LGBTQ+ Resources

Resources for LGBTQ+ residents of Cambridge and their communities

Cambridge, MA LGBTQ+ Commission

Did we miss anything? Want your group added? Want to tell us about a change? Email us at:  LGBTQ@CambridgeMA.gov 

School and Youth

Local Resources

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Project 10 East

The Genders and Sexualities Alliance for the Cambridge Rindge & Latin School.

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Y2Y

LGBTQ+ inclusive shelter and services provider for young adults aged 18-24 experiencing homelessness.

Contact: (617) 864-0795 or  info@y2yharvardsquare.org 

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Youth on Fire

Drop-in Center to provide a welcoming and non-judgemental environment for homeless and street-involved youth ages 14 to 24. The center offers basic necessities such as hot meals, clothing, showers, and laundry, as well as prevention information on HIV, STDs, Hepatitis C and other infections. It also has weekly medical care, mental health counseling, and referrals to community resources.

1555 Massachusetts Avenue, Cambridge, MA 02138

Contact: (617) 661-2508

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YWCA Gender Expansive Youth (GEY) Program

Program that centers trans and gender non-conforming youth and is open to anyone interested in exploring gender as a social construct, activism, LGBTQ history, and queer issues. They are hosting GEY in person and virtually to increase accessibility and include participants who live outside of the Boston area.Register and learn more at  bit.ly/geyywca23 

GEY program focuses on developing, nurturing, and supporting leadership and advocacy skills for youth ages 11-18. GEY provides a supportive community where youth can speak honestly with their peers about challenges and joys in their lives. GEY meets weekly to learn together, celebrate each other, and play games together! Dinner is provided for all in-person sessions. 

Address: 7 Temple St, Cambridge, MA 02139

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BAGLY (Boston Alliance of Gay, Lesbian and Transgender Youth)

Youth program with drop-in community center, social and recreational programs, and support services.

28 Court Square, Boston, MA 02108

Contact: (617) 227-4313 or  info@bagly.org 

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Boston GLASS (Gay and Lesbian Adolescent Social Services)

Drop-in center for LGBTQ+ youth (ages 13-25) with programs including support groups, educational workshops, social events, access to computers and internet, food, toiletries, clothes, games, and more. Provides services including behavior health counselors and HIV/STI prevention and testing.

555 Amory Street, Suite 2, Jamaica Plain, MA 02130

Contact: (978) 604-6937 or  outreach@jri.org 

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Greater Boston PFLAG

Organization with services including regional affinity and support groups, parent and caregiver groups, local trainings, and advocacy opportunities.

Contact (781) 891-5966 or  info@gbpflag.org 

National and Online Resources

Massachusetts Commission on LGBTQ+ Youth: Statewide Commission that advises the state government and school system on effective policies, programs, and resources for LGBTQ youth.

GLSEN: Resources for students, parents, and educators including lesson plans, professional development, guides for GSAs, and youth leadership opportunities.

The Trans Teen and Family Narratives (TTFN) Project Toolkit: Online toolkit designed for trans teens, their families, and mental health providers.

Learning for Justice: Resources for educators about teaching gender identity, sexual orientation, advocacy, and consent in the classroom.

The Trevor Project: National organization providing crisis intervention and suicide prevention services to LGBTQ+ young people ages 13-24. The Trevor Project has crisis counselors 24/7, 365 days a year, from anywhere in the U.S. It is confidential and free.

To contact a crisis counselor, call 1-866-488-7386, text ‘START’ to 678-678, or click the link above to use the messenger service on their website.

LGBTQ+ College Student Guide: Online guide with advice and resources for LGBTQ+ college students and students in the college application process.

Expert Consensus Guidelines for Parents and Caregivers: Navigating Early Childhood Gender Identity and Expression: Online guide to help parents and caregivers of young children better understand gender identity and expression in early childhood and support the mental health and well-being of young transgender and gender non-conforming children.

Stop Bullying Now: Federal government resource with research-based strategies and resources for reducing bullying in schools.

Welcoming Schools Human Rights Campaign: (HRC)'s online resource for educators looking to create inclusive schools. Resources include trainings, lesson plans, and booklists.

Healthcare Resources

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Fenway Health

Healthcare provider that centers LGBTQ+ people, BIPOC individuals, and other underserved communities. Services include primary care, behavioral health, gender-affirming care, reproductive health, STI and HIV testing, and more. Offers  inclusive resource guides. 

Contact: (617) 267-0900 or  information@fenwayhealth.org 

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Cambridge Health Alliance (CHA)

Community healthcare provider with primary care, specialty care, emergency services, hospital care, maternity care and behavioral health. CHA has a hospital in Cambridge and other locations throughout Metro North Boston. Read more about their transgender care,  LGBTQ+ service providers ,  sexual and reproductive health services , and  trauma and violence services.  Check out their  LGBTQ+ resource guide. 

Contact: (617) 665-1000

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Behavior Health Urgent Care (CHA)

Walk-in service for people of all ages. When you visit you will get an assessment to identify any behavioral health issues and treatment needs. Also has a 24-hour phone line.

Massachusetts Behavioral Health Help Line: Free, confidential helpline to connect you directly to clinical help. No health insurance required. Call or text the number, or use the chat function on the website. Available 24 hours a day, 365 days a year.

Contact: (833) 222-2030

Hotline Number:  (833) 773-2445

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Cambridge Teen Health Center

For teens and young adults ages 12-24 to get health care. Services include physicals, immunizations, mental health evaluations and support, reproductive care, sexual heath services, and education. Most insurances accepted. Students will be provided care regardless of their ability to pay.

Located at Cambridge Rindge and Latin School, 459 Broadway, Cambridge, MA 02138

Contact (617) 665-1548 to make an appointment.

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Child and Adolescent Transgender Center for Health (CATCH)

Department of Boston Medical Center providing care for trans and nonbinary youth. Services include education and family support, individual therapeutic support, access to onsite hormone blockers, gender-affirming hormone therapy (estrogen and testosterone), and referral to and care coordination with other Center for Transgender Medicine and Surgery services at BMC.

Contact: (617) 414-2663 or  catchclinic@bmc.org   

If you are a new patient to BMC, call (617) 414-6060 to register.

Other Resources and Information

Cambridge Economic Opportunity Committee (CEOC): (Cambridge) Nonprofit organization that works closely with the City and provides many services including help with MassHealth applications, including choosing a plan, choosing medical providers, and related resources. Also help with applications for public benefits.

Location: 11 Inman Street, Cambridge, MA 02139

 Contact: 617-868-2900  

CHA Free Condom Program: (Statewide) Cambridge Health Alliance offers free condoms and lube to protect you from unintended pregnancies and STIs. They will mail them to you in discreet packaging.

Call 617-591-6746 to speak with a health counselor.

LGBTQIA+ Family & Parenting Services: (Boston) Fenway Health provides support networks, education, and advocacy for LGBTQ+ headed families. Support LGBTQ+ families adopting, using a gestational carrier, looking for legal referrals, or carrying a child.

LGBTQ Addiction & Mental Health Support Resources: Online research and resource guide for addiction and mental health resources for LGBTQ+ people, including local LGBTQ+ friendly resource centers, national organizations, and emergency resources.

Gender Affirming Pediatric Care Toolkit: Fenway Health resource with information and support for transgender and gender diverse children, adolescents, and their families.

Mental Health and Gender-Affirming Care Resource Guide: (Massachusetts) Guide created by the Office of the Attorney General with statewide healthcare resources for s LGBTQ2IA+ young people and their trusted adults.

Older Adult Resources

Ethos LGBT Programs: (Boston) Provides social and recreational programs for LGBTQ+ seniors including meals, discussions, health and wellness programs, and entertainment.

Contact:  (617) 522-6700

Somerville Cambridge Elder Services (SCES) LGBTQ+ Resources: (Cambridge and Somerville) Offers older adults resources, information, advice and services. Developed a comprehensive LGBT Elder Resource Guide that includes information about meal programs, support and social groups, faith communities, legal services, and other resources for LGBT older adults in Cambridge and the Greater Boston Area.

LGBTQIA+ Aging Project: (Boston) Project of Fenway Health focused on LGBTQ+ issues related to aging. Provides trainings, consultations, and seminars for service providers, programs and support groups for LGBTQ+ older adults, and a community meals program.

The SAGE (Services and Advocacy for GLBT Elders) National Resource Center on LGBT Aging:  National organization with research, resources, and advocacy for LGBTQ+ elders. Also have a 24/7 hotline for LGBTQ+ Elders.  Click here to view their factsheet on LGBTQ+ aging. 

Hotline Number: (877) 360-5428

Outstanding Life: (Online) A virtual community of LGBTQ+ older adults with online support groups, workshops, and trainings.

MemoryCare LGBTQ+ Senior Guide: (Online) Virtual guide with information about finding LGBTQ+ housing and lists of LGBTQ+ friendly Senior Housing communities.

 SeniorHomes Senior Living for LGBTQIA+ Adults Guide:  (Online) Virtual guide with information about LGBTQIA+ housing rights, affordability, and choice.

Legal Resources

GLAD Legal Advocates and Defenders: (Boston) LGBTQ+ Legal advocacy organization with free legal information, assistance, and referrals. Also has know your rights guides and information about nation-wide advocacy initiatives.

For legal help, contact  GLADAnswers@glad.org  or leave a voicemail at (800)-455-4523

Transgender ID project: (New England) Free resources for transgender people living in New England seeking to update their legal name and gender on federal and state documents.  Click here to fill out an intake form. 

Namesake: (Massachusetts) Platform to help transgender and nonbinary reesidents of Massachusetts navigate the legal name and gender marker correction process as a part of MTPC’s  Identity Document Assistance (IDA) Network. 

Contact:  info@masstpc.org  or (617) 778-0519

Northeast Legal Aid LGBTQ+ Unit: (Northeast Massachusetts) Legal aid for LGBTQ+ residents of Northeast Massachusetts. Services include:

  • Changing your legal name and/or updating your identity documents
  • Fighting discrimination in employment, education, housing, and other public places
  • Appealing health insurance coverage denials for gender-affirming healthcare
  • Contesting evictions
  • Supporting survivors of domestic violence
  • Appealing wrongful denials of public benefits

US Birth Certificates: (Online) For help with transgender birth certificates. US Birth Certificates is the number one resource to securely obtain official, government-issued birth certificates online without having to go to government offices.

Training and Education opportunities

Fenway Institute National LGBT Health Education Center: Project of Fenway Health with training opportunities for staff of healthcare organizations. They offer webinars, live education, and training programs.

BAGLY Speakers Bureau: (Boston) Youth speakers work with schools, youth organizations, service providers, and foundations in order to increase their competencies around working with LGBTQ+ youth. Members of their programs are highly skilled young LGBTQ+ public speakers who address their unique school, community, and family life experiences.

Gender Specialist LLC (Massachusetts) Individual and group therapy for LGBTQ+ youth and adults, parent coaching, speaking and training services.  Contact by filling out this form. 

SpeakOUT Boston: (Boston area) Community of peer-trained speakers that run educational programs in the Boston area.  Visit their eventbrite  to learn about upcoming trainings for speakers. To request a speaker, call (877) 223-9390 or fill out the form on the website.

MaeBright: (Boston area) Consultant that focuses on helping organizations improve services and climate to provide LGBTQ+ people an inclusive and safe atmosphere. They accomplish this through policy work, trainings on LGBTQ+ cultural competency, and more.

Contact (617) 945-8762 or  info@maebright.com 

KyriQ: (Online) Offers trainings and coaching to youth workers and youth, non-profits, businesses, and government departments. They work to improve organization policies, train staff, and offer ongoing support. Their main focus is creating LGBQT+ inclusive youth program environments and they continue to expand their training offerings.

Arts

The Theater Offensive: (Boston) Presents liberating art by, for, and about queer and trans people of color that transcends artistic boundaries, celebrates cultural abundance, and dismantles oppression.

Contact: (617) 661-1600 or  office@thetheateroffensive.org 

OUT Youth Theater: (Boston) An after-school theater program for gay, lesbian, bisexual, transgender, queer & questioning youth and their straight allies, ages 13-19. Youth work with artists to create an ensemble to develop skills in performance, social justice, and community activism.

 Central Square Theater:  (Cambridge) Local theater dedicated to the exploration of social justice, science, and sexual politics through theater.

Contact: (617) 576-9278

Other Resources

Massachusetts Transgender Political Coalition (MTPC): (all Massachusetts, resources available nationwide) Statewide advocacy organization by and for trans, nonbinary, and gender expansive communities in Massachusetts. Programs include leadership trainings for trans folks, trainings and professional development for workplaces and schools, and in-person and online events. They also run the Identity Document Assistance (IDA) network, which provides information, support, and financial assistance for those looking to change their name or gender on federal and state documents. MTPC's resources include emergency funds, free binders, tucking underwear, and TransTape, and an online resource library.

Contact: (617) 778-0519 or  info@masstpc.org 

Transgender Emergency Fund: (Massachusetts) Aid organization providing assistance for low-income and homeless transgender people living in Massachusetts. Includes resources for housing, prescription costs, transportation, and personal supplies.

Contact: (617) 506-8631

Boston Office of LGBTQ+ Advancement: (Boston) The City of Boston Mayor’s Office of LGBTQ+ Advancement develops policies, community-oriented programming, and provides resources for Boston's LGBTQ+ community, including initiatives for students and grant opportunities.

Contact: (617) 635-5714

Trans Lifeline: (national) Grassroots organization offering direct emotional and financial support to trans people in crisis – for the trans community, by the trans community. Resources include microgrants, hotline, and online resource library.

Hotline Number: (877) 565-8860 

General Contact: (510) 771-1417

Keshet: (Boston and online) Resource for LGBTQ+ Jews and Jewish communities. Programs include professional development and training for Jewish organizations, youth initiatives, in-person and online events, advocacy, and a resource library.

Contact: (617) 524-9227

The History Project: (Boston) Organization focused on documenting and preserving the history of New England’s LGBTQ+ communities and sharing that history with LGBTQ+ individuals, organizations, allies, and the public.

Familia Es Familia: (Online, resources available nationwide) Support and resources among for acceptance of LGBTQ+ family members in Latino communities (currently English language only.)

Bisexual Resource Center: (Boston, online) Resource Center created by and for bisexual and pansexual people. Resources include online library, trainings for organizations and businesses, events, peer support, and in-person and virtual support groups.

Contact: (617) 424-9595 or  brc@biresource.org 

CenterLink: (online) Online resource for finding local LBGTQ+ community centers and resources.

ResumeBuilder LGBTQ+ Job and Career Guide: (online) Online resource guide with information about understanding rights, assessing job options, exploring industries, creating effective resumes, and excelling in job interviews for LGBTQ+ candidates.

LGBTQIA+ Financial Guide to Becoming a Parent –  https://www.moneygeek.com/financial-planning/resources/lgbtq-family-costs/  

Grants and Resources for LGBTQIA+ Business Owners –  https://www.moneygeek.com/business/resources/grants-lgbtq-businesses/ 

Contact Us

LGBTQ Commission at 51 Inman St. Cambridge, MA 02139

51 Inman St. Cambridge, MA 02139

LGBTQ Commission Website:  cambridgema.gov/lgbtqplus 

Phone: 617-349-3355

Newsletter signup:  tinyurl.com/CamLGBTQ