Sexual Orientation

The aim of the Berkshire Stonewall Community Coalition is to promote the well-being of gay, lesbian, bisexual, and transgendered people from the Berkshire County area through communication, networking, support, education, political action, and fun. BSCC activities include discussion panels, speakers, infosocials, support groups, community action, social events and the publication of a bi-monthly calendar.

The Gay Men's Domestic Violence Project is a grassroots, non-profit organization founded by a gay male survivor of domestic violence and developed through the strength, contributions and participation of the community.
The Gay Men's Domestic Violence Project supports victims and survivors through education, advocacy and direct services. Understanding that the serious public health issue of domestic violence is not gender specific, we serve men in relationships with men, regardless of how they identify, and stand ready to assist them in navigating through abusive relationships.

In 1992, The Network/La Red began to offer free services for abused lesbians, bisexual women, and transgender (LBT) folks. Today these services have expanded and include a Hotline, Safe Home (emergency shelter) program, Advocacy program, and Organizing/Outreach program. All services are bilingual and wheelchair- & TTY-accessible. ASL interpreters, air filters, and reimbursement for child-care are available as needed. All services are free of charge.

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.

Youth-led, adult-supervised social support group for all youth (ages 22 and under) who are gay, lesbian, bisexual, transgendered or questioning their gender or sexual identities. Group meets weekly; see website for details.

We are a drop-in center for gay, lesbian, bisexual, transgender, and questioning young people between the ages of 13 and 25. We're a safe space to hang out at, make new friends, and just relax. We have a darkroom, computer stations, a library, a TV room, and a kitchen where you can grab a bite to eat. We're also a staff of full-time professionals here to offer support on things going on in your life. From coming out issues to health and relationships, there's nothing you can't talk to us about. We can help you answer questions and find the resources that you need.

Across the country, Fenway's HelpLines are a source of support. Talk to our trained volunteers about safer sex, coming out, where to find gay-friendly establishments, HIV and AIDS, depression, suicide, and anti-gay/lesbian harassment and violence. No matter what is on your mind, we are here to encourage and ensure you that you are not alone. This line is geared to callers 25 years and younger.
Click for a direct link to the Listening Line.

The Violence Recovery Program (VRP) at Fenway Community Health was founded in 1986. The VRP provides counseling, support groups, advocacy, and referral services to Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual and Transgender (LGBT) victims of bias crime, domestic violence, sexual assault and police misconduct. Other services include a support group for LGBT domestic violence survivors, the region's only support group for male survivors of rape and sexual assault, advocacy with the courts and police, and assistance with victim compensation.
Click for a direct link to the Violence Recovery Program.

Founded in 1978, Gay & Lesbian Advocates & Defenders (GLAD) is New England's leading legal rights organization dedicated to ending discrimination based on sexual orientation, HIV status and gender identity and expression. GLAD has a full-time legal staff who focus on providing litigation, advocacy, and educational work in all areas of gay, lesbian, bisexual and transgender civil rights and the rights of people living with HIV.

The Gay, Lesbian and Straight Education Network (GLSEN) is a national organization making schools safer for ALL students, regardless of sexual orientation or gender identity/expression.
GLSEN strives to assure that each member of every school community is valued and respected regardless of sexual orientation or gender identity/expression. We believe that such an atmosphere engenders a positive sense of self, which is the basis of educational achievement and personal growth. Since homophobia and heterosexism undermine a healthy school climate, we work to educate teachers, students, and the public at large about the damaging effects these forces have on youth and adults alike.
We recognize that forces such as racism and sexism have similarly adverse impacts on communities, and we support schools in seeking to redress all such inequities. GLSEN seeks to develop school climates where difference is valued for the positive contribution it makes in creating a more vibrant and diverse community.

HBGC (Hispanic Black Gay Coalition) is one of few non-profit organizations in Boston dedicated to the unique and complex needs of the Black, Hispanic and Latino LGBT community. Founded in 2009 to unite and give a voice to LGBT individuals of color, we work to inspire and empower Hispanic, Latino and Black LGBT individuals to improve their livelihood through activism, education, community outreach, and counseling.

Keshet seeks to create a fully welcoming and inclusive Jewish community for gay, lesbian, bisexual, and transgender (GLBT) Jews in Greater Boston. Keshet develops leadership for change among GLBT Jews and allies to affect concrete changes in Jewish institutions' policies and cultures. Keshet also creates opportunities for GLBT Jews to come together, celebrate, and explore our Jewish identities in an affirming environment.

Maria Talks is a statewide sexual health hotline and website designed specifically for Massachusetts teens covering topics such as pregnancy, sexual violence and GLBTQ. AIDS Action Committee (AAC) developed this website with funding from the Massachusetts Department of Public Health (MDPH).

The Massachusetts Transgender Political Coalition is dedicated to ending discrimination on the basis of gender identity and gender expression.
We envision a world where persons of all genders are treated with respect and fully participate in all areas of society, free from fear of prohibition, harassment or violence based on their gender identity and/or expression.
To that end we educate the public, advocate with state, local, and federal government, engage in political activism, and encourage empowerment of community members through collective action.

NETA is dedicated to the health and well-being of transgender women living in New England. We provide a warm friendly and safe place for transgender women to meet and receive support, information, and community connection. Our mission is to support and empower transgender women wherever they are in their process of transition and identity. NETA is here to help you identify your priorities and address your concerns. NETA offers up-to-date and informative narratives, editorials, and many resources to assist you in maintaining your body, mind and emotional well-being. Our door is open to all transgender or gender variant individuals, however they identify, who feel our services would be of benefit.
NETA provides a semimonthly support meeting for the LGBTIQ community on the first and third Wednesday of every month from 7:00 PM to 9:00 PM at a secure location.

PFLAG promotes the health and well-being of gay, lesbian, bisexual and transgender persons, their families and friends through: support, to cope with an adverse society; education, to enlighten an ill-informed public; and advocacy, to end discrimination and to secure equal civil rights. Parents, Families and Friends of Lesbians and Gays provides opportunity for dialogue about sexual orientation and gender identity, and acts to create a society that is healthy and respectful of human diversity. Support groups are offered throughout the state - check website.

Founded in 1979, QAPA, formerly AMALGM, is the oldest Asian queer organization in the United States. QAPA is committed to providing a supportive social, political, and educational environment for lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, and questioning people of Asian and Pacific Islander heritage (this is inclusive of A/PIs, A/PI Americans and those who are of mixed A/PI heritage) in the Boston and New England area. We currently have over 200 active members in the New England area, plus many more ex-members spread around the world.

TransCEND is a community-based HIV prevention and health education program by and for transgender women located currently in the Jamaica Plain Jackson Square area. As of July 1, 2010, TransCEND is a new program of the AIDS Action Committee of Massachusetts (AAC).
We provide 1 on 1 counseling and group support, HIV counseling and testing, referrals to transgender friendly legal and medical providers, safer sex and injection supplies, hygiene products, complimentary cosmetics and have a welcoming community safe drop-in space with television and computers with Internet for your use.

The Transgender Emergency Fund (TEF) first opened in 2008. Since then, we have distributed more than $26,000 of financial assistance to low-income trans people throughout the state of Massachusetts. We are one of the first funds of its kind in that our efforts are focused on providing relief to low-income transgender community members. The TEF is staffed by volunteers and is run with almost no overhead costs, allowing us to give all donations to people in need.

The GLBT National Youth Talkline provides telephone and email peer-counseling, as well as factual information and local resources for cities and towns across the United States.
All of our services are free and confidential.
We also maintain the largest resource database of its kind in the world, with over 18,000 listings. Our database contains information on social and support groups, as well as gay-friendly religious organizations, sports leagues, student groups and more.

COLAGE is a national movement of children, youth, and adults with one or more lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender and/or queer (LGBTQ) parents. We build community and work toward social justice through youth empowerment, leadership development, education, and advocacy.

The Point Foundation provides financial support, mentoring and hope to meritorious students who are marginalized due to sexual orientation, gender expression or gender identity.