American Red Cross Blood Drive
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LGBTQIA+ Services
JJC offers support services as well as education for the JJC community in relation to LGBTQIA+ topics. On this page, you can search for JJC, local and national resources as well as find answers to frequently asked questions.
Note: In creating the local and national resource list, efforts were made to include organizations that affirm, support, and are knowledgeable about LGBTQIA+ identities. Please note that inclusion of any resource on the list should not be taken as a formal endorsement by JJC and that the college does not assume any responsibility or liability for the resources provided.
JJC Resources
JJC offers many services and resources for LGBTQIA+ students.
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JJC Safe Zone Project
JJC Safe Zone Project
The staff at Joliet Junior College (JJC) works to ensure that all students have the opportunity to learn in a safe and supportive environment. Members of the JJC Safe Zone Ally Project consist of JJC faculty, staff, and current students who work to create a safe environment for all members of the campus community regardless of sexual orientation, gender identity, or gender expression. The purpose of this page is for students who identify as LGBTQIA+ and are attending JJC to have access to resources on campus, in the community, and online. If you would like more information about the Safe Zone Project at JJC please click here.
Safe Zone Allies
Safe Zone Allies work in many different areas of our campus community and can be identified by Safe Zone decals in their offices or on an instructor's course syllabus. Safe Zone Allies are individuals who have participated in ally training, are aware of community resources, and fully support student success. A full list JJC Safe Zone Allies can be found here:
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Campus Support Services
Campus Support Services
Students who identify as LGBTQIA+ have access to all JJC student support services. Services include:
Diversity, Equity, Inclusion and Compliance (DEIC) Office
JJC offers workshops to increase awareness of diversity, equity and inclusion. They are essential to employees so that they build their skills to create an inclusive campus culture.
Room: D-1004
Phone: 815.280.2801
Email: dei@jjc.eduCareer Services
If you're not sure about your college major or you need career coaching, you can set up a meeting with a Career Services representative.
Room: A-1175
Phone: 815.280.2756
Email: careers@jjc.eduMental Health and Wellness
Get help via JJC counseling services, group therapy, workshops and more.
Main Campus: A-1100
Phone: (815) 280-2936Disability Services
The Disability Services offie helps provide accommodations and support services like coaching, technology training and assistive technology.
Main Campus: A-1125
Phone: (815) 280-2223Office of Student Rights & Responsibilities
The Office of Student Rights & Responsibilities is responsible for protecting the integrity of the college experience, upholding laws that apply to the protection and rights of students and providing advocacy when needed.
Main Campus: A-1103
Phone: (815) 280-2309Office of Student Activities and Holistic Wellness
OSA provides opportunities for students to discover, practice and develop their personal and professional skill sets.
Main Campus: D-1010
Phone: (815) 280-2202 -
JJC Clubs & Pride Alliance
JJC Clubs
JJC offers a wide variety of clubs and organizations to support personal development, leadership development, social activities, and special interests. A list of all JJC clubs and organizations can be found on our Office of Student Activities page.
Pride Alliance
If you are interested in getting involved with a LGBTQIA+ organization at JJC, consider Pride Alliance. Student members of Pride Alliance work to celebrate diversity and promote equality among all sexual orientations and gender identities of the JJC Community. The club provides peer support, hosts annual LGBTQIA+ related events, and supports advocacy efforts.
Pride Alliance Club Advisor
Patricia Binfa
Phone: (815) 280-2449
Email: pbinfa@jjc.edu
Office: U-1002C -
Transferring
Transferring
There are many resources available to students who are transferring to their next institution. If you are looking for a LGBTQIA+-friendly campus the resources below may help you find a campus that is right for you.
BestColleges.com partners with HigherEducation.com to provide students with direct connections to schools and programs suiting their educational goals through program rankings.
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Mental Health Services
Health & Mental Health
The Office of Holistic Wellness proudly partners with Will County Health Department to provide HIV and STD testing for the JJC community.
HIV/STD Testing
More information about sexual health and HIV/STD testing can be found on our Student Wellness page.LGBTQIA+ Health
More information on LGBTQIA+ health can be found on the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention website.The Health of Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Transgender and Queer People Book
The Institute of Medicine has also published an e-book.National Alliance on Mental Illinois
Information on and resources for LBGTQ and Mental Heath can be found via the National Alliance on Mental Illness website.Mental Health Services
JJC offers the following mental health services:- Confidential personal counseling on a variety of issues
- Crisis intervention services
- Workshops, presentations to groups, and group therapy sessions
- Outreach activities and participation in student wellness events
- Consultation and training for faculty and staff on working with students that may have personal or mental health challenges that are impacting their academic or social environments
Location: A-1100
Phone: 815.280.2936
Email: mentalhealthservices@jjc.edu -
Additional Resources
Additional Resources
The JJC Library Staff has created a LibGuide for Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Transgender, and Queer Resources. The site includes terms, definition, and information on social issues, important links, book suggestions, and much more.
JJC FAQs
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How can I change my name at JJC?
JJC works to ensure that all students have the opportunity to learn in a safe and supportive environment. JJC acknowledges that many students use first names other than their legal first name to identify themselves.
Students who wish to pursue this option must complete a Preferred Name form and submit it to The Office of Student Rights & Responsibilities. The Dean of Students may request to review this information with you for approval.
Once reviewed and approved, the Dean of Students will provide the student with a letter of support and contact appropriate offices who can support this request. The approval of this form will not change a student's legal name on any legal college documents. A student is still obligated to use their legal name on all legal documents.
It is the student's responsibility to contact the Office of Student Rights and Responsibilities each semester to provide updates in class schedule and needed support.
For more information about this process, for additional information, or to seek other support services please contact The Office of Student Rights & Responsibilities by visiting A-1100 or calling (815) 280-2761.
Please note: The JJC Dean of Students will support the students request whenever possible.
It is also suggested that the student take a proactive role in this process and encourages communication with faculty members.
Preferred Name Change Request Form (Solicitud de cambio de nombre preferido)
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Where can I find gender neutral bathrooms at JJC?
All-access and gender neutral bathrooms are available at the Main Campus, Romeoville Campus and City Center Campus in the following locations:
Main Campus
- A-2704
- EC-1107 (Events Center)
- J-0057
- J-1068
- J-2071
- J-3040
- J-4063
- U-1124
Romeoville Campus- RMB-1085
- RMB-1105A
City Center Campus- RCEN1128A
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What opportunities exist at JJC for education related to LGBTQIA+ topics?
To see opportunities, visit our Safe Zone Ally page on MyJJC for more information.
The JJC Diversity, Equity, Inclusion and Compliance (DEIC) Office offers resources as well.
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What should I do if I experience discrimination at JJC related to my gender, gender identity and/or sexual orientation?
If you experience discrimination or an ethical violation by a JJC employee related to your gender, gender identity and/or sexual orientation, you can report it here:
- Online reporting (includes anonymous reporting option)
- Mobile device reporting (includes anonymous reporting option)
- Hotline: (844) 995-4894
If you are a JJC student and experience discrimination by another JJC student related to your gender, gender identity and/or sexual orientation, you can report it via this student reporting platform.
Local/Community Resources
Students may need to seek supportive resources off-campus. While we made efforts to identify local organizations that affirm, support, and are knowledgeable about LGBTQIA+ identities, we do not endorse or cannot make that guarantees for the organizations listed.
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Addiction
Alcoholics Anonymous District 51
- Provides support for individuals struggling with alcohol addiction
- Visit our website for meeting locations, dates and times
- Some locations offer childcare support during meetings
- ADA-accessible locations are labelled in the directory
Website
Alcoholics Anonymous District 51AI-Anon Family Group (Northern Illinois)
- Provides support groups for friends and families of alcoholics
- Check the website to find the location for the meeting nearest you
- Spanish-speaking support groups are also available and are labelled in the directory
Phone
(815) 773-9623 (Will County Division)Website
AI-AnonRainbow Group of Alcoholics Anonymous
- Provides support and open welcome to those identifying as lesbian, gay, bisexual, trans, queer and straight.
- Meets on Mondays from 5-6 p.m.
Address
Fellowship Club of Will County
1703 N Broadway
Crest Hill, IL 60403Will County Health Department
- Provides assessment and treatment for individuals with alcohol and drug addiction.
- Ages 13+
- Call to schedule an intake
- Spanish-speaking staff are also available
Address
501 Ella Ave.
Joliet, IL 60433Phone
(815) 727-8670Website
Will County Health -
Behavioral Health/Counseling
360 Youth Services
- Trained counselors offer support and intervention, teach skills, empower individuals and help families navigate life's challenges
Address
1548 Bond Street, Suite 114
Naperville, IL 60563Phone
(630) 717-9408, Ext 1180AGAPE Missions, Inc.
- Provides counseling for people who were incarcerated and people living with HIV/AIDS
Address
840 Plainfield Road
Joliet, IL 60435Phone
(815) 723-1548Emergency Line
(815) 685-5288Website
AGAPECenter on Halsted (Behavioral Health)
- Offers a variety of mental health services and opportunities for community members, including psychotherapy for individuals and couples, group counseling and referrals
- Counseling services are also available in Spanish
Address
3656 N. Halsted Street
Chicago IL 60613Phone
(773) 472-6469Compassionate Counseling
- Dr. Wilke provides therapy services, specializing in:
- transgender and sexual identity issues
- guided imagery with music
- family and coming out issues
- partners counseling
- intimacy/relationship issues
Phone
Deborah L. Wilke, Ed.D., LCPC, NCP, DAPA
(630) 759-9799Email
docwilke@gmail.comWebsite
Compassionate CounselingHoward Brown Health Center
- Provides primary medical care, behavioral health services and specifically chronic and infectious disease services
- Primarily serves the lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, and questioning/queer community and its allies
- Spanish speaking services and staff also available
Address
4025 N. Sheridan Road
Chicago, IL 60613Phone
(773) 388-1600Website
Howard Brown Health CenterRegional Care Association
- Provides counseling services for people living with HIV/AIDS
Address
2420 Glenwood Ave
Joliet, IL 60435Phone
(815) 722-7000Website
Regional CareOpen Door Clinic
- Provides counseling for people living with HIV/AIDS support groups
Address
157 South Lincoln Ave Suite K
Aurora, IL 60505Phone
(630) 264-1819Website
Open Door ClinicTrinity Services, Inc. (Family Counseling Center)
- Provides psychotherapy for children, adolescents, adults and couples in individual and group formats in English, Spanish and German
- Organization is particularly geared toward people with disabilities
Address
301 Veterans Parkway
New Lenox, IL 60451Phone
(815) 485-6197Website
Trinity ServicesSilver Oaks Behavioral Hospital
- Hosts a specific identities and Expressions LGBTQIA+ Track, which provides guidance in developing coping skills, life balance, and other tools needed for support and healthy living
Address
1004 Pawlak Parkway
New Lenox, ILPhone
(844) 580-5000Website
Silver Oaks Behavioral HospitalWill County Health Department (Mental Health Program)
- Provides community-based outpatient mental health services for youth and adults. Call to schedule an intake. Spanish speaking services and staff also available.
- Locations in Joliet, Bolingbrook, and Monee
Phone
(815) 727-8521Website
Will County Health - Trained counselors offer support and intervention, teach skills, empower individuals and help families navigate life's challenges
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Community Pride Groups
Bolingbrook Pride
- Aims to promote an understanding of, and equality for, the LGBTQIA+ populace within our community by raising awareness. We plant o do this through public displays, educational programs, and events; ultimately leading up to an annual PrideFest.
Website
Bolingbrook PrideEmail
bolingbrook.pride@gmail.comJoliet Pride Network
- Serves as a community-based organization dedicated to inclusion and advocacy for the LGBTQIA+ and Ally community
Facebook
Joliet Pride Facebook PageEmail
jolietpridenetwork@gmail.comPlainfield Pride
- Provides paid training to promote equality for the LGBGTQIA+ community and educate about our needs, language usage, pronouns and culture. Advocates for and addresses community concerns.
- Hosts events that celebrate the history, heritage, and accomplishments of the LGBTQIA+ community and introduce these lessons into school curricula to be taught year-round. creates an environment for advocacy, networking, outreach, support services, and leadership opportunities for the LGBTQIA+ people, their families, friends and co-conspirators.
Facebook
Plainfield Pride Facebook PageEmail
info@plainfieldpride.orgWill County Pride Coalition
- Combines the efforts of many LGBTQ and ally groups to support and empower the LGBTQ citizens of Will County and educate our allies.
Facebook
Will County Pride Facebook Page -
Domestic Violence/Sexual Assault
Guardian Angel Community Services (Sexual Assault Service Center)
- Provides support for survivors of sexual violence and their significant others through. a 24-hour hotline, individual and group counseling (adults and children), legal and medical advocacy, prevention education, and community presentations. All services are also offered in Spanish.
Address
168 N. Ottawa Street
Joliet, IL 60432
Phone
(815) 729-0930 ext 133024 Hour Hotline
(815) 730-8984 -
Health Resources (Medical) / Community Resources
Howard Brown Health Center
- Provides primary medical care, behavioral health services, and specialty chronic and infectious disease services
- Primarily serves the lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender and questioning/queer (LGBTQIA+) community and its allies
- Spanish-speaking services and staff also available
Address
4025 N. Sheridan Road
Chicago, IL 60613Phone
(773) 388-1600Regional Care Association
- Provides medical services and counseling services for people living with HIV/AIDS and HIV testing and counseling.
Address
2420 Glenwood Ave.
Joliet IL 60435
(815) 722-7000Website
Regional CareWill County Community Health Center
- Provides access to quality health care, dental care, and lab services for uninsured and under-insured individuals
- Spanish speaking physicians are also available
Address
1106 Neal Avenue
Joliet, IL 60433
(815) 727-8670Website
Will County Health -
Hotlines, Suicide Prevention Resources
GLBT National Help Center
- Provides free and confidential phone, chat and email support.
- Speaks with callers about coming-out issues, relationship concerns, bullying, workplace issues, HIV/AIDS anxiety and safer-sex information and lots more.
- This is not a 24-hour hotline.
- Please check the website for hours of operation.
Phone
1-888-843-4564 (Adults and Youth)
1-800-246-7743 (Youth ages 13-25Website
GLBT National Help CenterGuardian Angel Community Services (Sexual Assault Service Center)
- Provides support for survivors of sexual violence and their significant others through a 24-hour hotline. Spanish language service also available.
24-Hour Hotline
(815) 730-8984Website
Guardian Angel Community ServicesThe Trevor Project
Provides free crisis and suicide prevention services to LGBTQIA+ youth (ages 13-24) including a 24-hour hotline and secure instant messaging to connect those in need to trained counselors.
Phone
1-866-488-7386Website
thetrevorproject.orgTrans Lifeline
- Provides support for trans people in crisis, including those who may be struggling with their gender identity or aren't sure if they are transgender.
- This is not a 24-hour hotline. Please check the website for hours of operation.
Phone
(877) 565-8860 -
Sexual Health
AGAPE Missions, Inc.
- Free HIV/AIDS testing
- Counseling (including for LGBTQIA+ issues)
- HIV/AIDS care and prevention education
Address
840 Plainfield Road
Joliet, IL 60435Emergency Line
(815) 685-5288Website
AGAPE MissionsCanticle Ministries, Inc.
- Provides housing, education and support for people and families living with HIV/AIDS.
- Please note: While their mission and philosophies are embedded int he teachings of the Catholic Church, they serve and honor all people without regard to race, color, ethnicity, sex or sexual orientation (stated on their website)
Phone
(630) 588-9165Website
Canticle MinistriesOpen Door Clinic
- Primary and specialized medical care for people living with HIV/AIDS
- Counseling (including for LGBT+ issues and substance abuse)
- Free HIV and Sexually Transmitted Infection STI testing
- Support Groups
- Offers medical case management in Spanish
Address
157 South Lincoln Ave., Suite K
Aurora, IL 60505Phone
(630) 264-1819Website
Open Door ClinicRegional Care Association
- Medical services and counseling services for people living with HIV/AIDS
- HIV testing and counseling
Address
2420 Glenwood Ave.
Joliet IL 60435
(815) 722-7000Website
Regional CareWill County Health Department
- Provides free HIV testing and protection
- Spanish speaking staff are also available
Address
501 Ella Ave.
Joliet, IL 60433Phone
(815) 727-8480 -
Spirituality (Local Places of Worship)
The following local places of worship have identified themselves as being LGBTQIA+ affirming. You can find more LGBTQIA+ affirming churches at gaychurch.org.
Evangelical Lutheran Church in America
Church
Good Shepherd Church, ECLAAddress
25 Alexander Circle
Romeoville, IL 60446Phone
(815) 886-4354Website
www.welcome432.orgMethodist
Church
Wesley United Methodist ChurchAddress
21 East Franklin Avenue
Naperville, IL 60540Phone
(630) 355-1834Website
Wesley NapervilleMuslim
Church
Masjid al-RabiaAddress
637 S Dearborn St,
Chicago, IL 60605Website
Masjid al-RabiaUnitarian Universalist
Church
Universalist Unitarian Church of JolietAddress
3401 W. Jefferson St, JolietPhone
(815) 744-9020Website
UUJolietUnited Church of Christ
Church
First Congregational United Church of ChristAddress
25 E. Benton Ave.
Naperville, IL 60540Phone
(630) 355-1024Website
First Congregational -
Support Groups, Drop in Programs
Androgen Insensitivity Syndrome / Differences of Sex Development Support Group
- Provides education, support, and advocacy for those living with Androgen Insensitivity Syndrome and other Differences of Sex Development and their families.
Website
AISDSDCenter on Halsted
- Offers regular events, support groups and drop in programs for bisexual people, transgender people, children and families and women. View their website for a calendar of upcoming group meetings and events.
Address
3656 N. Halsted Street
Chicago, IL 60613Phone
(773) 472-6469Website
Center on HalstedGender Explorers Joliet (Community Alliance and Action Network)
- Monthly peer-led support group for transgender and gender non-conforming adults.
- Meets on third Wednesdays, 6:30 p.m. to 7:30 p.m.
Address
Universalist Unitarian Church of Joliet
3401 W. Jefferson St.
Joliet, IL 60431Website
UUJolietGenderqueer Chicago
- A grassroots peer-led group that works to create safe spaces for everyone to talk about, think about, explore and express gender. Holds free weekly meetings and events.
- View our website or contact for meeting locations and times.
Website
Genderqueer ChicagoEmail
genderqueerchicago@gmail.comParents, Families and Friends of Lesbians and Gays (PLAG) of Aurora/Fox Valley
- Provides support, education and advocacy for LGBTQIA+ individuals and their families. The Joliet Area PFLAG Chapter is currently on hiatus as August 2015. Please check the PLFAG website.
- Meets on Sundays at 2 p.m.
Address
New England Congregational Church
406 W. Galena Blvd
Aurora, IL 60506Phone
(630) 415-0622Email
pflagaurorafoxvalley@pflagillinois.comWebsite
PFLAGRainbow Group of Alcoholics Anonymous
- Provides support and open welcome to those identifying as lesbian, bisexual, gay, trans, queer and straight.
- Meets on Mondays from 5-6 p.m.
Address
Fellowship Club of Will County
1703 N. Broadway
Crest Hill, IL 60403Transcend (Youth Outlook - Joliet)
- Transcend is a drop-in group for trans youth and youth questioning their gender identity. Suggested for youth ages 14-20. Send an email for the meeting location.
- Meets on Wednesdays from 6:30-9 p.m.
Email
lalania.oconnor@youth-outlook.orgAddress
Spanish Community Center
309 N. Eastern Ave
Joliet, IL 60432
(Enter through the parking lot off Franklin Street; entrance is behind the community center)Website
Youth OutlookTranscend (Youth Outlook)
- Transcend is a drop-in group for trans youth and youth questioning their gender identity. Suggested for youth ages 14-20. Send an email for the meeting location.
- Meets on Tuesdays from 6:30-9 p.m.
Email
nancy.mullen@youth-outlook.orgPhone
(815) 754-5331Website
Youth Outlook - Provides education, support, and advocacy for those living with Androgen Insensitivity Syndrome and other Differences of Sex Development and their families.
National Resources
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Education Resources
The following is a list of resources meant to provide additional education about topics related to LGBTQIA+ communities.
Accord Alliance FAQs
The Accord Alliance promotes comprehensive and integrated approaches to care that enhance the health and well-being of people and families affected by disorders of sex development (DSD) by fostering collaboration among all stakeholders. They provide education to increase awareness about DSD and create guidelines, models of care, and training for medical professionals related to DSD.
Website
Accord AllianceHuman Rights Campaign
The HRC is the largest civil rights organization in the country working to achieve equality for lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender people. Their site contains issue maps, topical resource guides (e.g., coming out, religion & faith, HIV/AIDS), and more.
Website
Human Rights CampaignNational Center for Transgender Equality
The National Center for Transgender Equality is the nation’s leading social justice advocacy organization winning life-saving change for transgender people. Their “About Transgender People” page provides links to basic terminology related to trans people, statistics about the trans community, FAQs, ally tips, and more.
Website
National Center for Transgender EqualityNational LGBTQ Task Force
The National LGBTQIA+ Task Force is the country’s oldest national LGBTQIA+ advocacy group.Besides advocacy, the Task Force’s Policy Institute conducts groundbreaking research and policy analysis on hot- button issues affecting the LGBTQIA+ community.Visit their “Fact Sheets & Infographics” page to learn more about issues affecting the community.
Website
National LGBTQ Task ForceThe Interface Project
Seeking to demystify and humanize the experiences of intersex individuals, the Interface Project highlights the experiences of people born with intersex conditions. Also includes an FAQ page.
Website
Interface Project -
Spirituality Groups
Baptist
Association of Welcoming and Affirming Baptists
awab.orgBuddhism
Gay Buddhist Fellowship
gaybuddhist.orgCatholicism
Dignity USA
dignityusa.orgChristian Science
Emergence International
emergence-international.orgJudaism
Keshet
keshetonline.orgLutheran
Reconciling Works
reconcilingworks.orgMetropolitan Community Church
United Fellowship of Metropolitan Community Church
mccchurch.orgMormon
Affirmation
affirmation.orgMuslim
Muslim Alliance for Sexual and Gender Diversity
themasgd.orgUnitarian / Universality
Unitarian Universalist Church
uua.orgUnity Fellowship Church Movement (African American)
Unity Fellowship Church Movement
unityfellowshipchurch.orgUnited Methodist
Affirmation
affirmation.org -
Transgender Resources
The following resources are intended for students who are questioning their gender identity, considering coming out as trans/nonbinary/genderqueer, or are exploring their options for transitioning.
General Hudson’s FTM Resource Guide
Comprehensive guide that has been used by many trans men and their loved ones since 2005. Contains a wealth of information on many aspects related to FTM transition, including:
- Presenting as male
- Hormones
- Grooming
- Surgery
- Clothing
- And more
Transsexual & Transgender Road MapTranssexual & Transgender Road Map
Comprehensive guide for transgender people considering transition created by a transgender woman.
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Other National Resources
The following is a list of national groups that provides services for and do advocacy work on behalf of LGBTQIA+ communities.
Athletics
Trans Athlete
Transathlete is a resource for students, athletes, coaches, and administrators to find information about trans inclusion in athletics at various levels of play.
Immigration
Immigration Equality
Provides free legal services for LGBTQIA+ and HIV-positive immigrants.
Legal
Sylvia Rivera Law Project
Provides direct representation for low income transgender people and transgender people of color in three main areas: Survival & Self Determination (Name Changes, Assistance Obtaining and Updating ID Documents, Health Care Advocacy, Criminal History/Fingerprinting), Immigrant Rights (Name Changes, Assistance Updating Immigration Documents, Adjustment of Status, Naturalization, Removal Defense, Asylum) and Prisoner Justice (NY-only).
Sylvia Rivera Law Project Website
Lambda Legal
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 those with HIV through impact litigation, education and public policy work.
Site includes a map that allows users to find out which laws protect LGBTQIA+ people and people living with HIV in their state, toolkits, infographics, and other topic-specific resources.
