Hearts & Minds - Information for ChangeSM Sexual Identity GLBT: Gay, Lesbian, Bisexual, Trangendered Community

These links can be useful to both gay and straight people who are sexually active: AIDS, Sex Addictions and Sexually Transmitted Diseases.

Organizations Listed Below

Empty Closets
Email: webmaster@emptyclosets.com
Website: www.emptyclosets.com
     "Everyone wonders who they are, but not everyone is brave enough to seek the answer. Empty Closets is a place where you can figure out who you are, surrounded by other people just like you. Whether you're gay, lesbian, bisexual, transgender, curious, unsure or a friend of someone who is, Empty Closets will help you find the answer. We welcome new members of all ages from 13 upwards."
       This website is more focused on the message boards and active conversation between people, as opposed to information. However, it does offer various different resources for support. - TAL

     Empty Closets is a place where a person can be creative and share their ideas with other people who understands their situations- Lisa F.

Gay and Lesbian Advocates and Defenders (GLAD)
30 Winter Street
Suite 800
Boston, MA 02108
Phone: 1-617-426-1350 or 1-800-455-GLAD (info hotline, including lawyer referral service)
Email: gladlaw@glad.org
Website: www.glad.org/
        "...a nonprofit, public interest legal organization whose mission is to achieve full equality and justice for New England's lesbian, gay, bisexual, and HIV or AIDS affected individuals. GLAD attorneys handle lawsuits involving sexual orientation discrimination as well as cases involving HIV or AIDS discrimination or invasion of privacy and confidentiality. GLAD also has a public education program which hosts educational forums on the law pertaining to lesbians, gay men, bisexuals and people with HIV and AIDS."
        This site is particularly useful for people living in New England and looking to join in the fight for justice. Each state's laws are listed on the site. It is more of a legal website than one of personal interest. - TAL
        I agree that this site is mainly focused on legal issues, how to get involved and upcoming events, rather than for an individual seeking help. This site can also be translated into Spanish. -OCC
     I also agree that GLAD mainly focuses on legal issues and also works hard to keep people posted on upcoming event and updates on current cases and issues.- Lisa F.

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GLBT National Help Center
GLBT National Help Center
2261 Market Street,  PMB #296
San Francisco, CA  94114
Phone:1-415-355-0003
Fax: 1-415-552-5498
Hotline: 1-888-THE-GLNH (1-888-843-4564), 1-800-246-PRIDE (1-800-246-7743)
E-mail: info@GLBTNationalHelpCenter.org
Website: www.glnh.org/
       "The GLBT National Help Center is a non-profit, tax-exempt organization that is dedicated to meeting the needs of the gay, lesbian, bisexual and transgender community and those questioning their sexual orientation and gender identity."
        This site offers several links to resources outside of its website. It does not have a plethora of information, but seems more known for its hotline anyway. It is also a very good source for peer counseling. - TAL
    I agree with this website being a place for peer counseling. Some people who dont get the support they need from their love ones should called the hotline to discuss their issues.- Lisa F.

Human Rights Campaign
1640 Rhode Island Ave. NW
Washington, D.C. 20036
Phone: 1-202-628-4160
TTY: 202-216-1572
Fax: 202-347-5323
E-mail: webmaster@hrc.org
Website: www.hrc.org/
     "HRC envisions an America where GLBT people are ensured of their basic equal rights, and can be open, honest and safe at home, at work and in the community."
       This website offers the most assorted array of information. From issues and legislation to frequently asked questions about coming out, this website is neatly separated into sections to make navigation easy. The site also contains the 2000 census data to show how homosexual and heterosexual families compare. -TAL
       This site has information on everything from family (adoptions, straight vs. gay families), work life, community to coming out and taking action. It has day-to-day updated news coverage about current issues, court decisions, and more. This site also gives information about each state's position and state laws. -OCC
     I agreed with the fact that this website has everything and breaks down into specific details about a certain topic and the purpose of the organization.- Lisa F.

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International Gay and Lesbian Human Rights Commission
80 Maiden Lane, Suite 1505
 New York, NY 10038
Phone: 1-212.268.8040
Fax: 1-212.430.6060
Email: iglhrc@iglhrc.com
Website: www.iglhrc.org/site/iglhrc/
        "The mission of the International Gay and Lesbian Human Rights Commission (IGLHRC) is to secure the full enjoyment of the human rights of all people and communities subject to discrimination or abuse on the basis of sexual orientation or expression, gender identity or expression, and/or HIV status. We support the efforts of individuals and groups to organize to create societies free from heterosexism and homophobia."
     This site is very unique in that it gives you news about gay, bisexual... issues from all over the world. One can get information about your own country and its human rights. There are fact sheets and also chances to work as a volunteer or intern for the organization. It can also be translated into Spanish. -OCC

     I agree on how the website is very unique on presenting information about gays, and lesbian all around the world and how they the made a book connected to issue available for visitors to the page to download it as a PDF- Lisa F.   

National Institute for Gay, Lesbian, Bisexual and Transgender Education
3932 Broadway, Box 45600
Kansas City, MO 64171
Phone: 1-816-960-7200
1155 Connecticut Ave, NW, Ste 500
Washington, D.C. 20036
Phone: 1-202-429-6634
Email: info@thenationalinstitute.org
Website: www.thenationalinstitute.org
       Website is under construction.
       "Education is dedicated to providing comprehensive educational programs to assist individuals, families, communities of faith, corporations, and professionals facing GLBT issues. The intent of the National Institute is to reduce individual and family distress and diminish the current systems of oppression, discrimination and homophobia in mainstream America.

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The New York City Anti-Violence Project (Gay & Lesbian)
240 W. 35th Street
Suite 200
New York, NY 10001
Phone: 1-212-714-1184 or 1-212-714-1141 (24 hours and bilingual)

TTY:1-212-714-1134
E-mail: webmaster@avp.org
Website: www.avp.org/
       "...serves lesbian, gay, transgender, bisexual and HIV-positive victims of violence, and others affected by violence, by providing free and confidential services enabling them to regain their sense of control, identify and evaluate their options, and assert their rights...assist survivors of hate-motivated violence (including HIV-motivated violence), domestic violence, and sexual assault, by providing therapeutic counseling and advocacy within the criminal justice system and victim support agencies, information for self-help, referrals to practicing professionals, and other sources of assistance."
       This site provides great information for victims of violence, including a 24-hour bilingual hotline. The site is easy to use and provides many different resources. - TAL
       This site has information about open career positions and information about being a victim of violence because of your sexual orientation. The site gives a lot of information about different crimes and what can be done about them. -OCC

     I agree with what was said about this website how it provides many different resources.- Lisa F.

OutProud, The National Coalition for Gay, Lesbian & Bisexual Youth
369 Third Street, Suite B-362
San Rafael, CA 94901-3581
Email: info@outproud.org
Website: www.outproud.org
        "..Serves the needs of these young men and women by providing advocacy, information, resources and support. Our goal is to help lesbian and gay youth become happy, successful, confident and vital gay, lesbian and bisexual adults. We provide outreach and support to queer teens just coming to terms with their sexual orientation and to those contemplating coming out. We let them know they're not alone by helping them find local sources of friendship and support."
        The site offers different resources and forums for teens. It also provides online brochures and magazines and several coming out stories. - TAL
     I agree with how the website still provides man resources.- Lisa F.

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Parents and Friends of Lesbians and Gays (PFLAG)
1726 M Street
NW Suite 400
Washington, DC 20036
Phone: 1-202-467-8180
Fax: 1-202-267-8194
E-mail: info@pflag.org
Website: www.pflag.org (information about local chapters)
        "... 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. PFLAG provides opportunity for dialogue about sexual orientation and gender identity, and acts to create a society that is healthy and respectful of human diversity."
      This site offers ways to contribute to safe schools in New York city, as well as speakers bureaus and scholarship funds. The site also provides a section titled "Questions Parents ask," which answers such questions as "What did I do wrong?" - TAL
       This site has information for individuals, family, and friends who are going through a period involving a different sexual orientation. The site gives helpful information and links to articles. The site also gives information on marriage, crimes, civil rights, etc. It provides current news and press releases, and is easy to navigate and helpful in many aspects. -OCC

PlanetOut
Email: feedback@planetout.com
Website address: www.planetout.com
        "PlanetOut is the leading Internet media company offering a vibrant, welcoming and safe community for all gay, lesbian, bisexual and transgender people as well as their family and friends. A trusted brand since 1995, PlanetOut enriches the gay and lesbian lifestyle both off and online. It has an audience of more than 700,000 registered members."
       The site is, in my opinion, the best and most helpful. It offers everything from news to travel to personals. Everything on the site is separated into sections to make navigating easier and more efficient. It also has an advice columnist who answers questions about romance and dating very well.
      This site contains every type of news and help and connections having to do with the gay, bisexual, lesbian, etc. community. From front page stories to small town inspiration, to health problems, celebrities, etc. This site has everything. -OCC
     I disagree with the fact that this site has everything because it doesn't discusses or really have anything to help people come out or support them- Lisa F.

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Youth Assistance Organization (also known as Youth Action Online)
Email: webmaster@youth.org
Website: www.youth.org/
       "...a service run by volunteers, created to help self-identifying gay, lesbian, bisexual and questioning youth. YAO exists to provide young people with a safe space online to be themselves. This organization was formed to provide for the needs of queer youth; the need for a rare opportunity to express themselves, to know they are not alone, and to interact with others who have already accepted their sexuality."
      The site offers help with the very first step for gay and lesbian youth. "I think I might be gay (or a lesbian). What do I do?"   It offers plenty of information about noticing this change, your sexual behaviors, coming out, etc. The website isn't the most adorned, but it's filled with useful info. - TAL
       Although this site may not contain a lot of information, what it does contain is important. It also contains a list of links to many other well-recognized organizations. -OCC
     This website is helpful for teens to come out. If a teen needs help or have any questions on what to do this site helps.- Lisa F.

HIV Testing

The Body
Website: www.thebody.org/
       "...mission is to use the website to lower barriers between patients and clinicians; Demystify HIV/AIDS and its treatment; Improve patients' quality of life; Foster community through human connection."
      The site contains a list of topics, relating to HIV/AIDS, about which people can ask The Body's experts. It also provides information on the basics of AIDS and prevention, what to do if you've just been diagnosed, treatment, quality of life, and activism. It contains an electronic memorial, built by friends and families of people lost to the AIDS epidemic. - TAL
      This site also has information about how to protect oneself from STDs in same gender relationships. -OCC

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National HIV Testing Resources
E-mail: webmaster@hivtest.org
Website: www.hivtest.org
        "..useful information and a wide range of resources on HIV testing, including: a national database of HIV testing sites, Frequently Asked Question (FAQs) on HIV/AIDS and HIV Testing, resources for people who test positive for HIV, basic information about HIV and AIDS, behaviors that place a person at risk for HIV infection, what the testing experience is like, and information on upcoming events related to HIV testing..."
      The site is useful for those looking to get tested. The site even marks certain test centers that are confidential. Most general questions are answered and statistics are provided. There is also counseling information on the site. - TAL
     This site also contains frequently asked questions and an HIV testing quiz. It gives information about whether you are at risk of getting aids and should get tested. This site can also be translated into Spanish. -OCC

Can I Change My Orientation?

PATH
Web site: www.pathinfo.org
        "A non-profit coalition of organizations that help people with unwanted same-sex attractions (SSA) realize their personal goals for change -- whether by developing their innate heterosexual potential or by embracing a lifestyle as a single, non-sexually active man or woman."
        Includes links to non-religious, Jewish and Christian organizations working in the United States and internationally. -RTH
       If one has chosen that he/she cannot help his/her sexual orientation but has decided to live an alternative life, this is the place to go. This site gives information about how and where to get help to find an alternative to homosexuality.

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Latest update by Lisa Flores, Previously updated by Olivia Chitayat
This web page and entire website © Copyright: 1997 - 2008 by Hearts and Minds Network, Inc.
 http://www.heartsandminds.org/self/links/sexualidentity.htm - latest text changes April 28, 2006.

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