Support Resources
NOTE: Skagit PFLAG provides these links and resources for informational purposes only. No endorsement is expressed or implied, and the accuracy of the information is not guaranteed.
Coming Out: An Overview
National sources
- GLSEN, the Gay, Lesbian & Straight Education Network, is the leading national education organization focused on ensuring safe schools for all students. Established in 1990, GLSEN envisions a world in which every child learns to respect and accept all people, regardless of sexual orientation or gender identity/expression.
- Centers for Disease Control and Prevention
The perspectives and needs of LGBT people should be routinely considered in public health efforts to improve overall health of every person and eliminate health disparities. - Straight Spouse Network
Provides support and information to straight spouses and former spouses of gay, lesbian, and bisexual mates. - Children of Gays and Lesbians Everywhere (COLAGE)
if you are a person with a gay, lesbian, bisexual or transgendered parent, this is the place for you. - Family Equality Council
National advocacy organization committed to securing family equality for lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender and queer parents, guardians and allies. - Gay Yellow Pages
The ORIGINAL Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual and Transgender Information Resource since 1973. - Housing & Mortgages for Gay & Lesbian Couples
This guide will help to explain the different approaches that same-sex couples can take to getting a mortgage, establishing ownership of a home, and creating legal documents that anticipate any legal or property-ownership issues that might occur if the couple breaks up or one partner dies. - National Gay and Lesbian Task Force
We are the uncompromising national voice for full LGBT equality. The Task Force creates change by building LGBT political power from the ground up.
- SAGE
SAGE is the world's oldest and largest non-profit agency dedicated to serving and advocating for lesbian, gay, bisexual, and transgender seniors. Since its inception, SAGE has pioneered programs and services for seniors in the LGBT community, provided technical assistance and training to expand opportunities for LGBT older people across the country, and provided a national voice on LGBT aging issues. In 2005 SAGE became the first official LGBT delegate at a White House Conference on Aging. SAGE is celebrating its 30th Anniversary with activities throughout 2008. - Social Security and Disability Resource Center
The Social Security and Disability Resource Center is an informational website that provides answers to questions about how to apply for disability, how to appeal a claim in the event of a denial, how to navigate the federal system, and how to avoid certain mistakes that are commonly made by applicants. This page has information specific to HIV/AIDS: http://www.ssdrc.com/hiv.html
Local sources
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SKAGIT HOSPICE
For help with grief and loss: contact the wonderful people at SKAGIT HOSPICE (360) 416-5702. -
Gay Lesbian Open-minded Bisexual Empowerment (GLOBE)
The GLOBE support program provides gay, lesbian, and bisexual youth an opportunity to meet peers and share concerns regarding their sexuality. -
AVERPugetSound.org
LiftTheBan.org
Michael Todd Kilmer
President, AVER Puget Sound
(American Veterans for Equal Rights)
P.O. Box 19297
Seattle, WA 98109
Cell: 206-551-1050 -
Families & Friends of Violent Crime Victims is a Crime Victims Service Center. We were the first victim assistance program in the state of Washington, and we continue to provide highly trained and compassionate Victim Advocates to people whose lives have been devastated by violent crime. ALL of our services are free and confidential.
Contact: Jessica Drain, jessica@fnfvcv.org -
Gay Fathers Association of Seattle: (GFAS) provides a safe forum and supportive environment for gay or bisexual men who are fathers, or who have been or are currently married to straight spouses.
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PFLAG Canada http://www.pflagcanada.ca/en/
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Skagit Domestic Violence and Sexual Assault Services
http://www.skagitdvsas.org
Skagit DV&SA Services provides confidential assistance for victims of domestic violence, dating violence, rape, child sexual abuse, stalking, elder abuse, sexual assault and sexual harassment.
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Washington Gender Alliance www.washingtongenderalliance.com
http://applausenow.org
This website will show you how to create a congratulatory welcome and an embrace of good cheer for those that are coming out. From words to actions to products and even resources, it will help you become a strong ally at the time of coming out.
Safe Schools Coalition: offers resources as a starting point for educators, parents/guardians and youth.
http://www.safeschoolscoalition.org
http://www.safeschoolscoalition.org/youth/index.htmlhttp://www.safeschoolscoalition.org/blackboard-organizations.html
Mt. Baker Planned Parenthood: a non-profit family planning organization that has been helping women, men and teens make responsible choices about their sexual health for 40 years. Dedicated to delivering the highest quality reproductive health care services since 1969, MBPP is also committed to providing responsible, age-appropriate sexuality education. Protecting a woman's fundamental right to choose is also a major part of this organization's underlying philosophy. Bellingham: (360)734-9095
Mount Vernon: (360)848-1744
Friday Harbor: (360)378-6010
You can also email us at info@mbpp.org
Ferndale Diversity Coalition: a human rights organization, formed in response to a hate crime committed against a biracial high school student. FDC works to support the community and uphold the rights of every individual to live free from harassment, oppression, bias and violence. Meets 7:00 p.m. on 2nd Mon. & 4th Wed., mtg. rm. “A”, Ferndale City Hall Annex, 5694 Second Ave., Ferndale; Email: ferndalecoalition@home.com
Island County Crisis Line: Crisis intervention and suicide prevention. Serves Snohomish, Island, San Juan, Skagit and Whatcom counties. Phone: 1-800-584-3578
Northwest Gender Society: P.O. Box 2004, Bellingham, WA 98227; Phone: 360-398-0142; Email: erikajs@mail.com
First Congregational Church / United Church of Christ: an “open and affirming congregation,” welcoming of persons of lesbian, gay or bisexual orientation within the community of faith, FCC/UCC has housed the local PFLAG library since 1994. Contact person: George Lamb, of the church’s “Open and Affirming Committee”; Mr. Lamb’s Phone: 360-733-8419; Church Phone: 360-734-3720; 2401 Cornwall Ave., Bellingham (for additional faith communities, go to: http://www.gbgm-umc.org/ravenna/draftlist.html)
NWPROUD – Northwest Pride Resources Organization Uniting Diversity: a coalition of transgender, lesbian, gay, and bisexual groups and individuals in Bellingham. Offers an email based information center with local referrals, information on local and regional LGBT events and a site where others can post messages. Email: nwproud@yahoo.com
PFLAG – Parents, Families and Friends of Lesbians and Gays: promotes the well-being of gay, lesbian, bisexual and transgendered persons, their families and friends through support, education, and advocacy. Chapter locations (in addition to PFLAG Skagit):
Whatcom County/Bellingham -- meets second Thursday, 7:00 p.m., 2401 Cornwall Ave., Bellingham; Help Line: 360-733-1500; Phone: 360-380-7585; Email: info@whatcompflag.com; Web site: http://www.whatcompflag.com
The Power of Hope: an arts-based program that empowers teens to live positive, engaged lives through discovering a sense of purpose and creative potential. They bring diverse young people together with artists, activists, and other adults. Summer week-long gatherings on Whidbey Island and Cortes Island in British Columbia. School year programs in Seattle, Bellingham, and Sooke, British Columbia. Contact person: Peggy Taylor; 1337 Lincoln Street, #2, Bellingham, WA 98226; Phone: 360-671-7390; Email: poh@powerofhope.org, Web site: http://www.powerofhope.org
Whatcom Human Rights Task Force: documents local hate crimes and provides advocacy and referral for targeted individual, organizes and educates the community and the media in response to those events, and provides a networking avenue for members. Contact people: Lisa Fox, Chair and Barbara Rofkar, Vice Chair; PO Box 2191, Bellingham, WA 98227; Phone: 360-733-2233; Email: whrtf@whrtf.org; Web site: http://www.whrtf.org
Please visit and support these other great groups and organizations which support equality for everyone!
