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If you are in crisis dial 988, you will be placed in contact with a trained local person.
LGBTQIA+ individuals can call 988 and press 3. The Veterans Crisis Line can be reached by dialing 988 then Press 1, or by text via 838255. The Trevor Project can be reached at (866) 488-7386 or via text at 678678 and is the leading national organization providing crisis intervention and suicide prevention services to LGBTQIA+ young people ages 13-24 The Trans Lifeline has specially trained operators available for more limited hours at 1-877-565-8860 Sage Lifeline for older LGBTQ+ adults is available 24/7 in English and Spanish at 1-877-360-LGBT (1-877-360-5428) The Gay, Lesbian, Bisexual and Transgender National Hotline: (888) 843-4564 Crisis Text Line: Text START to 741-741 Eastern Shore Crisis Response (Mobile Crisis) -888-407-8018 |
LGBTQIA+ Guide
Please check out our guide
Maryland Commission for LGBTQIA+ Affairs
Under the Governor’s Offices of Community Initiatives the Commission on LGBTQIA+ Affairs was created by the 2021 Maryland General Assembly. The Commission is mandated to assess the challenges facing LGBTQIA+ communities, study and establish best practices for inclusion, and offer testimony before legislative and administrative bodies. https://goci.maryland.gov/lgbtq/
Local Resources
Housing:
If you are age 24 or younger and are homeless, including if you were kicked out of your house for being LGBTQ+, please contact the City of Salisbury Housing and Community Development Department at 410-334-3031. They have resources and will help you.
LGBTQIA+ Welcoming Shelters:
These shelters receive federal funding, and cannot turn you away for being LGBTQIA+
Diakonia (West Ocean City): 410-213-0923
Samaritan Shelter (Pocomoke): 410-957-4310
Lower Shore Shelter (Princess Anne): 443-888-6160
Fenix Youth project assists individuals under age 24. Call 443-736-7028 for information or fill out a referral form at http://fenixyouthproject.org/rop-self-referral
Baltimore Safe Haven /www.baltimoresafehaven.org/
Housing Program in Wicomico County:
The City of Salisbury Housing and Community Development Department at 410-334-3031 provides housing assistance and is inclusive of LGBTQ+ people.
Baltimore Safe Haven:
Founded by a Black trans woman, Baltimore Safe Haven provides compassionate harm reduction and upward mobility services, advocacy, and community engagement that is respectful, non-judgmental. Programs encompass community outreach, a drop-in center providing HIV testing, harm reduction, PrEP, medical linkage, case management, and assistance in accessing housing services. Baltimore Safe Haven provides emergency shelter for TLGBQIA+ individuals experiencing homelessness and the transitional housing services allow individuals to reflect on their life journey and initiate progress without the constant concern for their daily safety. www.baltimoresafehaven.org/
Transgender Assistance Program of Virginia TAP
This emergency assistance program is board-led and comprised of a network of compassionate volunteers who are carefully selected and trained to help homeless transgender adults from all walks of life who suddenly find themselves without a home. TAPVA provides educational training to organizations and agencies who want to become more inclusive and knowledgeable around the issues facing the transgender community. If you are interested, please contact [email protected] or visit https://tapvirginia.org/
Legal:
Free State Justice located in Baltimore is the legal and legislative advocacy organization that seeks to improve the lives of LGBTQIA+ Marylanders.
Name Change Program:
Trans Maryland offers a wonderful name change program. All costs covered for those who cannot afford them. https://transmaryland.org/name-change-program
Healthcare:
Eastern Shore:
Camp Rehoboth has an AIDS prevention program. 302-227-5620
Brittany Yerkes with Chesapeake Healthcare https://chesapeakehc.org/providers/brittany-yerkes-m-s-pa-c/ is affirming and provides gender affirming care.
Chase Brexton (Easton, Maryland) is a facility which provides healthcare to LGBTQIA+ populations, including transgender healthcare. The LGBTQIA+ resource center can be reached at [email protected], 410-837-2050 ext. 1049
Planned Parenthood (Seaford, Delaware or Easton, Maryland) provides healthcare for LGBTQIA+ people, including hormone therapy.
For pediatric care, we suggest Dr. Yamakawa at Children's Medical Group of Salisbury. 410-546-3173
Western Shore:
Whitman-Walker Health (Washington, DC) specializes in LGBTQIA+ healthcare. 202-745-7000
Beverly Fisher (Timonium, Maryland) provides gender affirmation surgeries. 410-308-4700
Trans Maryland a fantastic resource for gender non conforming individuals across the State
Mental Health:
TidalHealth Crisis Center Provides an environment to relieve immediate crisis symptoms through a range of services. For more information, call 410-543-7181.
Adult Acute Inpatient Services Located at Tidal Health Peninsula Regional, the 13-bed inpatient unit provides intensive behavioral health treatment for adult patients whose acute symptoms require 24-hour care and supervision. For more information, call 410-543-7162.
The Child and Family Center (Salisbury, Maryland) has a counselor who specializes in working with LGBTQ+ youth and families. 410-860-8227
Jakota Herring (Princess Anne, Maryland) is a licensed clinical social worker who works with LGBTQ+ people. 443-365-2002
Stephanie Hewitt (Chesapeake Health Care Princess Anne, Maryland) is a LCSW-C with over 17 years of experience 410-651-1000
Katie Lukehart (Chesapeake Health Care Salisbury, Maryland) is a LCPC formerly with Chase Brexton 410-219-1100
Lead 4 Life is a grassroots program offering therapy, mentoring, and psychiatric rehabilitation programs for adults and minors to help individuals develop the skills needed to continue higher education, secure employment, and grow beyond their opportunities http://www.lead4lifeinc.org/
Laser Hair Removal:
Body Beautiful in Eden Maryland provides gender affirming laser hair removal in a discrete location. 1-802-362-7300
If you would like to be added to our provider list, please email us.
Support for Transgender and Gender Non-Conforming Individuals and Families:
Salisbury PFLAG provides support, events, advocacy, and engages in community activism in order to support families, allies, and individuals who are LGBTQ+
Trans Maryland is a multi-racial, multi-gender, trans-led community power building organization dedicated to Maryland’s trans community. https://transmaryland.org/
Local Pride Organizations
Delmarva Pride Center (located in Easton) www.delmarvapridecenter.com/
Caroline Pride https://carolinepride.com/
Sussex Pride https://sussexpride.org/
Delaware Pride (Dover) /www.delawarepride.org/
Camp Rehoboth https://www.camprehoboth.com/
DoCo Pride (Dorchester County) https://www.facebook.com/p/DoCo-Pride-100079104575858/
Milton Pride https://www.miltontheatre.com/pride/
If you are age 24 or younger and are homeless, including if you were kicked out of your house for being LGBTQ+, please contact the City of Salisbury Housing and Community Development Department at 410-334-3031. They have resources and will help you.
LGBTQIA+ Welcoming Shelters:
These shelters receive federal funding, and cannot turn you away for being LGBTQIA+
Diakonia (West Ocean City): 410-213-0923
Samaritan Shelter (Pocomoke): 410-957-4310
Lower Shore Shelter (Princess Anne): 443-888-6160
Fenix Youth project assists individuals under age 24. Call 443-736-7028 for information or fill out a referral form at http://fenixyouthproject.org/rop-self-referral
Baltimore Safe Haven /www.baltimoresafehaven.org/
Housing Program in Wicomico County:
The City of Salisbury Housing and Community Development Department at 410-334-3031 provides housing assistance and is inclusive of LGBTQ+ people.
Baltimore Safe Haven:
Founded by a Black trans woman, Baltimore Safe Haven provides compassionate harm reduction and upward mobility services, advocacy, and community engagement that is respectful, non-judgmental. Programs encompass community outreach, a drop-in center providing HIV testing, harm reduction, PrEP, medical linkage, case management, and assistance in accessing housing services. Baltimore Safe Haven provides emergency shelter for TLGBQIA+ individuals experiencing homelessness and the transitional housing services allow individuals to reflect on their life journey and initiate progress without the constant concern for their daily safety. www.baltimoresafehaven.org/
Transgender Assistance Program of Virginia TAP
This emergency assistance program is board-led and comprised of a network of compassionate volunteers who are carefully selected and trained to help homeless transgender adults from all walks of life who suddenly find themselves without a home. TAPVA provides educational training to organizations and agencies who want to become more inclusive and knowledgeable around the issues facing the transgender community. If you are interested, please contact [email protected] or visit https://tapvirginia.org/
Legal:
Free State Justice located in Baltimore is the legal and legislative advocacy organization that seeks to improve the lives of LGBTQIA+ Marylanders.
Name Change Program:
Trans Maryland offers a wonderful name change program. All costs covered for those who cannot afford them. https://transmaryland.org/name-change-program
Healthcare:
Eastern Shore:
Camp Rehoboth has an AIDS prevention program. 302-227-5620
Brittany Yerkes with Chesapeake Healthcare https://chesapeakehc.org/providers/brittany-yerkes-m-s-pa-c/ is affirming and provides gender affirming care.
Chase Brexton (Easton, Maryland) is a facility which provides healthcare to LGBTQIA+ populations, including transgender healthcare. The LGBTQIA+ resource center can be reached at [email protected], 410-837-2050 ext. 1049
Planned Parenthood (Seaford, Delaware or Easton, Maryland) provides healthcare for LGBTQIA+ people, including hormone therapy.
For pediatric care, we suggest Dr. Yamakawa at Children's Medical Group of Salisbury. 410-546-3173
Western Shore:
Whitman-Walker Health (Washington, DC) specializes in LGBTQIA+ healthcare. 202-745-7000
Beverly Fisher (Timonium, Maryland) provides gender affirmation surgeries. 410-308-4700
Trans Maryland a fantastic resource for gender non conforming individuals across the State
Mental Health:
TidalHealth Crisis Center Provides an environment to relieve immediate crisis symptoms through a range of services. For more information, call 410-543-7181.
Adult Acute Inpatient Services Located at Tidal Health Peninsula Regional, the 13-bed inpatient unit provides intensive behavioral health treatment for adult patients whose acute symptoms require 24-hour care and supervision. For more information, call 410-543-7162.
The Child and Family Center (Salisbury, Maryland) has a counselor who specializes in working with LGBTQ+ youth and families. 410-860-8227
Jakota Herring (Princess Anne, Maryland) is a licensed clinical social worker who works with LGBTQ+ people. 443-365-2002
Stephanie Hewitt (Chesapeake Health Care Princess Anne, Maryland) is a LCSW-C with over 17 years of experience 410-651-1000
Katie Lukehart (Chesapeake Health Care Salisbury, Maryland) is a LCPC formerly with Chase Brexton 410-219-1100
Lead 4 Life is a grassroots program offering therapy, mentoring, and psychiatric rehabilitation programs for adults and minors to help individuals develop the skills needed to continue higher education, secure employment, and grow beyond their opportunities http://www.lead4lifeinc.org/
Laser Hair Removal:
Body Beautiful in Eden Maryland provides gender affirming laser hair removal in a discrete location. 1-802-362-7300
If you would like to be added to our provider list, please email us.
Support for Transgender and Gender Non-Conforming Individuals and Families:
Salisbury PFLAG provides support, events, advocacy, and engages in community activism in order to support families, allies, and individuals who are LGBTQ+
Trans Maryland is a multi-racial, multi-gender, trans-led community power building organization dedicated to Maryland’s trans community. https://transmaryland.org/
Local Pride Organizations
Delmarva Pride Center (located in Easton) www.delmarvapridecenter.com/
Caroline Pride https://carolinepride.com/
Sussex Pride https://sussexpride.org/
Delaware Pride (Dover) /www.delawarepride.org/
Camp Rehoboth https://www.camprehoboth.com/
DoCo Pride (Dorchester County) https://www.facebook.com/p/DoCo-Pride-100079104575858/
Milton Pride https://www.miltontheatre.com/pride/
National Resources
Below is a list of several national groups and organizations serving LGBTQIAP+ people and their families. For information specific to QTBIPOC and TGNC individuals see our subsequent support pages.
Camp Aranutiq Transgender and gender variant youth camps in New England and California. Offers leadership training, a summer camp, and a family camp.
Gay-Straight Alliance Network (GSA) Gay-Straight Alliance Network is a national youth leadership organization that connects school-based Gay-Straight Alliances (GSAs) to each other and community resources through peer support, leadership development, and training. GSA Network supports young people in starting, strengthening, and sustaining GSAs.
GLAAD rewrites the script for LGBTQ acceptance. As a dynamic media force, GLAAD tackles tough issues to shape the narrative and provoke dialogue that leads to cultural change. GLAAD protects all that has been accomplished and creates a world where everyone can live the life they love.
GLSEN (pronounced "glisten") was founded in 1990 by a small, but dedicated group of teachers in Massachusetts who came together to improve an education system that too frequently allows its lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, queer and questioning (LGBTQ) students to be bullied, discriminated against, or fall through the cracks. GLSEN provides resources for educators and for students interested in forming GSAs. They also have crisis and legal hotlines.
Gender Odyssey (educators, mental health providers, families) An international conference focused on the needs and interests of transgender and gender-nonconforming people. Packed with thought-provoking workshops, discussion groups, social events, and entertainment, this one-of-a-kind annual gathering attracts people from all over the world for an uplifting weekend of skill sharing and community in Seattle, USA
Gender Spectrum Offers discussion boards for young adults.
GLMA (pronounced "Glam ah") GLMA is a national organization committed to ensuring health equity for lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, queer (LGBTQ) and all sexual and gender minority (SGM) individuals, and equality for LGBTQ/SGM health professionals in their work and learning environments. To achieve this mission, GLMA utilizes the scientific expertise of its diverse multidisciplinary membership to inform and drive advocacy, education, and research.
Human Rights Campaign is perhaps the most well-known LGBTQ+ equality organization. They have a multitude of resources on their website for allies and members of the LGBTQ+ community, as well as for educators.
It Gets Better Communicating to lesbian, gay, bisexual, and transgender youth around the world that it gets better, and creating and inspiring changes needed to make it better for them.
Lambda Legal Founded in 1973, Lambda Legal is the oldest and largest national legal organization whose mission is to achieve 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.
Matthew Shepard Foundation The Matthew Shepard Foundation was founded by Dennis and Judy Shepard in memory of their 21-year old son, Matthew, who was murdered in an anti-gay hate crime in Wyoming in October 1998. Created to honor Matthew in a manner that was appropriate to his dreams, beliefs, and aspirations, the Foundation seeks to “Replace Hate with Understanding, Compassion, & Acceptance” through its varied educational, outreach and, advocacy programs and by continuing to tell Matthew’s story. Offers an online community for teens.
National Center for Transgender Equality The National Center for Transgender Equality advocates to change policies and society to increase understanding and acceptance of transgender people. In the nation’s capital and throughout the country, NCTE works to replace disrespect, discrimination, and violence with empathy, opportunity, and justice.
National Youth Advocacy Coalition (NYAC) The Native Youth Sexual Health Network (NYSHN) is an organization by and for Indigenous youth that works across issues of sexual and reproductive health, rights and justice throughout the United States and Canada. Contains multiple resources, including guidelines and toolkits for First Nations sexual health and resources specific to First Nation youth.
Transgender Law Center Transgender Law Center (TLC) is the largest national trans-led organization advocating self-determination for all people. Grounded in legal expertise and committed to racial justice, TLC employs a variety of community-driven strategies to keep transgender and gender nonconforming people alive, thriving, and fighting for liberation.
Third Wave Foundation Third Wave is a feminist, activist foundation that works nationally to support young women and transgender youth ages 15 to 30. Through strategic grantmaking, leadership development, and philanthropic advocacy, we support groups and individuals working towards gender, racial, economic, and social justice.
TransActive: Supporting Transgender Children and Youth TransActive is an internationally recognized non-profit focused on serving the diverse needs of transgender and gender-nonconforming (GNC) children, youth, their families, and allies.
Trans Youth Family Allies TYFA empowers young people & their families through support, education, & outreach about gender identity & expression. Includes resources for parents, educators, and health practitioners.
The Trevor Project (1-866-4-U-Trevor)The Trevor Project is the leading national organization providing crisis intervention and suicide prevention services to lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender and questioning (LGBTQ) young people ages 13-24. 1-866-4-U-Trevor is a suicide hotline for LGBTQ young people.
Youth Resource YouthResource is a Web site created by and for gay, lesbian, bisexual, transgender, and questioning (GLBTQ) young people. YouthResource takes a holistic approach to sexual health and exploring issues of concern to GLBTQ youth, by providing information and offer support on sexual and reproductive health issues through education and advocacy. Through monthly features, message boards, and online peer education, GLBTQ youth receive information on activism, culture, sexual health, and other issues that are important to them.
Others:
PFLAG National - pflag.org
Family Equality Council: familyequality.org
Services and Advocacy for GLBT Elders: sageusa.org/
Camp Aranutiq Transgender and gender variant youth camps in New England and California. Offers leadership training, a summer camp, and a family camp.
Gay-Straight Alliance Network (GSA) Gay-Straight Alliance Network is a national youth leadership organization that connects school-based Gay-Straight Alliances (GSAs) to each other and community resources through peer support, leadership development, and training. GSA Network supports young people in starting, strengthening, and sustaining GSAs.
GLAAD rewrites the script for LGBTQ acceptance. As a dynamic media force, GLAAD tackles tough issues to shape the narrative and provoke dialogue that leads to cultural change. GLAAD protects all that has been accomplished and creates a world where everyone can live the life they love.
GLSEN (pronounced "glisten") was founded in 1990 by a small, but dedicated group of teachers in Massachusetts who came together to improve an education system that too frequently allows its lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, queer and questioning (LGBTQ) students to be bullied, discriminated against, or fall through the cracks. GLSEN provides resources for educators and for students interested in forming GSAs. They also have crisis and legal hotlines.
Gender Odyssey (educators, mental health providers, families) An international conference focused on the needs and interests of transgender and gender-nonconforming people. Packed with thought-provoking workshops, discussion groups, social events, and entertainment, this one-of-a-kind annual gathering attracts people from all over the world for an uplifting weekend of skill sharing and community in Seattle, USA
Gender Spectrum Offers discussion boards for young adults.
GLMA (pronounced "Glam ah") GLMA is a national organization committed to ensuring health equity for lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, queer (LGBTQ) and all sexual and gender minority (SGM) individuals, and equality for LGBTQ/SGM health professionals in their work and learning environments. To achieve this mission, GLMA utilizes the scientific expertise of its diverse multidisciplinary membership to inform and drive advocacy, education, and research.
Human Rights Campaign is perhaps the most well-known LGBTQ+ equality organization. They have a multitude of resources on their website for allies and members of the LGBTQ+ community, as well as for educators.
It Gets Better Communicating to lesbian, gay, bisexual, and transgender youth around the world that it gets better, and creating and inspiring changes needed to make it better for them.
Lambda Legal Founded in 1973, Lambda Legal is the oldest and largest national legal organization whose mission is to achieve 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.
Matthew Shepard Foundation The Matthew Shepard Foundation was founded by Dennis and Judy Shepard in memory of their 21-year old son, Matthew, who was murdered in an anti-gay hate crime in Wyoming in October 1998. Created to honor Matthew in a manner that was appropriate to his dreams, beliefs, and aspirations, the Foundation seeks to “Replace Hate with Understanding, Compassion, & Acceptance” through its varied educational, outreach and, advocacy programs and by continuing to tell Matthew’s story. Offers an online community for teens.
National Center for Transgender Equality The National Center for Transgender Equality advocates to change policies and society to increase understanding and acceptance of transgender people. In the nation’s capital and throughout the country, NCTE works to replace disrespect, discrimination, and violence with empathy, opportunity, and justice.
National Youth Advocacy Coalition (NYAC) The Native Youth Sexual Health Network (NYSHN) is an organization by and for Indigenous youth that works across issues of sexual and reproductive health, rights and justice throughout the United States and Canada. Contains multiple resources, including guidelines and toolkits for First Nations sexual health and resources specific to First Nation youth.
Transgender Law Center Transgender Law Center (TLC) is the largest national trans-led organization advocating self-determination for all people. Grounded in legal expertise and committed to racial justice, TLC employs a variety of community-driven strategies to keep transgender and gender nonconforming people alive, thriving, and fighting for liberation.
Third Wave Foundation Third Wave is a feminist, activist foundation that works nationally to support young women and transgender youth ages 15 to 30. Through strategic grantmaking, leadership development, and philanthropic advocacy, we support groups and individuals working towards gender, racial, economic, and social justice.
TransActive: Supporting Transgender Children and Youth TransActive is an internationally recognized non-profit focused on serving the diverse needs of transgender and gender-nonconforming (GNC) children, youth, their families, and allies.
Trans Youth Family Allies TYFA empowers young people & their families through support, education, & outreach about gender identity & expression. Includes resources for parents, educators, and health practitioners.
The Trevor Project (1-866-4-U-Trevor)The Trevor Project is the leading national organization providing crisis intervention and suicide prevention services to lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender and questioning (LGBTQ) young people ages 13-24. 1-866-4-U-Trevor is a suicide hotline for LGBTQ young people.
Youth Resource YouthResource is a Web site created by and for gay, lesbian, bisexual, transgender, and questioning (GLBTQ) young people. YouthResource takes a holistic approach to sexual health and exploring issues of concern to GLBTQ youth, by providing information and offer support on sexual and reproductive health issues through education and advocacy. Through monthly features, message boards, and online peer education, GLBTQ youth receive information on activism, culture, sexual health, and other issues that are important to them.
Others:
PFLAG National - pflag.org
Family Equality Council: familyequality.org
Services and Advocacy for GLBT Elders: sageusa.org/
Recursos en Espanol
Conozca sus Derechos, Immigration Equality
Folletos Comunitarios Del Family Acceptance Project
Glosario de términos LGBT para equipos de atención a la salud, National LGBT Health Education Center
Recursos en Espanol, TransYouth Family Allies
Folletos Comunitarios Del Family Acceptance Project
Glosario de términos LGBT para equipos de atención a la salud, National LGBT Health Education Center
Recursos en Espanol, TransYouth Family Allies
