Resource Center
LGBTQ Resources
The Trevor Support Center Welcome to the Trevor Support Center, a place where LGBTQ youth and their allies can find answers to frequently asked questions, and explore resources related to sexual orientation, gender identity and more! Remember, if you need immediate support or help, Trevor’s counselors are just a phone call, chat, or text away. You are not alone.
Gay & Lesbian Alliance Against Defamation
In addition to advocating for the rights of LGBTQ students, GLAAD also provides a handy toolkit for individuals desiring to be an ally to transgender students.
Gay, Lesbian, and Straight Education Network
GLSEN, a national leader in advocacy, provides a range of student, educator, policy and research resources for trans and gender non-conforming students
GS works with families, organizations and institutions to provide education on the gender spectrum and work to evolve understandings of inclusivity.
National Center for Transgender Equality
In 2003, a group of transgender activists formed NCTE with the mission of achieving policy change in our nation’s laws. Today, the organization continues to provide social justice advocacy at the local, state and federal levels.
Chicagoland LGBT Services Directory. The searchable online website helps you find up-to-date resources for LGBTQ in the Chicagoland area.
Center on Halsted
3656 N Halsted St
Chicago, IL 60613
(773) 472-6469
Center on Halsted offers a safe and comfortable setting for the youth in the LGBT community. Services are offered to youth ages 13-24 for both people who may be questioning their sexuality or have already come to terms with it, and the people who support them. Take part in programs such as after-school programming, Breakfast Club for Young Adults, Youth Leadership Council and so much more. The counselors, staff, interns and volunteers at Center on Halsted are dedicated to empowering youth and committed to helping them reach their full potential.
For persons seeking counseling:
IntraSpectrum Counseling, Ltd.
180 N Michigan Ave, Suite 1040
Chicago, IL 60601
(847) 363-5088
The staff at IntraSpectrum Counseling is specialized in working with the LGBT community. Their aim is to provide a calm, therapeutic environment for all clients. No one wants to feel like they are sitting in an interrogation room when seeking mental or emotional support and guidance. These professionals offer counseling services for individuals, couples, groups and families to show that they not only help the person trying to accept and embrace themselves, but also wish to help the people in their lives. Visit alone or take part in one of the group sessions offered. Check out the website for more information.
For the person dealing with things a little more traumatic:
Live Oak Chicago
1300 W Belmont Ave, Suite 400
Chicago, IL 60657
(773) 880-1310
The counselors at Live Oak Chicago are specialized in helping people cope with things that may need more than just talking. They offer workshops and skill groups for trauma survivors. These workshops are designed for self-exploring and learning how to deal with the physical self, along with finding the ability to open up to others. Live Oak Chicago also offers other programs such as the Creative Process Workshop, so not only will you be working on yourself as a person, but also helping to explore and enhance other skill sets.
Lambda Legal, a 501(c)(3) nonprofit, is a national organization committed to achieving full recognition of the civil rights of lesbians, gay men, bisexuals, transgender people and everyone living with HIV through impact litigation, education and public policy work. As a 501(c)3 nonprofit organization, we do not charge our clients for legal representation or advocacy, and we receive no government funding. We depend on contributions from supporters around the country.
Celebrating its 10th year, the Healthcare Equality Index (HEI) is the national LGBTQ benchmarking tool that evaluates healthcare facilities’ policies and practices related to the equity and inclusion of their LGBTQ patients, visitors and employees. The HEI 2017 evaluates a total of 1619 healthcare facilities nationwide.
LGBTQ Health Care Services in Chicago
Advocate Illinois Masonic
Medical Center
836 W. Wellington Ave.
Chicago, IL 60657
Providing a safe, comfortable and LGBTQ-affirming health care environment is part of the culture at Advocate Illinois Masonic Medical Center, located in the heart of the Lakeview neighborhood. Our proactive push for equality is helping to close the health care disparities faced by the LGBTQ community across Chicago and beyond. That means you can count on high-quality, comprehensive care from our entire team of compassionate physicians, nurses and staff.
Contact our LGBTQ patient ombudsman, Oscar Zambrano, if you have any questions or concerns about the LGBT health care services offered at Illinois Masonic. p: 773-296-7924 e: oscar.zambrano@advocatehealth.com
LGBTQ+ Comprehensive Health & Well-being Guide
Members of the LGBTQ+ community have unique and complex health needs that heterosexuals don’t face. Health disparities and barriers to care can make staying healthy challenging, but knowing LGBTQ+ health risks can ensure you stay on top of your health. Local and national resources can help you prevent or treat these health conditions with the right medical testing, care and support.
Here are some tips to safeguard access to health care — and what to do if you are denied services:
1. Choose health care providers that support you.
First of all, the best solution is having a good doctor. Look for a doctor who will affirm your sexual orientation and gender identity, he said. Use the Human Rights Campaign Healthcare Equality Index and RAD Remedy’s provider ratings help search for “LGBT-affirming health care providers in your area.”
Look, too, for providers who self-identify as LGBTQ or as allies
2. Get health insurance if you can.
The open enrollment window is officially closed for 2018, but you can take advantage of a “qualifying event” that allows you to apply, such as loss of a job or moving to a new location. No insurance? Reach out to your local community health organizations.
3. Be prepared.
If you are partnered, but not married or in a civil union, seek legal information about you and your partner’s rights in case of a medical emergency. As for parents who identify as LGBTQ and have children, take documentation with you when traveling and especially take note of safeguards available when traveling between states.
4. Keep detailed records.
Write down the names and titles of people you encounter during a health care visit, along with the date, time and location. You’ll need this information in case if you are denied care.
5. Speak up.
Speak out against discrimination because “several grant-funded programs and services require health care entities to define core patient rights and publicize how patients may lodge a grievance to enforce those rights.
6. Know your rights.
Look to state and local anti-discrimination ordinances and filing grievances with state or local agencies if necessary. Schoettes said Lamba Legal has five regional offices across the country (including Chicago) and a health care “tracker” to help chart the impact of the new Conscience and Religious Freedom Division.
Daley, Bill. “LGBTQ Health Care: How to Get What You Need as Concerns Rise over New Division at HHS.” Chicagotribune.com, 13 Feb. 2018, www.chicagotribune.com/lifestyles/health/sc-fam-lgbtq-health-care-0220-story.html.