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LGBTQ+ Spiritual and Social Support
What is Community?
Community is a hard thing to define but an important thing to be a part of. Community can be brought together by many things, including geographical proximity, shared values, and identities, as well as a shared appreciation and affinity for like things and ideas. Social and spiritual connection is often a way into community. Whether it is through church, sports clubs, after-school activities, or social gatherings, connecting to people and community is vital to living a healthy and well life.
For LGBTQ+ people, finding community has been a life-saving practice. Community can be a response to discrimination, stigma, trauma, and social isolation, which all disproportionately impact LGBTQ+ people.
Where to Go for Community
The form of a community is less significant than the individuals who comprise it and ideals that motivate it. Be it online or on-the-ground, sustainable communities have been forged through the collective labor and love of those who consider themselves to be a part of them, even in the face of changing and challenging political, economic, and cultural forces. These contexts can provide opportunities for some as they foreclose chances for others, and what might seem like a time of progress might also include the repeal of already assumed wins.
Although the places and spaces of LGBTQ+ community formation continue to shift because of the internet and covid, there is no doubt that some will still be found in physical through art galleries at the Montgomery County Historical Society or through venues selected through the PA LGBT History Network. In this way, the landmarks of LGBTQ+ history will still be remembered in parade routes in Philadelphia, New Hope, Phoenixville, Lansdale, and coming this year, Hatboro, as well as informal gathering spots in places such as Conshohocken (Guerilla Gay Bar) and well-known LGBTQ+ youth groups in Doylestown (Rainbow Room) and Hatboro (SAGA).
Below are groups and organizations that organize, host, and facilitate a number of activities and events designed to engage local LGBTQ+ individuals of all ages and build supportive communities for everyone - lesbian, gay, transgender, bisexual, queer, gender non-conforming, etc. The list is not entire, and you should consult local LGBTQ+ organizations for new and upcoming events and activities.
Spiritual Support
- Jewish LGBTQ+ Community
- Muslim LGBTQ+ Community
- Open and Affirming Places of Worship
- Other Resources
With the generous support from the E. Rhodes and Leona B. Carpenter Foundation Eshel has embarked on a multi-year project to explore which North American synagogues and leaders would welcome LGBTQ+ people and to what degree.
Keshet works for the full equality of all LGBTQ+ Jews and our families in Jewish life.
Congregations in Philadelphia
Congregation ShivteiYeshuronEzras Israel
The South Philadelphia Shtiebel
Congregation Rodeph Shalom Prism
The mission of pRiSm is to strengthen Jewish Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Transgender, Queer, Intersex, Allied (LGBTQIA) life and identity at RS and in the world. pRiSm strives to create an inclusive congregation through education, advocacy, and celebration.
Imaan- Muslim LGBTQI Support on Facebook (out of the UK)
Muslims for Progressive Values
Place of Worship | Address | Contact Information |
---|---|---|
Boehm's UCC (1605) | 571 Penllyn Blue Bell Pike
Blue Bell, Pennsylvania, 19422-1601 |
215-646-6132 |
Carversville Christian Church, UCC (1664) |
3736 Aquetong Rd
Carversville, Pennsylvania, 18913 |
215-297-5166 |
Chestnut Hill United Church (878) | 8812 Germantown Ave
Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, 19118-2719 |
215-242-9321 |
Collenbrook United Church (370)
|
5290 Township Line Road
Drexel Hill, Pennsylvania, 19026-4707 |
collenbrookunited@gmail.com |
Faith UCC (1640) | 5992 Route 378
Center Valley, Pennsylvania, 18034-9455 |
610-282-3939 |
First UCC (1037) | 367 Washington St
Royersford, Pennsylvania, 19468-2537 |
610-948-9156 |
Glenside UCC (798) | 2160 Wharton Rd
Glenside, Pennsylvania, 19038-5326 |
215-887-1819 |
Love In Action UCC (1057) | 350 S York Rd
Hatboro, Pennsylvania, 19040-3969 |
215-675-8808 |
Olivet-Schwenkfelder UCC (298) |
619 West Township Line Road
Norristown, Pennsylvania, 19403-4607 |
610-539-7444 |
Reformed Church of the Ascension UCC (940) | 1700 W Main St
Jeffersonville, Pennsylvania, 19403-3202 |
610-539-1693 |
Salem UCC (1479) | 186 E Court St
Doylestown, Pennsylvania, 18901-4338 |
215-348-9860 |
Shenkel UCC (1565) |
1580 Shenkel Road
Pottstown, Pennsylvania, 19465-7222 |
610-326-3535 |
St. James UCC (1174) | 135 Myrtle Ave
Havertown, Pennsylvania, 19083-5705 |
610-446-3036 |
St. John's UCC (1315) |
500 W Main St
Lansdale, Pennsylvania, 19446-2010 |
215-855-5489 |
St. Peter's Tohickon UCC (1301) | 1050 Old Bethlehem Rd
Perkasie, Pennsylvania, 18944-3725 |
215-257-4633 |
Trinity Reformed UCC (1488) | 532 East Main Street
Collegeville, Pennsylvania, 19426-2518 |
610-489-4223
|
UCC at Valley Forge (852) | 45 Walker Road
Wayne, Pennsylvania, 19087-1347 |
610-688-8588 |
UCC East Goshen (610) | 1201 N Chester Rd
West Chester, Pennsylvania, 19380-6873 |
610-692-2951 |
DignityUSA (Catholicism)
Fortunate Families (Catholic Parents of LGBTQ Children)
New Ways Ministry (Catholicism and Christianity)
Social Support
Community Centers and Support Groups
Location | Contact Information |
---|---|
Ambler Counseling Center Who am I and what does that even mean? Identity exploration and conviction is a cornerstone for teen growth and development. The teen LGBTQIA group creates a space to support safety and freedom in being who YOU are, wherever you’re at in your journey of self. Alongside a young and relatable group facilitator with familiarity in LGBTQIA themes, group members will explore relationships, gain a better understanding of self through community, take opportunities to vent in a contained space, and process out issues that hit home for teens who are just planting their first seeds or teens who are firmly rooted in the LGBTQIA community. |
1018 N. Bethlehem Pike
Ambler, PA 19002 267-664-0734 |
Bradbury Sullivan Center Support groups and community groups include cancer, tweens, spirituality, medical marijuana, managing emotions, parents of trans kids, queer community, legal, bereavement, transmasculine, transfeminine, and more! |
522 W. Maple St. 610-347-9988Allentown, PA 18101 |
CHOP Gender & Sexuality Clinic
Monthly support groups offered |
267-426-5980 |
Gay Straight Alliance Network
GSA clubs, or GSAs for short, are student-run organizations that unite LGBTQ+ and allied youth to build community and organize around issues impacting them in their schools and communities. |
info@gsanetwork.org |
LGBT Center of Reading (Berks County) |
1501 N. 13th Street
Reading, Pennsylvania 19604
610-864-5800 |
Qmmunity Alliance (Ascension United Church of Christ) | 1700 West Main St. Jeffersonville, PA 19403 |
SAGA Community Center
LGBT+ and allies, all ages welcome! |
350 S. York Road
Hatboro, PA 19040 |
Sage: Advocacy and Services for LGBT Elders
*Sign up for connect and receive weekly phone calls from volunteers to help with Covid-19 isolation. |
connect@sageusa.org |
The Trevor Project LGBTQ+ youth and their allies can find answers to frequently asked questions and explore resources related to sexual orientation, gender identity, and more! Trevor’s counselors are just a phone call, chat, or text away. You are not alone. *Also offers a suicide hotline |
Online Support |
TransCentralPA
Monthly meetings offered at Metropolitan Community Church in Harrisburg, PA. For transgender and non-binary individuals 18 & older |
|
William Way LGBT Community Center (Philadelphia) | 1315 Spruce Street
Philadelphia, PA 19107
215-732-2220 info@waygay.org |
Resources for LGBTQ+ Youth
The Attic creates opportunities for Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Transgender, and Questioning (LGBTQ+) youth to develop into healthy, independent, civic-minded adults within a safe and supportive community, and promotes the acceptance of LGBTQ+ youth in society.
MYA provides a safe and healthy environment for their LGBTQ+ youth. MYA meets each Friday evening from 7-9:30 pm. There is no charge for admission and like any group, where teens gather, snacks are served! From time to time, we welcome parents to join in for an activity of fundraising or discussion – and those will be posted on our calendar in advance.
The Rainbow Room is an LGBTQA youth program that provides a supportive and empowering environment for youth ages 14-21. Weekly meetings are a free and confidential place where you can learn, build support networks, and have fun. Program topics include: sexuality education, life skills, guest speakers, game nights, community building, and activities.
Parents & Friends of Lesbian & Gays (PFLAG)
Location | Address | Contact Information |
---|---|---|
PFLAG Bucks County
|
Warminster, Pennsylvania 18974 | 267-396-7865 |
PFLAG Kulpsville | Harleysville, Pennsylvania 19438 | pflagkulpsville@gmail.com |
PFLAG Media |
145 West Rose Tree Road
Media, Pennsylvania 19063 |
610-368-2021 |
PFLAG Philadelphia | 3907 Spruce Street
Philadelphia, Pennsylvania 19104 |
215-572-1833 |
PFLAG Royersford |
452 S. Lewis Rd.
Royersford, 19468 |
610-831-5455 |
PFLAG West Chester/Chester County
|
1201 North Chester Road
West Chester, Pennsylvania 19380 |
484-459-4078 |
Performing Arts Groups
Philadelphia LGBTQ+ Film Festival- qFlix
Other
LGBTQ+ Book Club and Discussion Group
Montgomery County - Norristown Public Library
3rd Monday of the month, 4:00 PM
Email JCove@mclinc.org for details.