A study from the National Library of Medicine shows that the LGBTQ+ community faces specific hardships and stressors that are often rooted in societal discrimination, bias and marginalization, which directly impacts mental health. Everyone feels their best when they feel accepted and supported. For those in need of finding community and resources, it’s there — you just need to know where to look.
Many nonprofits are showing up in different regions throughout Virginia to make sure LGBTQ+ individuals are seen and heard. Each of the following nonprofits offer something special and important to support the community through events, legislative action, community engagement, education and more.
Equality Virginia
Equality Virginia supports the entire state by advocating and organizing across Virginia to build a future where all LGBTQIA+ people thrive. Its work is anchored in organizational values of community, equity, perseverance, impact, empowerment and integrity.
Through legislative action, Equality Virginia have helped affirm families, build safer communities, modernize HIV laws, helped established the Virginia Values Act and much more. Equality Virginia also partners with other organizations to provide a wide network of resources for LGBTQIA+ youth in Virginia.
Learn more and get involved here.
Shenandoah LGBTQ Center
Serving the Shenandoah Valley and Greater Appalachia, the Shenandoah LGBTQ Center supports LGBTQ people of all ages to “thrive as equal, healthy, supported members of our society.”
The Shenandoah LGBTQ Center has three guiding pillars: outreach, education and advocacy. It hosts regular events such as community meals, mediation sessions, youth support groups and more. The youth support groups are facilitated by mental health professionals from The ARROW Project, a health and wellness organization in Southwest Virginia working to increase access and break down barriers to mental health services. These events help LGBTQ youth find a safe space and community to share their experiences.
The nonprofit is also working to alleviate homelessness for rural LGBTQ+ youth through its program, Hope House of the Shenandoah. Hope House provides connections to rapid rehousing and rental assistance resources for young adults 18-24.
Interested in supporting its mission? Shenandoah LGBTQ Center is looking for new board members. Find out more here.
DC LGBTQ+ Community Center
The DC LGBTQ+ Community Center educates, empowers, uplifts, celebrates, elevates and connects the lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender communities in D.C. The organization fights for the rights of the LGBTQ+ community through policy advocacy, specifically anti-discrimination laws, marriage equality and healthcare access, to name a few.
Located in the heart of D.C., the Community Center provides a safe space for LGBTQ+ individuals to be themselves, connect with each other, have fun and work together to solve issues in the community.
It offers a wide variety of programming in art, wellness, employment, social, faith and more. In addition to community-focused events, there are support groups for many LGBTQ+ subgroups and topics of interest such as trans discussion, people of color, the disabled community and more.
The Community Center also has many onsite resources including ADA showers, clothing, free meal support, a community kitchen and more. Whatever you may be struggling with or need to thrive, the DC LGBTQ+ Community Center has an abundance of resources and is here to help.
Check out more of the center’s resources and events here.
Roanoke Diversity Center
Hosting diverse events and educating the community, the Roanoke Diversity Center is constantly striving to be a catalyst for change in Southwest Virginia.
Its mission is simple, yet ambitious: “To support, educate, empower and advocate for LGBTQ+ individuals and groups in the Roanoke region, and to encourage collaborative efforts with the greater community to improve the quality of life for all.”
From regularly scheduled events like A.A. meetings to community holiday meals, the Roanoke Diversity Center is a vital space for the LGBTQ+ community in the region.
Find opportunities to get involved here.
Side by Side RVA
With a focus on LGBTQ+ youth, Side by Side is helping guide children and young adults to success in Central Virginia and beyond.
Based in Richmond, Side by Side has an impressive wheelhouse of programs and services to help LGBTQ+ youth. It hosts support groups, provides clinical services and school programs and offers training for organizations to create safer and more affirming environments for LGBTQ+ youth.
Not only is there support for LGBTQ+ individuals, but there are many resources for family, caregivers and friends as well. Understanding your loved ones is so important in fostering a safe and supported community.
Side by Side hosts several fun events such as the “Springtime Gala” and “Giving Tuesday” to engage the community and raise funds for the organization.
You can donate, participate in programming and find more details here.
