We all need somebody to lean on, as the song goes, and that can ring especially true for us LGBTQ folks. We happen to be lucky enough to live in one of the most vibrant queer communities in the country, so there are some pretty great resources out there for whatever you might need. Each corner of the Bay Area has support groups, mental health services, medical assistance, creative outlets, social mixers and more to help you blossom and thrive as the beautiful (queer) human you are. Let’s help you find what you’re lookin’ for. (In a crisis situation? Hotlines are at the bottom of the page.)
San Francisco
SF LGBT Center
1800 Market St. //
San Francisco’s LGBT Center provides a wide array of programs and services for the Bay Area queer community. From financial and immigration services to their Trans Employment Program, they address structural and societal issues within the community.
Queer Lifespace
2275 Market St., #7 // This nonprofit counseling agency aims to bring sustainable mental health and substance abuse services to the queer community of San Francisco. They conduct queer-informed training programs and provide low-fee, sliding scale medical services. Check out their website for more info and to see their current weekly group sessions.
Queer Women Of Color Media Arts Project
59 Cook St. // If you’re a queer woman of color working on a media project but in need of a little extra help, the QWOCMAP is the place to go. The group offers consultation, videography, editing and production services to individual artists as well as serving nonprofits, foundations and arts organizations.
Alliance Health Project
1930 Market St. // The Alliance's mission is to provide behavioral and sexual health services to the LGBTQ community. They also provide training and information to healthcare providers to learn to more welcoming, supportive, and conscious of individual issues when working with queer clients.
Trikone
60 29th St., #614 //
This nonprofit is for LGBTQ people of South Asian descent and is 100% volunteer-powered. They host occasional events like potlucks, Bollywood dance parties, and game nights to bring the community together and celebrate their heritage alongside their sexual identities.
API Wellness Clinic
726 Polk St. // This fully-licensed health center is dedicated to providing compassionate care to the the LGBTQ community and communities of color. Trans individuals can find a safe space at TRANS:THRIVE, the clinic's drop-in care center. Fill your PrEP prescription, get free confidential HIV and STD testing, and participate in their support groups and community outings.
East Bay
Via Facebook
Qulture Collective
1714 Franklin St., Oakland //
This hybrid space is a comfortable and fun environment for LGBTQ folks and allies. Grab a cup of coffee at the cafe, shop handmade artisan goods, type away with free wi-fi in their work space, indulge in art by queer artists, create in their “maker space” or attend an event. The sky’s the limit and the culture is queer.
Oakland LGBTQ Community Center
3207 Lakeshore Ave., Oakland //
The East Bay’s most prevalent LGBTQ community center and service provider, this location has plenty of options for support, socializing, and more. They host one-off events like open mic, Gaymer Night, meditation and drag shows as well as evening and weekend groups. The center is always clean, sober, and drug-free space.
The Pacific Center
2712 Telegraph Ave., Berkeley // Depending on your needs, The Pacific Center offers individual, relationship, and family counseling. There are also therapy services and support groups for everyone, from polyamorous relationships to partners of trans* and gender nonconforming folk.
Rainbow Community Center
2118 Willow Pass Rd., Suite 500, Concord // The Rainbow Community Center provides free HIV testing and hosts counseling services and community socials for LGTBQ people of all stripes. They also have resources for queer survivors of hate crimes and intimate partner violence.
South Bay
Via Facebook
The Billy DeFrank LGBTQ Center
938 The Alameda, San Jose //
This South Bay center is aimed at providing a safe space for education, camaraderie, health, and support. They offer HIV testing, free use of Internet-enabled computers, a library, regular meetings for a variety of groups, and community events. Check out their site to see the full schedule of events and services.
Outlet
Various Locations // Events and group meetings for Outlet are held at one of three locations in the Peninsula: Redwood City, Mountain View, or San Mateo. Outlet's main focus is provides adolescent counseling services and youth outreach, but they also host regular adult support groups. Find out more on their site.
North Bay
Via Facebook
LGBTQ Connection
780 Lincoln Ave., Napa // You can find a wide variety of events and information on the LGBTQ community in the North Bay Area through the Connection. Their calendar includes their own events as well as other nonprofit events in the area, so you’re sure to find something that clicks. They host trainings, workshops as well as promote wellness and leadership within the community.
The Spahr Center
910 Irwin St., San Rafael // From social mixers to senior discussions and youth drop-in groups, The Spahr Center is a great place for any support you may need in the San Rafael area. They also offer HIV support, prevention and testing. Check out their calendar for the full scoop.
Hotlines
The GLBT Hotline of San Francisco: 415-355-0999
GLBT National Hotline: 1-888-843-4564
GLBT National Youth Talkline: 1-800-246-7743
Trevor Project Hotline (Queer Youth Suicide Prevention): 866-488-7386
California AIDS, STD, & Hepatitis Hotline: 1-800-367-2437
Sexual Assault - Community Violence Solutions: 800-670-7273
Contra Costa Crisis Center for Suicide & Crisis Intervention: 800-273-8255
Stay safe out there - and we mean that in every sense of the word! Did we miss something? Let us know at [email protected].
