LGBTQIA+ Services

JJC offers many services for LGBTQIA+ students. In addition, community resources are also available. Current JJC students can 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

  • 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. 

    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

  • Mental Health Services

    Center for Student Wellness and Support

    The Office of Holistic Wellness proudly partners with Will County Health Department to provide HIV and STD testing for the JJC community.

    JJC offers the following mental health services:

    • Comprehensive mental health assessments and confidential counseling
    • Group therapy, skill-building workshops and wellness programs
    • Outreach and educational initiatives for the campus community
    • Consultation and training to promote a mentally healthy campus culture
    • Support for relationship, social and personal wellness challenges
    • Advocacy and resources for individuals impacted by trauma or violence
    • Collaboration with campus teams to support safety and well-being
    • Mental Health First Aid training to increase awareness and preparedness
    • Wolves Essentials Pantry: Non-perishable food, clothes and hygiene products 

     

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

    Phone: 815.280.2936

    Email: mentalhealthservices@jjc.edu 

    Counselors Specializing in LGBTQIA+ Concerns: Kristy Caponi & Susan Schillmoeller

  • 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. 

  • 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

  • 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.

  • Where can I find gender neutral bathrooms at JJC?

    All-access and gender-neutral bathrooms are available at Main Campus, Romeoville Campus and City Center Campus in the following locations:

    Main Campus

    • A-2704
    • EC-1107 (Event Center)
    • C-1074
    • G-1014
    • J-0057
    • J-1068
    • J-2071
    • J-3040
    • J-4063
    • S-2011
    • U-1124

    Romeoville Campus

    • RMB-1085
    • RMB-1105A

    City Center Campus

    • RCEN1128A

  • 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 Office of Inclusive Excellence and Advocacy offers resources as well.

  • 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, two options are available: 

Local Chicagoland 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. 

  • Businesses

    Everywhere Is Queer

    • Listing of queer-owned businesses

    Rainbow Pages

    • Listing of LGBTQIA+ Welcoming Businesses

  • 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.

    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

  • 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

  • Health Resources

    360 Youth Services

    • Trained counselors offer support and intervention, teach skills, empower individuals and help families navigate life's challenges

     

    Health Area(s) of Focus: Behavioral Health/Counseling

    Address
    1548 Bond Street, Suite 114
    Naperville, IL 60563

    Phone
    (630) 717-9408, Ext 1180

    AGAPE Missions, Inc.

    • Provides counseling for people who were incarcerated and people living with HIV/AIDS
    • Free HIV/AIDS testing
    • Counseling (including for LGBTQIA+ issues)
    • HIV/AIDS care and prevention education

     

    Health Area(s) of Focus: Behavioral Health/Counseling, Sexual Health

    Address
    840 Plainfield Road
    Joliet, IL 60435

    Phone
    (815) 723-1548

    Emergency Line
    (815) 685-5288

    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 director

     

    Health Area(s) of Focus: Addiction

    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 

    Health Area(s) of Focus: Addiction

    Phone
    (815) 773-9623 (Will County Division)

    Center on Halsted

    • 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

     

    Health Area(s) of Focus: Behavioral Health/Counseling

    Address
    3656 N. Halsted Street
    Chicago IL 60613

    Phone
    (773) 472-6469

    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

     

    Health Area(s) of Focus: Behavioral Health/Counseling, Medical

    Locations

    Phone
    (773) 388-1600

    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

     

    Health Area(s) of Focus: Sexual Health

    Address
    157 South Lincoln Ave., Suite K
    Aurora, IL 60505

    Phone
    (630) 264-1819

    Rainbow Group of Alcoholics Anonymous

    • Provides support and open welcome to those identifying as lesbian, gay, bisexual, trans, queer and straight.

     

    Health Area(s) of Focus: Addiction

    Address
    Fellowship Club of Will County
    1703 N Broadway
    Crest Hill, IL 60403

    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.

     

    Health Area(s) of Focus: Behavioral Health/Counseling

    Address
    301 Veterans Parkway
    New Lenox, IL 60451

    Phone
    (815) 485-6197

    Will County Health Department/Community Health Center

    • Provides access to quality health care, dental care, and lab services for uninsured and under-insured individuals
    • Provides assessment and treatment for individuals with alcohol and drug addiction.
    • Provides community-based outpatient mental health services for youth and adults. Call to schedule an intake. Spanish speaking services and staff also available.
    • Provides free HIV testing and protection
    • Ages 13+
    • Call to schedule an intake
    • Spanish-speaking staff are also available

     

    Health Area(s) of Focus: Addiction, Behavioral Health/Counseling, Medical, Sexual Health

    Locations

    Phone
    (815) 727-8670

  • Legal Resources

    Transformative Justice Law Project of Illinois (TJLP)

    • TJLP provides free, life and gender-affirming legal services to everyone on the gender spectrum regardless of financial status. TJLP especially prioritizes folks who are low-income and street-based transgender and gender-nonconforming people targeted by the criminal legal system.

  • 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

    Unitarian Universalist

    Church
    Universalist Unitarian Church of Joliet

    Address
    3401 W. Jefferson St, Joliet

    Phone
    (815) 744-9020

    United Church of Christ

    Church
    First Congregational United Church of Christ

    Address
    25 E. Benton Ave.
    Naperville, IL 60540

    Phone
    (630) 355-1024

  • Support Groups and Drop in Programs

    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

    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

    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

    Rainbow Group of Alcoholics Anonymous 

    Provides support and open welcome to those identifying as lesbian, bisexual, gay, trans, queer and straight.

    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

National Resources

  • 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.

  • Educational Resources

    The following is a list of resources meant to provide additional education about topics related to LGBTQIA+ communities.

    Accord Alliance

    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.

    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.

    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.

    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.

    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.

    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.

  • Hotlines

    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)

    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

    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

  • Immigration

    Immigration Equality

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

  • Legal Resources

    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.

    Movement Advancement Project

    The Movement Advancement Project (MAP) tracks over 50 different LGBTQ-related laws and policies

    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).

  • Spirituality

    Baptist

    Association of Welcoming and Affirming Baptists

    Buddhism

    Gay Buddhist Fellowship

    Catholicism

    Dignity USA

    Christian Science

    Emergence International

    Judaism

    Keshet

    Lutheran

    Reconciling Works

    Metropolitan Community Church

    United Fellowship of Metropolitan Community Church

    Mormon

    Affirmation

    Muslim

    Muslim Alliance for Sexual and Gender Diversity

    Unitarian / Universality

    Unitarian Universalist Church

    Unity Fellowship Church Movement (African American)

    Unity Fellowship Church Movement

    United Methodist 

    Reconciling Congregations