LGBTQIA+ Services

JJC offers many services for LGBTQIA+ students, and community resources are also available. Current JJC students can access these find more information in the student portal.find more information in the student portal.find more information in the student portal.find more information in the student portal. 

Note: In creating the 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 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:

    Safe Zone Allies

  • Campus Support Services

    Campus Support Services

    Students who identify as LGBTQIA+ have access to all JJC student support services, which include: 

    The Office of Inclusive Excellence and Advocacy

    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: inclusiveadvocacy@jjc.edu

    Career 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.edu

    Mental Health and Wellness

    Get help via JJC counseling services, group therapy, workshops and more.

    Main Campus: Lower level J-0003

    Romeoville: RMA-1024

    mentalhealthservices@jjc.edu

    Phone: (815) 280-2936

    Disability Services

    The Disability Services offers helps provide accommodations and support services like coaching, technology training and assistive technology.

    Main Campus: A-1125
    Phone: (815) 280-2223

    Office 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) 280-2309

    Office 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 the 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 Facebook Page

    Pride Alliance Club Advisors

    Patricia Binfa

    Dain Meza-Gotto

  • 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.

    College Guide for LGBTQIA+ students
    LGBTQIA+ Scholarships

  • 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.

    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
    Resources regarding LBGTQ and mental health 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
       

    Locations: Main Campus, Lower-level J-0003; Romeoville, RMA-1024
    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. 

    Check Out LibGuide

    LGBTQ+ Pride Proclamation

JJC FAQs

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 guarantees for the organizations listed. 

  • 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 51

    AI-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-Anon

    Rainbow 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 60403

    Will 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
       

    Locations

    Phone
    (815) 727-8670

     

  • 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 60563

    Phone
    (630) 717-9408, Ext 1180

    360 Youth Services website

    AGAPE Missions, Inc.

    • Provides counseling for people who were incarcerated and people living with HIV/AIDS
       

    Address
    840 Plainfield Road
    Joliet, IL 60435

    Phone
    (815) 723-1548

    Emergency Line
    (815) 685-5288

    Website
    AGAPE

    Center 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 60613

    Phone
    (773) 472-6469

    Website

    Center on Halsted

    Howard 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


    See locations
     

    Phone
    (773) 388-1600

    Website
    Howard Brown Health Center

    Regional Care Association

    • Provides counseling services for people living with HIV/AIDS


    Address
    2420 Glenwood Ave
    Joliet, IL 60435

    Phone
    (815) 722-7000

    Open Door Clinic

    • Provides counseling for people living with HIV/AIDS support groups


    Address
    157 South Lincoln Ave Suite K
    Aurora, IL 60505

    Phone
    (630) 264-1819

    Website
    Open Door Clinic

    Trinity 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 60451

    Phone
    (815) 485-6197

    Website
    Trinity Services

     

    Will 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) 727-8521

    Website
    Will County Health 

  • 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 Pride

    Email
    bolingbrook.pride@gmail.com

    Joliet Pride Network

    • Serves as a community-based organization dedicated to inclusion and advocacy for the LGBTQIA+ and Ally community
       

    Facebook
    Joliet Pride Facebook Page 

    Email
    jolietpridenetwork@gmail.com

    Plainfield 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 Page

    Email 
    info@plainfieldpride.org

    Will 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

    Email
    info.willcountypridecoalition@gmail.com

  • Businesses

    LGBTQIA+ & Ally Business: Rainbow Pages

    Queer-Owned Businesses: Everywhere Is Queer

  • 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 1330

    24 Hour Hotline
    (815) 730-8984

    Website
    Guardian Angel Community Services

  • 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


    Locations

    Phone
    (773) 388-1600

    Howard Brown website

    Regional 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) 722-7000

    Will 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) 727-8670

    Website
    Will County Health

  • Hotlines, Suicide Prevention Resources

    LGBT 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 13-25)

    Website
    LGBT National Help Center

    Guardian 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) 730-8984

    Website
    Guardian Angel Community Services

    The 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
    1-866-488-7386

    Website
    thetrevorproject.org

    Trans 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

    Trans Lifeline website

  • 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 60435

    Emergency Line
    (815) 685-5288

    Website
    AGAPE Missions 

     

    Open 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 60505

    Phone
    (630) 264-1819

    Website
    Open Door Clinic

    Regional 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) 722-7000

     

    Will County Health Department

    • Provides free HIV testing and protection
    • Spanish speaking staff are also available
       

    Address
    501 Ella Ave.
    Joliet, IL 60433

    Phone
    (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.

     

    Methodist

    Church
    Wesley United Methodist Church

    Address
    21 East Franklin Avenue
    Naperville, IL 60540

    Phone
    (630) 355-1834

    Website
    Wesley Naperville

     

    Unitarian Universalist

    Church
    Universalist Unitarian Church of Joliet

    Address
    3401 W. Jefferson St, Joliet

    Phone
    (815) 744-9020

    Website
    UUJoliet

    United Church of Christ

    Church
    First Congregational United Church of Christ

    Address
    25 E. Benton Ave.
    Naperville, IL 60540

    Phone
    (630) 355-1024

    Website
    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
    AISDSD

    Center 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. 


    Locations

    Phone
    (773) 472-6469

    Website
    Center on Halsted

    Gender 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 60431

    Website
    UUJoliet

    Parents, Families and Friends of Lesbians and Gays (PFLAG Council of Northern Illinois)

    • Provides support, education and advocacy for LGBTQIA+ individuals and their families. 

    PFLAG Chapters

    Website
    PFLAG

    Rainbow Group of Alcoholics Anonymous 

    Provides support and open welcome to those identifying as lesbian, bisexual, gay, trans, queer and straight. Learn more about this group on their website. 

     

    Transcend (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.org

    Phone
    (815) 754-5331

    Website
    Youth Outlook

National Resources

  • 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 Alliance

    Human 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 Campaign

    National 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 Equality

    National 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 Force

    The 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.org

    Buddhism

    Gay Buddhist Fellowship
    gaybuddhist.org

    Catholicism

    Dignity USA
    dignityusa.org

    Christian Science

    Emergence International
    emergence-international.org

    Judaism

    Keshet
    keshetonline.org

    Lutheran

    Reconciling Works
    reconcilingworks.org

    Metropolitan Community Church

    United Fellowship of Metropolitan Community Church
    mccchurch.org

    Mormon

    Affirmation
    affirmation.org

    Muslim

    Muslim Alliance for Sexual and Gender Diversity
    themasgd.org

    Unitarian / Universality

    Unitarian Universalist Church
    uua.org

    Unity Fellowship Church Movement (African American)

    Unity Fellowship Church Movement
    unityfellowshipchurch.org

    United Methodist 

    Reconciling Congregations
    Reconciling Ministries Network

  • 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.

    Human Rights Campaign

    Human Rights Campaign 

    Transformative Justice Law Project of Illinois

    Transformative Justice Law Project of IL

    General Hudson’s FTM Resource Guide

    FTM 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

  • 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.

    Transathlete Website

    Immigration

    Immigration Equality

    Provides free legal services for LGBTQIA+ and HIV-positive immigrants.

    Immigration Equality Website

    Legal

    Movement Advancement Project

    Movement Advancement Project website 

    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.

    Lambda Legal Website
    Lambda Legal Website (Español)