18 Resources
Working to ensure safe and affirming K-12 schools for LGBTQ+ students. GSA support, research, and school resources. For LGBTQ+ students K–12 and college, their parents, and the adults supporting them. Scholarship applications open in fall; bookmark deadlines and gather essay drafts early. LGBTQ+ students with a GSA at school are 50% less likely to attempt suicide than those without. No cost — the program is grant-funded and confidentiality-protected.
Nationwide · Online · Visit Website
Genders & Sexualities Alliance Network — supporting student-led LGBTQ+ clubs in schools nationwide. For LGBTQ+ students K–12 and college, their parents, and the adults supporting them. Crisis lines specifically for LGBTQ+ youth (Trevor, LGBT National Youth Talkline) are 24/7 and confidential. Point Foundation is the largest LGBTQ+ scholarship — full-ride awards available, application opens Jan, due late March. No cost — the program is grant-funded and confidentiality-protected.
Nationwide · Online · Visit Website
Largest scholarship-granting organization for LGBTQ+ students of merit. Worth contacting for scholarship opportunities specifically for LGBTQ+ youth and Two-Spirit Native students. Many organizations host annual leadership conferences and summer camps — applications open spring. Point Foundation is the largest LGBTQ+ scholarship — full-ride awards available, application opens Jan, due late March. Free service; donations support but never gate access.
Nationwide · Online · Visit Website
Co-founded by Cyndi Lauper to address LGBTQ+ youth homelessness and ensure no young person is denied family. For LGBTQ+ students K–12 and college, their parents, and the adults supporting them. Many organizations host annual leadership conferences and summer camps — applications open spring. Trevor Project's TrevorSpace is a moderated international online community for LGBTQ+ youth 13–24. Open at no cost to LGBTQ+ Illinois residents and the people supporting them.
Nationwide · Online · Visit Website
Inspires hope and connection among LGBTQ+ youth through global media campaigns and storytelling. Worth contacting for scholarship opportunities specifically for LGBTQ+ youth and Two-Spirit Native students. Many organizations host annual leadership conferences and summer camps — applications open spring. Point Foundation is the largest LGBTQ+ scholarship — full-ride awards available, application opens Jan, due late March. No cost — the program is grant-funded and confidentiality-protected.
Nationwide · Online · Visit Website
Working to create safer, more inclusive college campuses for LGBTQ+ students. Index of LGBTQ+ friendly campuses. Useful for kids dealing with bullying, GSA suppression, bathroom/locker access, or sports participation issues. Crisis lines specifically for LGBTQ+ youth (Trevor, LGBT National Youth Talkline) are 24/7 and confidential. Trevor Project's TrevorSpace is a moderated international online community for LGBTQ+ youth 13–24. Free service; donations support but never gate access.
Nationwide · Online · Visit Website
Largest org of parents, families, and allies of LGBTQ+ people with 400+ local chapters across the US. For LGBTQ+ students K–12 and college, their parents, and the adults supporting them. Many organizations host annual leadership conferences and summer camps — applications open spring. Trevor Project's TrevorSpace is a moderated international online community for LGBTQ+ youth 13–24. Free, confidential, and open to anyone in the LGBTQ+ community.
Nationwide · Online · Visit Website
LGBTQ+ youth programs at Center on Halsted for ages 13-24. For LGBTQ+ students K–12 and college, their parents, and the adults supporting them. Many programs offer free trainings for teachers, counselors, and administrators on creating affirming classrooms. Trevor Project's TrevorSpace is a moderated international online community for LGBTQ+ youth 13–24. All services free of charge to LGBTQ+ Illinois residents and allies.
Statewide · Varies · Visit Website
Trevor Project's safe online community for LGBTQ+ young people ages 13-24. Useful for kids dealing with bullying, GSA suppression, bathroom/locker access, or sports participation issues. Many organizations host annual leadership conferences and summer camps — applications open spring. LGBTQ+ students with a GSA at school are 50% less likely to attempt suicide than those without. Free service; donations support but never gate access.
Nationwide · Online · Visit Website
NCTE student resources including Title IX information for trans students. Useful for kids dealing with bullying, GSA suppression, bathroom/locker access, or sports participation issues. Many programs offer free trainings for teachers, counselors, and administrators on creating affirming classrooms. Title IX protections cover LGBTQ+ students at any school receiving federal funding — including private religious schools with federal aid. All services free of charge to LGBTQ+ Illinois residents and allies.
Nationwide · Online · Visit Website
Lady Gaga's foundation supporting youth mental wellness, LGBTQ+ inclusive. For LGBTQ+ students K–12 and college, their parents, and the adults supporting them. Scholarship applications open in fall; bookmark deadlines and gather essay drafts early. Title IX protections cover LGBTQ+ students at any school receiving federal funding — including private religious schools with federal aid. All services free of charge to LGBTQ+ Illinois residents and allies.
Nationwide · Online · Visit Website
Education and support for gender-diverse children, teens, and their families. Relevant for college applicants needing affirming campus info, dorm policies, and chosen-family scholarships. Many programs offer free trainings for teachers, counselors, and administrators on creating affirming classrooms. Family acceptance is the single biggest protective factor for LGBTQ+ youth mental health — programs help families learn how. All services free of charge to LGBTQ+ Illinois residents and allies.
Nationwide · Online · Visit Website
GLSEN local chapter directory for safe schools work in your area. Relevant for college applicants needing affirming campus info, dorm policies, and chosen-family scholarships. Many programs offer free trainings for teachers, counselors, and administrators on creating affirming classrooms. Trevor Project's TrevorSpace is a moderated international online community for LGBTQ+ youth 13–24. All services free of charge to LGBTQ+ Illinois residents and allies.
Nationwide · Online · Visit Website
National anti-bullying organization with LGBTQ+ specific resources for youth. Relevant for college applicants needing affirming campus info, dorm policies, and chosen-family scholarships. Crisis lines specifically for LGBTQ+ youth (Trevor, LGBT National Youth Talkline) are 24/7 and confidential. Family acceptance is the single biggest protective factor for LGBTQ+ youth mental health — programs help families learn how. Free service; donations support but never gate access.
Nationwide · Online · Visit Website
Anti-bullying organization founded after the death of Tyler Clementi, LGBTQ+ focused. A starting point for parents whose child just came out and they're not sure what comes next. Many organizations host annual leadership conferences and summer camps — applications open spring. LGBTQ+ students with a GSA at school are 50% less likely to attempt suicide than those without. Open at no cost to LGBTQ+ Illinois residents and the people supporting them.
Nationwide · Online · Visit Website
Erasing hate by replacing it with understanding, compassion, and acceptance. For LGBTQ+ students K–12 and college, their parents, and the adults supporting them. Crisis lines specifically for LGBTQ+ youth (Trevor, LGBT National Youth Talkline) are 24/7 and confidential. Family acceptance is the single biggest protective factor for LGBTQ+ youth mental health — programs help families learn how. No cost — the program is grant-funded and confidentiality-protected.
Nationwide · Online · Visit Website
Federal anti-bullying resource hub with LGBTQ+ specific information. Useful for kids dealing with bullying, GSA suppression, bathroom/locker access, or sports participation issues. Many programs offer free trainings for teachers, counselors, and administrators on creating affirming classrooms. Title IX protections cover LGBTQ+ students at any school receiving federal funding — including private religious schools with federal aid. All services free of charge to LGBTQ+ Illinois residents and allies.
Nationwide · Online · Visit Website
Research-based approach to helping families support LGBTQ+ youth. Useful for kids dealing with bullying, GSA suppression, bathroom/locker access, or sports participation issues. Many programs offer free trainings for teachers, counselors, and administrators on creating affirming classrooms. Trevor Project's TrevorSpace is a moderated international online community for LGBTQ+ youth 13–24. Free, confidential, and open to anyone in the LGBTQ+ community.
Nationwide · Online · Visit Website