, and packing wear up to 7XL.

Underworks

Underworks has been a big name in compression wear for many years. They now also offer compression swimwear and women’s compression wear as well up to 4x. They have a separate storefront, called f2mbinders, that offers these products specifically for transmasculine people up to 3x.

gc2b

gc2b is a Black and trans owned provider of chest binding wear. Their compression tops come in a variety of styles and colors, including multiple skin tones for discreet wear. Sizes up to 5xl.

Wildfang

Wildfang is a queer-inclusive clothing brand that offers both casual and formal wear up to 3x. From coveralls to suits to mesh, Wildfang has a variety of styles for any wardrobe.

Both& Apparel

Both& Apparel is “queer by design”, with clothing made for bodies that don’t fit the binary. Whether you bind, don’t bind, or are post top-surgery; Both& has styles and fits for a variety of bodies. Youth sizes available, plus sizes up to 4x.

Big Bud Press

Big Bud Press has vintage inspired styles for modern bodies. From tops to bottoms, their vibrant clothes go up to 6X.

Rebirth Garments

Rebirth Garments sells not only gender affirming undergarments, but also other clothes like dresses, crop tops, swimwear and accessories. They focus on creating vibrant and accessible clothing for Queer and Disabled people, with all garments being hand made to the measurements of the client.

When a health practitioner treats their patients holistically with consideration for their identities, patients experience improved health outcomes. Healthcare decisions need to be made in consideration for the barriers this community often faces when accessing care or attempting to improve their overall well-being, especially LGBTQ BIPOC. The following list of providers claim to offer informed care and treatment to LGBTQ+ populations.

Concerned you may not be able to afford medical care? You might qualify for discounted or free treatment. Before you make your appointment, ask about financial assistance. You can also call 211 or visit 211.org to navigate statewide financial assistance or find providers accepting your insurance. Your insurance provider should also have a list of providers in-network.

Couldn’t find a care provider? Need something specific not listed here? Try visiting the LGBTQ+ Healthcare Directory, Human Rights Campaign’s Healthcare Facilities Search or the World Professional Association for Transgender Health (WPATH) Provider Directory to search for what you need, where you need it.

Behavioral & Mental Health Services

When you feel your best, you do your best. Behavioral health services are often part of primary care services and look at how our actions impact our mental health, and what kind of changes we can make to support healthy behaviors and overall health. Mental health services look at how one’s psychological state impacts their well-being. If you’re not sure what you need, most care providers offer free or low-cost consultations before establishing your treatment plan or giving you a referral. You can also seek out your own provider with search engines like Mental Health Match or ZoDoc.

Anchor Health

Anchor Health has experience in providing medication management to individuals living with mental health diagnoses, including ADHD, anxiety, depression, OCD, and others. They can also provide psychiatric assessments and letters for gender affirming treatment. Providers see patients both in-person and via telehealth.

2200 Whitney Ave, Suite 290
Hamden, CT 06518
203-903-8308

30 Myano Lane, Suite 16
Stamford, CT 06902
203-903-8308

Triangle Community Center

The Triangle Community Center provides in-house counseling services by LMFT professionals on a generous sliding scale. They also provide case management and referrals. Complete the survey on their website to be contacted for an appointment.

650 West Ave
Suite 2
Norwalk, CT 06850

Circle Care Center

Circle Care Center offers affirming individual and couple counseling for behavioral health services. The scope of services includes referrals, substance use assessments and treatment referrals, and letters for gender-affirming procedures.

618 West Avenue
Norwalk, CT, 06850
203-852-9525

Southwest Community Health Center

Southwest Community Health Center has multiple locations in Southwest Connecticut offering mental and behavioral health services to patients via Telehealth. Services offered include medication management, individual counseling, substance abuse counseling, psychiatry, and social services including case management and entitlement program enrollment. Same day and emergency visits available- call 203-330-6000.

Walden’s Rainbow Road

Walden’s Rainbow Road is a virtual program for LGBTQ+ patients living with an eating disorder to find treatment and support. Providers are LGBTQ+ and help patients explore how their sexual and gender identities may impact their eating disorder. Referrals not required; most insurances accepted. Offerings include weekly meetings with a registered dietician, case management, individual and group therapy, therapeutic meal coaching, and psychiatric medication management. Visit the website or email intake_coordinators@waldenbehavioralcare.com.

Primary Care Providers

Having a primary care provider (PCP) is important. Whenever you have a medical concern, your PCP can help you determine if it warrants a trip to the hospital, or a visit to their office. They offer routine health examinations, provide immunizations against disease, and give you the information you need to make health-conscious decisions. You can use search engines like Zodoc or call your insurance provider to find doctors that are in-network that specialize in LGBTQ+ care.

Southwest Community Health Center

Southwest Community Health Center has a myriad of providers of various specialties. From dental to mental, their numerous locations support the Southwest communities of Connecticut. SWCHC provides equitable care and offers a sliding fee discount to those who qualify. They have 7 locations in Bridgeport, one of which provides same-day care. 203-330-6000

Anchor Health

Anchor Health has primary care providers at their center that offer routine care and treatment with LGBTQ+ people in mind. They also have an on-site pharmacy that offers pick-up or delivery of prescribed medications by your provider. If you need specialized services that they do not offer, they can also provide you with referrals.  

2200 Whitney Ave, Suite 290
Hamden, CT 06518
203-903-8308

30 Myano Lane, Suite 16
Stamford, CT 06902
203-903-8308

Circle Care Center

Circle Care Center offers primary care for patients needing routine visits, management of chronic health conditions, visits for common ailments, and referrals as needed. They also have a full-service on-site pharmacy open from Monday to Friday with financial assistance options.

618 West Avenue
Norwalk, CT 06850
203-939-1765

Reproductive & Sexual Health

Whether you plan on having children or not, your reproductive health is important. Visits to providers for routine screenings and testing can help detect and prevent illnesses like cancer. If you don’t plan on having children right now, you also might want to consider prescription birth control methods, which can be prescribed by a doctor.

Planned Parenthood

Planned Parenthood offers sexual & reproductive health care. This includes breast exams, pelvic exams, prostate exams, HIV testing, STI testing & treatment, birth control, free barriers of protection, and pregnancy services.

4697 Main Street
Bridgeport, CT 06606
203-366-0664

345 Whitney Ave
New Haven, CT 06511
203-503-0450

Anchor Health

Anchor Health has comprehensive, trauma informed services for LGBTQ+ patients. They offer cervical exams, PREP, PEP, vaccines, and free barriers of protection.

2200 Whitney Ave, Suite 290
Hamden, CT 06518
203-903-8308

Myano Lane, Suite 16
Stamford, CT 06902
203-903-8308

Circle Care Center

Circle Care Center sexual health services include STI education, screening, diagnosis, and treatment. You do not have to be an existing patient of Circle Care Center for an appointment. They also offer vaccines for Hepatitis A and B, and Meningococcal Meningitis.

618 West Avenue
Norwalk, CT
203-852-9525

Yale Medicine

Yale Medicine offers reproductive care and services to LGBTQ+ individuals, including fertility services and obstetrics. This is ideal for transgender individuals who wish to preserve their reproductive material for future pregnancy.

333 Cedar St.
New Haven, CT 06510

Substance Use Disorders Services

Substance use disorder affects LGBTQ+ people at a much higher rate than the overall population. The prevalence of substance use is even greater among those who live with mental illness, so it is important that treatment options available are LGBTQ+ competent and affirming. Addiction can affect anyone, but there is help available to those in need of harm reduction assistance or are ready for rehabilitation.

Never Use Alone

Never Use Alone is a toll-free national overdose response line. Peer operators are available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. BEFORE you are going to engage in substance use, such as heroin or cocaine, call the hotline to be connected to an operator. If you overdose or stop responding to the operator, they will alert emergency services in your area. There is no judgement, and operators will not push for rehabilitation. Operators have a list of facilities to share should you be interested in rehab. Call 1-800-484-3731 to contact an operator.

Triangle Community Center

The Triangle Community Center provides in-house counseling services by LMFT professionals on a generous sliding scale for LGBTQ+ people who live with serious mental illness or substance use disorder. Complete the survey on their website to be contacted for an appointment.

650 West Ave
Suite 2
Norwalk, CT 06850

Mid Fairfield AIDS Project (MFAP)

Mid Fairfield AIDS Project (MFAP) is a non-profit serving people living with HIV/AIDS and other disabilities. They provide testing, housing, medical case management, harm reduction, transportation, HIV testing, and much more. For people with substance use disorders, they offer counseling, referrals to treatment programs, overdose prevention kits, wound care kits, needle exchange, transportation to appointments, and education for safer use & treatment.

618 West Avenue
Norwalk, CT, 06850
203-855-6535

Greater Bridgeport Area Prevention Program (GBAPP)

Greater Bridgeport Area Prevention Program (GBAPP) is a non-profit that serves residents of the Greater Bridgeport area. Professionals provide harm reduction education, syringe exchange, drug treatment, and counseling services. Other services available include HIV related services, youth education, and housing assistance.

1470 Barnum Ave
Suite 301
Bridgeport, CT, 06610
203-366-8255

Recovery at Wildwood Farm

Recovery at Wildwood Farm is a sobriety program by and for LGBTQ+ individuals struggling with addiction and co-occurring disorders in Madison, CT. Described as a “Queer Normative” sober program, Wildwood Farm is an extended sober living facility. Potential patients should be aware that the sobriety program follows an abstinence only model.

Hazelden Betty Ford Foundation

Hazelden Betty Ford Foundation has a location in New York City that offers inpatient & outpatient services to people living with substance use disorder. More notably, they offer an LGBTQIA+ Virtual Intensive Outpatient Program that is run by a licensed clinician from the LGBTQ+ community. They accept most major insurance plans.

283 West Broadway
New York City, NY, 10013
866-831-5700

HIV & AIDS Services

Each year, thousands of Americans are diagnosed with human immunodeficiency virus (HIV), a virus that impedes the body’s ability to fight infection. If left untreated, HIV can progress to acquired immunodeficiency syndrome (AIDS). Anybody can be at risk, but LGBTQ+ individuals comprise over half of all new infections every year. If you suspect you may have contracted AIDS or HIV, there are organizations that can help you find treatment and provide other supportive care.

Stamford CARES

Stamford CARES is staffed with specialists experienced in the challenges facing people living with HIV/AIDS. They help individuals navigate medical and substance use systems, acquire housing and emergency financial assistance, as well as counseling to individuals and families with HIV/AIDS. For more information, call 203-977-5096.

Circle Care Center

Circle Care Center offers both HIV prevention and treatment services, which includes annual wellness exams, laboratory exams, preventative vaccinations, and more.

618 West Avenue
Norwalk, CT, 06850
203-852-9525

Mid Fairfield AIDS Project (MFAP)

Mid Fairfield AIDS Project (MFAP) serves individuals with HIV/AIDS and other disabilities. They provide testing, housing, medical case management, harm reduction, transportation, HIV testing, and much more.

618 West Avenue
Norwalk, CT, 06850
203-855-6535

A Place to Nourish Your Health (APNH)

A Place to Nourish Your Health (APNH) offers both in-person HIV testing or discrete home test kits. If you are newly diagnosed or re-engaging in care, they can partner you with a case manager to help you access financial assistance, health insurance, medical providers, and more. They also have an on-site specialty HIV pharmacy at no additional cost to eligible patients.

1302 Chapel Street
New Haven, CT, 06511
203-624-0947

Greater Bridgeport Area Prevention Program (GBAPP)

Greater Bridgeport Area Prevention Program (GBAPP) is a non-profit that serves residents of the Greater Bridgeport area. They provide testing services for HIV and other STDs, education for youth, harm reduction education, and condom distribution.

1470 Barnum Ave
Suite 301
Bridgeport, CT, 06610
203-366-8255

Southwest Community Health Center

Southwest Community Health Center offers education, prevention, and early detection to people at risk of or living with HIV. They also have comprehensive medical care for adults and children living with HIV. SWCHC is dedicated to providing equitable care and offer a sliding fee discount to those who qualify. They have 7 locations in Bridgeport, one of which provides same day care. 203-330-6000

Peer support groups can be a valuable resource for LGBTQ+ people of all ages and stages in life. Whether newly out or looking for community connections, peer groups can help you find people who share your experiences and struggles. It can also be a great way to find friends and resources. If you can’t find one that meets your needs, check out centerlink. Their website serves as a database for LGBTQ+ centers across the globe. You can also report other centers if you know one that isn’t listed.

New Haven Pride Center

New Haven Pride Center hosts group meetings for youth and young adults up to 25 years of age. Along with year-round meetings, they also offer summer programs for youth to develop their creative skills, leadership skills, and their personal identity in a safe and supportive space. Youth ages 16-24 may also benefit from their Peer Support Network program, where staff pair mentors with mentees across the state of Connecticut.

84 Orange Street
New Haven, CT 06511

Triangle Community Center

Triangle Community Center is based in Norwalk, CT. They offer many types of social and support groups to LGBTQ+ youth, adults, and their families. Groups meet both virtually and in person. Visit their website to see the full list of groups facilitated by the center.

Trans Haven

Trans Haven is a Connecticut resource network run by and for transgender people. They offer in-person events and community programming both virtually and online. To know when and where they are meeting, you should reach out via their website. Support groups available include a general support & discussion space (18+), a BIPOC & Trans group, nonbinary support space, transfeminine support space, transmasculine support space, parents of gender creative children, trans youth support space, and a group for Spanish speaking transgender people. They also host social events such as hikes, board game nights and more.

Rainbow Support Group

Rainbow Support Group holds meetings in the New Haven Pride Center on the second Sunday each month for friends and caregivers of LGBTQ+ people with a disability. Reach out to be added to their mailing list for event and meeting updates.

84 Orange Street
New Haven, CT 06511

Our Trans Life

Our Trans Life is a Bridgeport-based organization that provides support & workshops to transgender adults, youth, and parents of transgender youth. Meetings are structured around various topics with educational opportunities and/or professional guidance by guest speakers.

In Connecticut, LGBTQ+ individuals have legal protections to ensure they have equitable access to care, education, housing, employment, and social services. If you feel as though your rights may have been violated, or want to know what your rights are, there are organizations devoted to empowering you and helping you get representation.

Please read statements on these websites carefully; they cannot give you legal advice but they can provide you with information about your legal rights.

OutCT

OutCT is a non-profit group by and for LGBTQ+ people and their allies. Their website has a massive list of national and local legal resources directed at LGBTQ+ people.

American Civil Liberties Union (ACLU) of CT

American Civil Liberties Union (ACLU) of CT provides legal assistance for select cases where civil liberties have been infringed upon. Their website also has information about what your rights are in the state, and other practical resources.

Lambda Legal

Lambda Legal has been fighting for LGBTQ+ rights in the United States for decades. They have been challenging anti-LGBTQ+ laws in the courts, and to this day are challenging legislation in states like Florida, Texas, and Oklahoma. They have a Lambda Legal help desk where you can inquire about basic legal information and resources based on sexual identity, romantic orientation, gender identity, gender expression and HIV status.

National Center for Transgender Equality

National Center for Transgender Equality has a basic summary of rights for transgender people in different areas of life, such as housing and healthcare. Their website also has a list of resources for LGBTQ+ individuals beyond just legal matters.

Movement Advancement Project

Movement Advancement Project is a nonprofit devoted to research, insight, and communication about LGBTQ public policy and conversations. Their website has maps that allow individuals to look at LGBTQ+ laws and policies by state or by issue.

Transgender Law Center

Transgender Law Center is the largest national trans-lead advocacy group. They have trans-informed resources on various issues ranging from law enforcement interactions to legal document updates. They also have a legal help desk in English and Spanish for providing basic information about laws and policies in the US that directly affect transgender people.