Resources for LGBTQ+ youth and their families

Youth who identify as LGBTQ+* benefit from a caring network of family, friends and peers. Here are some organizations and resources that can help provide that support.

Local resources

  • Sexual & Gender Minority Youth Resource Center

    Provides empowerment, community building, education and direct services. Serving local youth since 1998.

  • Queering the Family

    Founded in Portland in 2022 with a mission to liberate queer families by fostering environments where they are seen, affirmed, and celebrated.

  • Oregon Youthline

    A local, 24-hour youth crisis and support service available via phone, text, email or chat. Staffed by trained teen volunteers from 4–10 pm daily.

  • GSA Network

    Supports Gender & Sexualities Alliance (GSA) groups that unite LGBTQ+ youth and their peers. They also provide tips on how to run virtual GSAs.

  • Gay, Lesbian and Straight Education Network (GLSEN)

    Oregon chapter of the national organization that supports every student’s right to a safe, supportive education.

  • Pride Northwest

    Founded to encourage and celebrate the positive diversity of the lesbian, gay, bisexual, and trans communities, and to assist in the education of all people through the development of activities that showcase the history, accomplishments and talents of these communities.

Online resources

  • Gender Spectrum

    Free online support groups for LGBTQ+ youth, parents and caregivers.  Support groups are also offered for parents and caregivers in Spanish.

  • Q Chat Space

    A safe space for LGBTQ+ teens to connect.

  • Trevor Support Center

    Provides resources and counseling via phone and chat. TrevorSpace is an international community for LGBTQ+ young people.

  • PFLAG

    The nation's largest family and ally organization.

  • It Gets Better Project

    Over 60,000 diverse video stories, all on a single theme.

  • Trans Lifeline

    Offering direct emotional and financial support to trans people in crisis, staffed by and for the trans community.

  • An age-by-age guide to talking to your kids about gender

    from Today's Parent. No matter your kid's age, it's not too early (or late!) to talk to them about gender. Here's how to start the discussion and keep it going as they grow. 

LGBTQ+ book recommendations

Support can also come in the form of reading books and watching media with LGBTQ+ representation. Explore the reading lists below, or ask us for a recommendation.

*LGBTQ+ stands for Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Transgender, Queer or Questioning.  The + is meant to include all gender identities and sexual orientations not covered by the other letters.  Read What Does LGBTQ+ Mean? for more information.

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