Find LGBTQ+ health care, support services and more with our guide to Delaware resources
Pride Month is finally here, but LGBTQ+ support and resources are available every day of the year, not just in June.
Whether you want to connect with local community members and allies, are looking for new LGBTQ+ health care options or are searching for new spaces with queer-friendly atmospheres, Delaware has plenty of offerings.
LGBTQ+ resources in Delaware
Delaware Pride is home to the First State’s Pride festival. The group also shares information about other LGBTQ+ events and volunteer opportunities, along with community resources.
An organization for LGBTQ+ members, extended families and allies is PFLAG, formerly known as Parents, Families and Friends of Lesbians and Gays. PFLAG aims to celebrate the diversity of the LGBTQ+ community, and its mission is to support, educate and advocate for queer people, their loved ones and allies.
PFLAG has Wilmington, Middletown and Rehoboth branches.
NAMI Delaware, the local chapter of the National Alliance on Mental Illness, provides mental health support and services that include offerings for LGBTQ+ individuals. NAMI Delaware’s website also has information about nationwide resources and information.
For a variety of LGBTQ+ programming, support services, local resources and more, CAMP Rehoboth Community Center delivers just that.
On its website, you’ll find information about local queer events and spaces, LGBTQ+ health and wellness options in Delaware and local data about LGBTQ+ individuals in Delaware. The website has information about local support groups for youth, those struggling with addiction, grief support and meetups.
United Way of Delaware, a social services organization, provides plenty of information about LGBTQ+ vocabulary, support lines, HIV/AIDS resources and health care options for youth and seniors.
Parents of transgender children can join Parents of Trans Kids Delaware. Its website includes information and support groups.
AIDS Delaware, which aims to eliminate the spread and stigma of HIV/AIDS, is available in each Delaware county. The organization strives to improve the lives of those living with HIV/AIDS and promote community health. Contact the New Castle County branch at (302) 652-67776 and Kent and Sussex counties at (302) 226-5350.
The Delaware HIV Consortium offers HIV treatment and prevention throughout the state. Call (302) 654-5471.
Planned Parenthood of Delaware has locations in all three counties and provides gender-affirming hormone therapy for patients over the age of 18. Other services related to transitioning are offered, too.
Transitions Delaware serves the LGBTQ+ community and its allies, offering consultation sessions, counseling services, training and other resources.
The Rainbow Chorale of Delaware is an inclusive, nonprofit community chorus that provides LGBTQ+ individuals, friends and allies the opportunity to perform choral music in an affirming environment. Auditions are not required.
Sean’s House, a mental health organization in Newark, offers an LGBTQ+ peer support group every month. It is open to people between the ages of 14 and 24 and is led by a trauma-informed therapist who is a part of the queer community.
Jewish Family Services of Delaware recently created a pair of support programs for LGBTQ+ individuals, one for youth and one for adults, called the Affirmation Project. Both programs are free and meet online once a week, exercising a three-part curriculum that focuses on emotional support, education and history and communication skills. To register for JFS LGBTQ+ programs or to learn more about other mental health services, visit jfsdelaware.org or call (302) 478-9411.
For a list of LGBT+ health care providers, visit www.camprehoboth.com/lgbtq-providers. For trans and nonbinary resources, visit www.camprehoboth.com/trans. For LGBTQ+ resources specifically for Black, Indigenous and people of color communities, visit www.camprehoboth.com/bipoc.
ICYMI: New Delaware bill seeks to include asexuality and pansexuality under sexual orientation
Nationwide LGBTQ+ resources
The following resources are not exclusive to Delaware and provide diverse support for the LGBTQ+ community all over the U.S.:
The Trevor Project is a nonprofit organization focused on suicide prevention efforts among LGBTQ+ youth. The organization has a toll-free number offering 24/7 phone support for youth in crisis. Call (866) 488-7386.
The national Suicide and Crisis Lifeline can be reached by calling 988.
The LGBT National Help Center offers confidential peer support for LGBT individuals of all ages, including text, phone and online chat help.
Trans Lifeline is the first transgender crisis hotline to exist in the United States and Canada. It is a trans-led hotline that offers peer support and a crisis hotline. Call (877) 565-8860.
The National Center for Transgender Equality offers resources for trans individual, including information about trans issues, events and rights.
Depression Looks Like Me is a program aiming to educate and empower LGBTQ+ people with depression.
Point of Pride provides lifesaving health and wellness services to vulnerable trans and nonbinary individuals. The organization has an annual trans surgery fund and free chest binders, among other services.
Know of any other LGBTQ+ resources, groups or hangouts in Delaware? Contact Krys'tal Griffin at [email protected].
This article originally appeared on Delaware News Journal: LGBTQ+ health care, support resources in Delaware, nationwide
