Gay, Lesbian and Straight Education Network (GLSEN)
When the group started in 1990, there were only two Gay-Straight Alliance clubs (GSAs) in schools, one state with a policy
protecting lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender (LGBT) students, and a lack of awareness of the needs of LGBT students. Today,
GLSEN has registered more than 3,500 GSAs. It also sponsors a National Day of Silence in which about a million students, teachers,
and staff across the country participate. GLSEN’s newest project is National No Name Calling Week. In coalition with leading
education groups including the National Education Assn. and National Middle School Assn., it is part of an event geared toward
educating middle school students on the negative impact of bullying and harassment. www.glsen.org
Parents, Families, and Friends of Lesbians and Gays (PFLAG)
PFLAG is a national support, education, and advocacy group for lesbian, gay, bisexual, and transgender (LGBT) people, their
families, friends, and allies. With 200,000 members and supporters and local chapters in more than 500 communities across the
U.S. and abroad, it is the largest grassroots-based family organization of its kind. 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. www.pflag.org.
Point Foundation
Point Foundation provides scholarships, mentoring, leadership training, and hope for students of merit who have been marginalized
due to sexual orientation, gender identity, or gender expression. Applicants turn to Point Foundation because their families are unable
or unwilling to support their goals for higher education. Student have compelling and inspiring stories of overcoming obstacles and
hardships; some were rejected by their families, forced to leave home, and cut off from financial support. Point Scholars are excelling at
our nation’s most prestigious universities and leading a variety of community service activities there, as well.
www.pointfoundadtion.org
The Trevor Project
The Trevor Helpline is the only nationwide around-the-clock crisis and suicide prevention helpline for gay and questioning youth.
It is a free and confidential service offering hope and someone to talk to, 24/7. Trained counselors listen and understand without
judgment. www.thetrevorproject.org
Ali Forney Center (AFC)
The Ali Forney Center was started in June of 2002 in response to the lack of safe shelter for LGBT youth in New York City. It is
committed to providing these young people with safe, dignified, nurturing environments where their needs can be met, and where
they can begin to put their lives back together. AFC is dedicated to promoting awareness of the plight of homeless LGBT youth in
the United States with the goal of generating responses on local and national levels from government funders, foundations, and the
LGBT community. www.aliforneycenter.org
Los Angeles Gay and Lesbian Center for Homeless Youth
The Los Angeles Gay and Lesbian Center for Homeless Youth serves the thousands of homeless gay youth in the Los Angeles area.
It offers everything gay teens need to get off the streets and make a better life for themselves, from food, clothing and housing to
counseling and job placement services. They serve young people ages 18 to 23 who are without a place to live but ready to commit to
getting off the streets. They also work with the young people to develop the skills and resources to successfully make it on their own.
www.lagaycenter.org
MCCNY Homeless Youth Services & Sylvia’s Place Homeless Youth Shelter
Since 2002, the Homeless Youth Services of Metropolitan Community Church of New York (MCCNY) has worked tirelessly to
meet the needs of the gay, lesbian, bisexual, and transgender runaway and homeless youth of New York City. Starting with a six-bed
emergency shelter called Sylvia’s Place, housed in the church itself, MCCNY’s services have expanded to include another shelter,
Sylvia’s East, plus a range of social services for both shelter residents and other runaway and homeless youth.
www.homelessyouthservices.org.