Support Resources

NOTE: PFLAG Skagit 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
  • LGBTQ+ Comprehensive Health & Well-being Guide
    The world has changed a lot in the last few years for lesbian, gay, transgender and questioning individuals, for the better in a lot of ways. Yet, significant challenges remain in the quest for equality and its effects on well-being. Sexual and gender minorities face legal discrimination in many areas, and the battle for equality is far from over. The U.S. attorney general has worked to roll back legal protections, for example, and the president has announced a ban on transgender individuals in the military.
  • 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.
  • 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 TRANS* 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 TRANS* 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
  • Transgender Services
    For adults looking for answers to questions about transitioning, the Ingersoll Gender Center is an internationally recognized source for referrals and general information. The Center also provides direct services to individuals seeking consultation, support groups and other activities.  The Seattle Children’s Hospital Gender Clinic works with families and children who are considering issues having to do with gender identity/gender expression.  They can provide hormone treatment and referrals for more advanced transitioning options.
    Ingersoll Gender Center
    ​Seattle Children's Hospital Gender Clinic

Local sources ​

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.html
http://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  


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):Find a chapter near you at PFLAG Washington State Council www.pflagwsc.org

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