LGBTQ+ Resources

Below you will find resources listed for the LGBTQ+ community. The resources below are not an exhaustive list and are subject to change.

Marshall University Resources

• Marshall University Counseling Services – Counseling services provides professional counseling services to the MU campus community. Please contact them at 304-696-3111.
• Marshall Psychology Clinic – This resource is an on campus therapy center ran by the Marshall University Psychology Department. This clinic offers FREE therapy services to all Marshall Students. You can call and schedule one on one appointments with your own therapist. To make an appointment please call 304-696-2772. For more information regarding costs, testing, and other therapy options, please click the hyperlink labeled “Marshall Psychology Clinic.”
• Marshall University LGBTQIA+ Office – Now located in East Hall Room 211, the LGBTQ+ office is a safe space to do homework, socialize, lay back, find a book, and find some new resources for your personal needs.
• Marshall University Trans-Closet – The Trans-Closet is associated with the LGBTQ+ office and can be found in the downstairs area of East Hall. As of now, February 17,2022 the closet is under reconstruction BUT you can still get the things you need by contacting one of our office workers listed on the “Contact Us” page which can be found on the tabs above.
• LGBTQ+ Binder Program – This program is currently suspended due to lack of funding. Once enough funding is secured, we will be continuing this program in order to provide Marshall’s campus with the gender affirming garments that are needed.
• Marshall University Gay-Straight Alliance – MU Student Group catering to LGBT students on Marshall’s campus. A club and space for inclusivity and acceptance for those of the LGBTQ+ community. Currently meeting Thursday Nights at 6:00 pm in the Memorial Student Center’s John Spotts Room (2nd floor, down left hallway when facing the Don Morris room).
• Marshall University Women and Gender’s Center – The Women’s Center strives to ensure a campus community in which women and men can live and work together in a mutually respectful and supportive environment where equality, responsibility, and personal empowerment are encouraged and fostered. Following a feminist model of empowerment, the Center works toward fostering, recognizing, and affirming the abilities, accomplishments, and potential of Marshall women. Through a variety of educational programs, culturally-diverse events, resource opportunities, and comprehensive support services, Marshall Women’s Center strives to address the needs of women of Marshall and the surrounding community. The Women and Gender’s  center can be found in Old Main room 115. Please contact them at 304-696-3338.
• Packer Guide – PDF– This is a step by step guide on how to make a packer at home! Packers are gender affirming tools that are often used by transgender men, transmasculine non-binary people and anyone who would like to create the appearance of a silhouette of phallic genitalia within their clothing. Packers are used by millions of trans people around the world and are one of the many tools used by transgender individuals to feel more comfortable in their identities and more confident in their gender expression.
• Tucking Guide by Transhub – This tucking guide was created by trans people for trans people. Tucking is a method used by man transgender women, transfeminine non-binary people and other people who would like to create a smoother appearing genital silhouette within their clothing. Tucking is a method used by millions of transgender people around the world and is one of the many gender-affirming tools and techniques used to help them feel more comfortable in their identities and more confident in their gender expression.

West Virginia Resources

• Branches LGBTQ+ Source Guide – This guide was created by the Branches Domestic Violence shelter in Cabell County, WV. It includes services, opportunities and sources for LGBTQ+ individuals in Cabell County.
• Covenant House – An organization dedicated to working for justice by offering direct services for people in need while creating social change through education. Please contact them at 304-344-0530.
• EquaHealth Health Services – EquaHealth is an organization that offers FREE physical and mental health care for LGBTQIA+ individuals in West Virginia. It was started to assure that people in the community have a safe place to receive equal and proper health care without having to worry about discrimination and uncomfortable situations. They offer free transportation to those who need a ride to their clinic, and even offer telehealth services online. If you wish to find more information about EquaHealth, please take a look at their brochure: equahealth_brochure .
• Free Mom Hugs – This is the page for the National Organization called “Free Mom Hugs” – If you click “chapters” and search West Virginia to find the local chapters and groups.  This is an organization for parents who want to advocate for LGBTQ+ youths and help make the world a safe and inclusive environment.
• GLSEN – GLSEN works to ensure that LGBTQ students are able to learn and grow in a school environment free from bullying and harassment. Together we can transform our nation’s schools into the safe and affirming environment all youth deserve.
• Huntington Pride – Huntington Pride is an organization devoted to promoting and advocating for the LGBTQ+ community of Huntington, West Virginia.
• Living AIDS Memorial Garden – A garden in memory of those who have died from AIDS. Please contact them toll-free at (877) 543-LAMG.
• MATCH WV– An organization that analyzes demographic information from their surveys to better get to know the population of West Virginia. This is a resource directed towards creating awareness and more resources that are aimed for the communities that exist in West Virginia. This helps programs, organizations, directors, and the people who make decisions for the people of West Virginia know who they’re speaking for. See their flyer here MATCH Flyer
• Parents, Friends, and Family of Lesbians and Gays – A support group for families and friends of LGBT people. Fairmont- pflagfairmont@gmail.com or 304-508-3636.
• Potomac Highlanders – A social group for Gay, Lesbian, Bisexuals and Allies serving the LGBT community of the Potomac Highlands of West Virginia. For more information about the West Virginia Highlanders, email wvhighlanders@citlink.net.
• STD Testing in Huntington, West Virginia – This page offers a map of places in Huntington, WV that offer STD testing, as well as at home tests that you can order from the site.
• Storage Units for Students in Huntington – This is a resource for all students at Marshall University who may need to rent a storage unit for their belongings.
• West Virginia University Resources for LBGTQ+ – West Virginia University’s resource listings for those in the LGBTQ+ community.
• West Virginia Hate Crime Resources – The West Virginia Department of Justice’s listings of resources regarding hate crimes and hate crime laws in West Virginia.
• West Virginia Name & Gender Change Guide – This is a PDF of the guide to Name and Gender Change in West Virginia. This booklet includes all the laws, regulations, steps, and processes involved in changing your name and gender on your legal forms as a resident of West Virginia.

Kentucky Resources

• Just Fund Kentucky – A cite dedicated to informing and advocating for LGBTQ+
• The Kentucky Fried Sister – A group of Trans and Queer nuns who run an inclusive Christian group for all LGBTQ+ individuals who want to join.
• University of Kentucky Resources – This is a link directly to the University of Kentucky’s resource page for LGBTQ+ students that is applicable for students attending UK. This page includes name and gender change forms for school and class enrollment for UK students.

Ohio Resources

• BRAVO– “The Buckeye Region Anti-Violence Organization (BRAVO) provides comprehensive individual and community programs for survivor advocacy and support to LGBTQI survivors of hate and bias violence, discrimination, intimate partner violence, stalking, and/or sexual assault.”
• CANAPI– Community AIDS Network Akron Pride Initiative offers testing, information, and other medical resources for those living with AID, HIV and HCV.
• Equality Ohio – This is an information hub as well as a website for advocacy. Learn about activism in Ohio, how to get involved and how to make a difference. This page also lists several resources for LGBTQ+ youths in Ohio.
• Equality Toledo – Located in Toledo, Ohio, this organization serves as a LGBTQ+ information and resource center. Their website offers information on inclusive food pantries, scholarships, events, and volunteer work.
• Equitas Health  – This organization advocates for quality and equal healthcare for LGBTQ+ and other underserved communities. This website offers information, current events, policies, resources and guidelines.
• Freedom To Marry – This is an information hub that is full of research and knowledge about Ohio legislature that directly affects the LGBTQ+ community and their rights.  This page also lists activist groups and advocacy programs for folks who want to know more and get involved.
• Greater Dayton LGBTQ+ Center –  “The Center is operated to be a safe place for everyone. With support groups, community events, and even yoga, we strive to make this a place everyone can visit.”
• Kaleidoscope Youth Center –  The Kaleidoscope Youth Center is an organization that advocates for LGBTQ+ youth and offers life saving services for those in need. “Our diverse, experienced staff work alongside queer youth to create free programming, housing, and support services here in Columbus, and all over the state of Ohio.”
• LGBTQ+ Center – This is the homepage for the Greater Cleveland LGBTQ+ Center. This organization offers trainings, resources, policy guides, information about advocacy, health care, education, and residencies for LGBTQ+ individuals in Ohio.
• MOZAIC  – A part of Equitas Health that is specially advocating for HIV prevention for trans, GNC, and non-binary people of color.
• Ohio Suicide Prevention Foundation – The official Suicide prevention hotline website. Find information on therapy, prevention programs, and ways to get help, or help a loved one who is struggling.
• Resources for Transgender Youth, Parents, and School Districts– This is a PDF that lists several resources, policy guidelines, and school district laws that helps to advocate for LGBTQ+ youth in public schools in Ohio.
• Stonewall Columbus – This is the website for Columbus’ Stonewall Center, which is an organization and location dedicated to all inclusive events, programs, and clubs. The Stonewall Center is a safe space where members of the LGBTQ+ community can relax, participate in events, and learn more about resources.
• The American Civil Liberties Union of Ohio – A chapter of the ACLU focused on advocating for underserved and minority communities in Ohio. This is an activist organization that offers information, resources, and guidelines to becoming a better activist as well as current news and events.
• The Gay Ohio History Initiative – The GOHI is an organization dedicated to preserving the LGBTQ+ history of Ohio and founding programs to educate people properly on the communities past and present.
• TransOhio – A resource Center for Trans Youth in Ohio. For more information visit their website or email them at transohio@transohio.org

National and Internet Resources

• Ask a Non-Binary – This is a tumblr page started by Non-Binary individuals, though it is for all members of the LGBTQ+ community and all of those who have (unharmful) questions, and is a safe space on the internet to go to find information, social interaction, and connection with other members of the LGBTQ+ community.
• Best Colleges – An informational guide for Non-Binary and Transgender youths who are looking for inclusive and accepting colleges and universities.
• Binding Safely Information –  This is an informational article posted by Cleveland Clinic that gives safety information and tips to help those who are new to chest binding make the best and safest decisions.
• Black LGBTQ+ Activism – This is an informative article on the history and importance of black activism in the LGBTQ+ community. It includes a list of important figures, modern takes, and information regarding why intersectionality is important to the LGBTQ+ community.
• Black Remote She – This is a community driven platform for Black queer, transgender, nonbinary people and allies that contains resources for diverse career sources as well as fellowships, residencies, funds, and gender affirming resources.
• Career Blog – A guide that provides job search resources and tips to identify companies that promote inclusion.
• Chest Binding 101– This resource offers a unique perspective of writer Rachel Lisner on their experience with chest binding, and their personal tips for those who want to chest bind.
• Emphasizing and Empowering the ‘T’ in LGBTQ+ for Allies and Transgender People in Tech – This article written and released by the University of Denver is a great read that is informative on the troubles Trans individuals face in the technology industry. Be it stigma, discrimination or rejection trans individuals face a lot of hardships. This article advocated for trans people in the tech industry while also giving important information about the marginalization of the community. This is a perfect article for allies and members of the community who want to further their understanding of the community in order to be a better advocate.
• Human Rights Campaign – A National Campaign set to empower members of the LGBTQ+ community and to advocate for the human rights of diverse communities.
• Innerbody; “What does it mean to be Non-Binary” – This resource is a well articulated and organized guide to what gender and sex are as social and identity constructs. This is a great resource for anyone who needs a bit of help understanding the nuances of what it means to be transgender, nonbinary, or both.
• Lambda Legal Defense Fund – A national, non-profit organization that stands up for the civil rights of those in the LGBTQ+ community.
• LGBTQ+ Online Dating Safety – Offers statistical information on dating violence and provides tips on how to stay safe when using dating apps.
• LGBTQ+ Recovery & Rehab – This resource gives information such as statistics and resources about the LGBTQ+
• LGBTQ+ Scholarships – This page has information about LGBTQ+ education in the United States as well as scholarships and resources aimed specifically helping LGBTQ+ individuals wishing to further their education.
• National Youth Advocacy Coalition  – This is a national organization dedicated to spreading awareness and offering resources to LGBTQ+ youth in America. They offer information about coming our, financial assistance, health, travel, and education.
• Online Master’s Degrees – This online resource offers information about scholarships for LGBTQ+ Individuals looking to attend graduate school.
• Online Therapy for LGBTQ+ Individuals  – This website contains information about how therapy may be different for individuals who are in the LGBTQ+ community and has informational tabs to explore resources and articles about such topics. This website also has multiple tools to help find safe and inclusive online counseling and therapies for LGBTQ+ students.
• Point of Pride – Point of Pride is a non-profit organization that raises money for the transgender community in the United States. On their website you can apply for grants that pay for gender affirming surgery, binders, gaffs, Hormone replacement therapy, and other types of gender affirming healthcare.
• Real Mama Bears  – This is an organization dedicated to advocating for LGBTQ+ youths in America by speaking out and educating parents and creating inclusive programs for children who are part of the LGBTQ+.
• Resources for LGBTQ+ Teachers and Allies – Study.com has created a comprehensive guide for educators, teachers, and school staff to provide them with critical information about what the education system is currently like for LGBTQ+ individuals, the issues facing the community in the field of education, and how teachers can support each other and their students in the face of discrimination.
• Safe and Open Campuses and Resources – Provides information and multiple resources for LGBTQ+ students.
• Scholarships for LGBTQ+ Students – Provides financial aid information and lists of scholarships for the LGBTQ+ community as well as tips to help navigate the scholarship application process.
• Scholarships for the Transgender Community – Lists transgender-friendly campuses and scholarships as well as general information and tips for transgender students.
• Scholarships, Grants, Health & Academic Resources – This resource is provides LGBTQ+ scholarships, grants, health resources, academic resources, and resources explicitly geared toward students of color.
• SPARTA – A transgender military advocacy program that speaks out for transgender individuals who are or plan to be in the United States military system. This organization offers resources specific to the needs of Trans individuals in the military, and offers current news, topic in the media, research, and contacts for those who need them.
• The GLBT Historical Society  – A hub for LGBTQ+ history, culture, and community. This Society is dedicated to advocating for diverse groups and communities and spread awareness through informative articles, interviews, and presentations.
• The Intersex Society of North America – An organization devoted to the systematic and social change for those of the intersex community.
• The Recovery Village – This organization offers treatment plans, options, contacts and services for those of the LGBTQ+ community who suffer from Substance Abuse and other mental illnesses. On their webpage you can find more information about their mission and their resources, including lists of rehabilitation clinics and counseling services. To speak to one of the Recovery Village intake coordinators, call (877) 349 – 1457.
• The Sisters of Perpetual Indulgence  – An organization for Christian LGBTQ+ members ran by a group of queer and trans nuns.
• The Trevor Project National Survey – The Trevor Project is a non-profit organization dedicated to raising awareness and creating resources for members of the LGBTQ+ community. This page leads to their 2022 national survey of LGBTQ+ mental health in the United States.
• Top 50 LGBTQ+ Friendly Colleges – This webpage has ranking of the most LGBTQ+ friendly colleges based on their LGBTQ+ clubs, programs, curriculum, and faculty trainings.
• Top LGBTQ+ Friendly Ph.D Programs – A list of LGBTQ+ friendly doctorate programs and universities in the United States.
• Transgender Birth Certificates: Laws by State – A guide to birth certificate and name changing laws in each state of the United States.
• Transgender College Student Resource Guide – A guide to campus laws and resources involving the Transgender community.
• Transgender in the Workplace – Offers information, resources, and tips for the transgender community on how to navigate and handle issues that may arise in the workplace.
• TransTape – This is the official website for the company TransTape. Here you can find their products, product information, and safety instructions on how to apply, use, and remove their product when chest binding.
• ZIPPA – This is a resource for LGBTQ+ individuals and those who wish to better themselves as Allies of the community. This cite has many tips and resources to help employers create safe and inclusive work environments for those who are part of the community.
• Zippia LGBTQ Workplace Resource – This website is informational and offers advice on work place related issues and situations that may revolve around sexuality, gender identity, racial, and ethnicity rights and/ or situations. There is a guide to workplace rights and human resources as well as advice on how to handle sensitive situations in the workplace.

Looking to Help?

• Becoming an Advocate – Information and advice on how to become a student advocate for the LGBTQ+ community.
• How Teachers can be Allies – Information and advice on how teachers can become advocates and how to create inclusive classrooms for the LGBTQ+ community; offers definitions and basic information about the LGBTQ+ community.
• Understanding Gender; Judith Butler’s Theory of Gender – This link leads to an article on Perlego discussing and analyzing Judith Butler’s anthology of gender theory. This is a great resource for those who want to understand the conceptualization behind the social construct of gender while also learning what it means to question gender as an expression.