The UP Center was founded in 2009 as an organization to advocate for the equality, wellness, advocacy, and visibility of the LGBTQ+ communities in Champaign County.
Since then, we have been active in the community through support and social groups, community-building events, educational workshops, clothing drives, arts festivals, political advocacy, and more.
The American Civil Liberties Union of Illinois is a non-profit, non-partisan organization, dedicated to protecting freedom, liberty, equality and justice for all within the United States. With a membership of more than 23,000 across Illinois - a total of more than 550,000 across the nation - the ACLU accomplishes its goals through litigation, lobbying and education programs.
College scholarships and organization grants for LGBTQ persons, organizations, and allies provide educational opportunities and help develop communities that last a lifetime. To be eligible, applicants must retain permanent residence in the Acorn Equality Fund service area of downstate Illinois (all Illinois counties except Cook, DuPage, Grundy, Kane, Kendall, Lake, McHenry, and Will) and attend any accredited, post-secondary educational institution.
​Scholarships of $1,000 to $4,000 are available, with $35,000 in scholarships awarded in total. Apply here.
The mission of Equality Illinois is to secure, protect and defend equal rights for lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender people in Illinois.
The Department of Human Rights administers the Illinois Human Rights Act, which prohibits discrimination because of race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, national origin, ancestry, citizenship status (with regard to employment), familial status (with regard to real estate transactions), age, marital status, physical or mental disability, military service, unfavorable military discharge, and sexual orientation.
Illinois Gender Advocates exist to bring equality and prosperity to the transgender people and our allies in Illinois through public education, networking, and government petition.
The Illinois Safe Schools Alliance (the Alliance) mission is to promote safety, support and healthy development for lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender and questioning (LGBTQ) youth, in Illinois schools and communities, through advocacy, education, youth organizing and research.
The Lesbian and Gay Bar Association of Chicago is a nonprofit membership organization of judges, attorneys, law students, and affiliated law workers.
All Gender Restroom signs to ensure each person who needs to use the restroom can do so in a safe and accepting environment.
PFLAG celebrates diversity and envisions a society that embraces everyone, including those of diverse sexual orientations and gender identities.
Rainbow Families of Illinois is a non-profit, community-based organization that includes lesbian and gay parents and their children and those considering parenthood. The mission of Rainbow Families is to build and maintain a strong and caring community, recognizing the broad diversity and varied interests among our families.
Listed below are some of the leading national organizations providing resources, networking, crisis aid, and information on legal issues for the LGBTQA community.
Advocates for Youth partners with youth leaders, adult allies, and youth-serving organizations to advocate for policies and champion programs that recognize young people’s rights to honest sexual health information; accessible, confidential, and affordable sexual health services; and the resources and opportunities necessary to create sexual health equity for all youth.
For almost 100 years, the ACLU has worked to defend and preserve the individual rights and liberties guaranteed by the Constitution and laws of the United States.
Established in 1987, the American Foundation for Suicide Prevention (AFSP) is a voluntary health organization that gives those affected by suicide a nationwide community empowered by research, education and advocacy to take action against this leading cause of death.
"The American Institute of Bisexuality encourages, supports and assists research and education about bisexuality, through programs likely to make a material difference and enhance public knowledge, awareness and understanding about bisexuality."
Amnesty International is a global movement of more than 7 million people in over 150 countries and territories who campaign to end abuses of human rights. We campaign for a world where human rights are enjoyed by all.
Art of Transliness was started by the two of us (Zak and Adrian, two trans males), who wanted to provide a resource for our fellow trans guys. The attempt has been to create a magazine-like blog providing information on male fashion, skin care, presenting (“passing”), social issues surrounding transition, as well as sex and relationships. While we hope to cater to our followers to a certain extent, this is our original and primary purpose of this blog.
The Asexual Visibility and Education Network (AVEN) was founded in 2001 with two distinct goals: creating public acceptance and discussion of asexuality and facilitating the growth of an asexual community.
As America’s oldest advocacy organization for bisexual, pansexual, fluid, queer-identified and unlabeled people, BiNet USA facilitates the development of a cohesive network of independent bisexual and bi-friendly communities; promotes bisexual and bi-inclusive visibility; and collects and distributes educational information regarding sexual orientation and gender identity with an emphasis on bisexual, pansexual, fluid, queer (bi+) communities.
The Bisexual Resource Center envisions a world where love is celebrated, regardless of sexual orientation or gender expression. Because bisexuals today are still misunderstood, marginalized and discriminated against, the BRC is committed to providing support to the bisexual community and raising public awareness about bisexuality and bisexual people.
COLAGE unites people with lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, and/or queer parents and caregivers into a network of peers and supports them as they nurture and empower each other to be skilled, self-confident, and just leaders in our collective communities
Aspiring college students who identify as lesbian, gay, bisexual or transgender (LGBT) face a unique set of challenges when looking at schools. This website helps students identify LGBT-friendly schools and has links to scholarship opportunities and other resources.
DIGNITY is organized to unite gay, lesbian, bisexual, transgender, queer and intersex Catholics, as well as our families, friends and loved ones in order to develop leadership, and be an instrument through which we may be heard by and promote reform in the Church.​
Everyone Is Gay is a collection of voices lending advice and support to Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Transgender, Questioning/Queer, Intersex, and Asexual (LGBTQIA) youth, and also offers comprehensive lists of nationwide LGBTQIA resources.
GLAAD rewrites the script for LGBTQ acceptance. As a dynamic media force, GLAAD tackles tough issues to shape the narrative and provoke dialogue that leads to cultural change. GLAAD protects all that has been accomplished and creates a world where everyone can live the life they love.
GLMA is a national organization committed to ensuring health equity for lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, queer (LGBTQ) and all sexual and gender minority (SGM) individuals, and equality for LGBTQ/SGM health professionals in their work and learning environments. To achieve this mission, GLMA utilizes the scientific expertise of its diverse multidisciplinary membership to inform and drive advocacy, education, and research.
LGBTQ Victory Fund works to change the face and voice of America’s politics and achieve equality for LGBTQ Americans by increasing the number of openly LGBTQ officials at all levels of government.
The GALIP Foundation, God’s Agape Love (put) Into Practice, is a non profit 501(c)(3) organization dedicated to bringing the reconciling message of God’s love and reconciliation to the gay, lesbian, bisexual and transgender community.
GMHC is the world’s first and leading provider of HIV/AIDS prevention, care and advocacy. Building on decades of dedication and expertise, we understand the reality of HIV/AIDS and empower a healthy life for all. Our Mission: GMHC fights to end the AIDS epidemic and uplift the lives of all affected.
Petitions for LGBT rights on change.org
GSA Network is a next-generation LGBTQ racial and gender justice organization that empowers and trains queer, trans and allied youth leaders to advocate, organize, and mobilize an intersectional movement for safer schools and healthier communities.
To educate everyone (for example: doctors, friends, schoolteachers, family and individuals who are exploring their gender) about gender...
... To be a free & widely disseminated resource that points readers towards comprehensive sources...
... To alleviate societial oppression & misunderstanding of gender minorities through education.
The Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual and Transgender (LGBT) National Help Center, founded in 1996, is a non-profit, tax-exempt organization that provides vital peer-support, community connections and resource information to people with questions regarding sexual orientation and/or gender identity. Utilizing a diverse group of LGBT volunteers, we operate three national hotlines, the LGBT National Hotline, the LGBT National Youth Talkline, and the LGBT National Senior Hotline as well as private, volunteer one-to-one online chat, that helps both youth and adults with coming-out issues, safer-sex information, school bullying, family concerns, relationship problems and a lot more.
The Human Rights Campaign and the Human Rights Campaign Foundation together serve as America's largest civil rights organization working to achieve LGBTQ equality. By inspiring and engaging individuals and communities, HRC strives to end discrimination against LGBTQ people and realize a world that achieves fundamental fairness and equality for all.
As an Episcopal LGBTQ organization, Integrity USA proclaims and embodies the all-inclusive love of God through worship, education, and advocacy. Integrity envisions a church where people of all sexual orientations, gender identities, and gender expressions are welcomed and affirmed.
Formerly known as International Gay and Lesbian Human Rights Commission (IGLHC), OutRight Action International fights for human rights for LGBTIQ people everywhere. We are registered as a 501c3 non-profit in the US, have staff in six countries and work alongside LGBTIQ individuals across four continents in the Global South toward lasting change.
OutRight is the only LGBTIQ organization that has a permanent presence to advocate at the United Nations Headquarters in New York for progress for LGBTIQ people. We have a major stake at the UN on human rights and hold special consultative status there, which allows us to bring to light the concerns of LGBTIQ people globally at this important world forum.
The It Gets Better Project is a nonprofit organization with a mission to uplift, empower, and connect lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, and queer youth around the globe. Growing up isn’t easy, especially when you are trying to affirm and assert your sexual orientation and/or gender identity. It can be a challenging and isolating process – but, the good news is, no one has to do it alone.
"Accord Alliance promotes comprehensive and integrated approaches to care that enhance the health and well-being of people and families affected by differences of sex development" which includes intersex. Accord Alliance was sponsored by the Intersex Society of North America.
The Intersex Society of North America (ISNA) is devoted to systemic change to end shame, secrecy, and unwanted genital surgeries for people born with an anatomy that someone decided is not standard for male or female. ISNA closed in 2008, after Accord Alliance was in place. The website is left up for historical reasons.
Lambda Legal, a 501(c)(3) nonprofit, is a national organization committed to achieving full recognition of the civil rights of lesbians, gay men, bisexuals, transgender people and everyone living with HIV through impact litigation, education and public policy work.
What do I do if my child is gay?
Lead with Love is a 35-minute documentary created to help answer that question. Our goal is to provide comfort, information, and guidance for parents who have recently learned that their son or daughter is lesbian, gay, or bisexual.
"We believe in a world that protects and celebrates families without regard to sexual orientation or gender identity. Our mission is to secure legally recognized civil marriage equality for LGBTQ families at the state and federal level through grassroots organizing, education, action and partnerships."
The National Center for Transgender Equality advocates to change policies and society to increase understanding and acceptance of transgender people. In the nation’s capital and throughout the country, NCTE works to replace disrespect, discrimination, and violence with empathy, opportunity, and justice.
The Consortium of Higher Education LGBT Resource Professionals is a member-based organization working towards the liberation of LGBTQ people in higher education. We support individuals who work on campuses to educate and support people of diverse sexual orientations and gender identities, as well as advocate for more inclusive policies and practices through an intersectional and racial justice framework.
Formerly known as the National Gay and Lesbian Task Force, the National LGBTQ Task Force advances full freedom, justice, and equality for LGBTQ people.
(Formerly known as National Lesbian and Gay Journalists Assocation, they still use the NLGJA acronym)
Founded in August 1990 by the late Leroy (Roy) F. Aarons, NLGJA is an organization of journalists, media professionals, educators and students working from within the news industry to foster fair and accurate coverage of LGBTQ issues. NLGJA opposes all forms of workplace bias and provides professional development to its members.
Formerly known as the National Lesbian and Gay Law Assocation, the National LGBT Bar Association is a national association of lawyers, judges and other legal professionals, law students, activists, and affiliated lesbian, gay, bisexual, and transgender legal organizations. The LGBT Bar promotes justice in and through the legal profession for the LGBTQ+ community in all its diversity.
Formerly known as National Runaway Switchboard, the National Runaway Safeline provides immediate assistance 24/7/365.
Call 1-800-RUNAWAY. Or use the online services to chat, email, or post on the forum.
Each frontline team member has over 40 hours of crisis intervention training.
Out Proud Families is a place to find resources, information, perspectives and connections for supporting families, caregivers and other important people in the lives of children and youth of diverse gender identities, gender expressions, and sexual orientations. Out Proud Families has a special focus on developing and sharing resources for families and youth of diverse cultural backgrounds.
Formerly Parents and Friends of Lesbians and Gays, PFLAG unites people who are lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, and queer (LGBTQ) families, friends, and allies. PFLAG is committed to advancing equality through its mission of support, education, and advocacy. PFLAG has 400 chapters and 200,000 supporters crossing multiple generations of American families in major urban centers, small cities, and rural areas in all 50 states, the District of Columbia and Puerto Rico.
Formerly known as The Parent Project, My Kid is Gay is a first-of-its-kind digial presence, inclusive of videos, advice, and resources, dedicated exclusively toward helping parents understand their Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Transgender, Queer, Intersex, and Asexual children.
The Queer Resources Directory (QRD) is an electronic research library specifically dedicated to sexual minorities -- groups which have traditionally been labelled as "queer" and systematically discriminated against. The Queer Resources Directory contains 25488 files about everything queer.
Formerly known as Service Members Legal Defense Network, OutServe-SLDN represents the U.S. LGBT military community worldwide. Our mission is to: educate the community, provide legal services, advocate for authentic transgender service, provide developmental opportunities, support members and local chapters, communicate effectively, and work towards equality for all.
Also may be known as Supporting and Mentoring Youth Advocates and Leaders, SMYAL supports and empowers lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, and questioning (LGBTQ) youth in the Washington, DC, metropolitan region. Through youth leadership, SMYAL creates opportunities for LGBTQ youth to build self-confidence, develop critical life skills, and engage their peers and community through service and advocacy. Committed to social change, SMYAL builds, sustains, and advocates for programs, policies, and services that LGBTQ youth need as they grow into adulthood.
Soulforce works to end the political and religious oppression of lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, queer and intersex people through relentless nonviolent resistance.
Suicide prevention, awareness and support
At Sunshine Behavioral Health our goal is to help as many people as possible in their struggles with substance abuse. We aim to show people that not only is sobriety possible, but repairing the damages of addiction can also be obtained. We offer a comprehensive program from our inpatient rehab centers to intensive outpatient treatment (IOP) as well as sober living homes. Our addiction counselors work hard to develop unique aftercare programs for each patient we come across. Whether you live in the state of one of our centers or travel for treatment, we can find support groups, therapists and outpatient programs in any area our patients return home to. For a transgender specific support, check out that webpage here.
We are a non-profit organization dedicated to engaging in effective advocacy for transgender people in our society. The TLPI brings experts and advocates together to work on law and policy initiatives designed to advance transgender equality.
The mission of The Trevor Project is to end suicide among gay, lesbian, bisexual, transgender, queer & questioning young people. The organization works to fulfill this mission through four strategies:
You Can Play works to ensure the safety and inclusion of all in sports - including LGBTQ athletes, coaches and fans.
You Can Play works to guarantee that athletes are given a fair opportunity to compete, judged by other athletes and fans alike, only by what they contribute to the sport or their team’s success.
You Can Play seeks to challenge the culture of locker rooms and spectator areas by focusing only on an athlete’s skills, work ethic and competitive spirit.
