Resource Topics

Stigma & Discrimination

Gay and bi men and trans people may face stigma and discrimination at home, online, on the streets, in religious settings, and at work. There are laws, company policies, and religious and cultural institutions that support discrimination either directly or by omission.

Discrimination against GBTQ people has been associated with high rates of psychiatric disorders, substance abuse, and suicide. Unfortunately, our community sometimes stigmatizes each other due to race, class, age, femininity, body size, or HIV status. Stigma and discrimination negatively affect the health and well-being of GBTQ people.

Stigma and discrimination start early. Forty percent of homeless youth are GBTQ, often because of family rejection and failed safety nets. Bullying based on perceived sexual orientation is common in schools. And gay, bisexual and trans youth are significantly over-represented in the juvenile justice system. Start by learning more about stigma and discrimination and find out what you can do to combat it. Volunteering or donating to community organizations are concrete first steps you can take.

Find local resources in

Lambda Legal – WA

Non-profit that fights for full recognition of the civil rights of LGBT people and those with HIV through impact litigation, education and public policy work

Equal Rights Washington

Statewide political advocacy organization for LGBTcommunities across Washington State

Safe Schools Coalition

Reduces bias-based bullying and violence in schools and helps schools better meet the needs of sexual minority youth and children of sexual minority parents or guardians through resources, trainings,and technical assistance

Parents & Friends of Lesbians & Gays – WA

Advances equality and societal acceptance of LGBT people through a threefold mission of support, education and advocacy

Washington State Human Rights Commission

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Administers and enforces state laws against discrimination

American Civil Liberties Union - WA

Works for equal rightsand legal protections against discrimination and harassment for LGBTQ people

Gay, Lesbian & Straight Education Network

Support for every student in every school to be valued and treated with respect regardless of sexual orientation, gender identity or gender expression

Gender Alliance of the South Sound

The Gender Alliance of the South Sound (G.A.S.S.) offers social support, resources, and an opportunity to make connections to the trans* and gender variant community in South Puget Sound. Click here for meeting times and other resources and events.

Gender Justice League

Leaders in the fight to combat oppression based on gender& sexuality and to create trans safe communities in Washington State

Lambert House

LGBTQ youth drop-in center with mentoring, discussion groups, artnights, and other activities

Seattle Office for Civil Rights

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Gender identity and sexual orientation are protected classes

King County Office of Civil Rights

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Investigates and resolves discrimination complaints in unincorporated King County and by King County government

Ingersoll Gender Center Resources

Supports transgender and gender variant people towards growth and well being with support groups, education, jobs programs, and special events

King County Trans* Resource & Referral Guide

A comprehensive source of information and local resources for physical, mental, and social well-being for trans* community members, and how to advocate for change. Click here to download the full guide.

LGBTQ Allyship

At LGBTQ Allyship, LGBTQ community members and allies work together to organize for social and economic justice, including advocating for LGBTQ homeless youth and health care.

LGBTQ Youth Drop-In at Youth Eastside Services

BGLAD (Bisexual Gay Lesbian Adolescent Drop-in) is a free drop-in support group open to youth ages 12 to 19 who identify as lesbian, gay, bi, trans*, queer, or questioning. The BGLAD group enables youth to meet their peers and discuss life issues in a safe and confidential environment.

Trikone Northwest

Trikone Northwest is a supportive community group for LGBTQ members of the Puget Sound South Asian and Middle Eastern communities.

Tacoma Rainbow Center

The Tacoma Rainbow Center provides a supportive community environment for LGBTQ community members in Pierce County including support groups, community group meetings, HIV/STI testing, computer access, the Rainbow Center Library, board games & pool, workshops, and more.

More Information

Mental Health Care / Counseling

See our Mental Health page for local resources on suicide, counseling, and group therapy

Mental Health
See our Mental Health page for local resources on suicide, counseling, andgroup therapy.