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LGBTQIA Students

Community Resources

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Bloomington-Normal Organizations

Social Groups

  • Heartland Community College (HCC) PRIDE
    PRIDE is a safe, inclusive community for LGBTQ+ individuals and allies to connect, grow, and celebrate. Through advocacy, fun events, and meaningful discussions, members can express themselves, build friendships, and make a difference. Get involved, share your voice, and help create a more inclusive campus—your participation matters!

  • Illinois State University (ISU) Pride
    The mission of Pride is to provide a safe, social, and educational atmosphere for the TGNC/LGBQIAP+ (transgender, gender nonconforming, lesbian, gay, bisexual, queer, intersex, asexual, pansexual) community of Illinois State University and the larger Bloomington-Normal community. Pride also works against the discrimination and oppression of TGNC/LGBQIAP+ people through an intersectional approach.

  • PFLAG (Parents, Families and Friends of Lesbians and Gays) - Bloomington/Normal
    PFLAG promotes the health and well-being of lesbian, gay, 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. Parents, Families and Friends of Lesbians and Gays provides opportunity for dialogue about sexual orientation and gender identity, and acts to create a society that is healthy and respectful of human diversity.

  • Prairie Pride Coalition
    We pledge ourselves to the awakening of compassion and understanding among all peoples. We strive to foster mutual respect regardless of sexual orientation, creed, race, gender, gender identity, or physical ability through outreach and education. 

Spiritual Communities

The following congregations in Bloomington/Normal welcome LGBTQIA members:

  • Bloomington First Christian Church

    We proclaim that we are an open and affirming congregation and we covenant with our community to provide a loving welcome for all God’s children into the full life and leadership of First Christian Church (Disciples of Christ) of Bloomington, Illinois.

    We welcome all who seek to follow Jesus regardless of race, age, gender, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, nationality, ethnicity, marital status, physical or mental ability, family configuration, political affiliation, economic circumstance, or theological perspective.

  • First Presbyterian Church of Normal
    First Presbyterian Church of Normal affirms that all people are children of God and are created in the image of God. Believing this, we welcome all individuals into the life, community, and ministry of First Pres. This includes people of every age, race, ethnicity, gender, sexual orientation, marital status, physical or mental ability, economic status, political belief, background, and past experience. No one is excluded, marginalized, or held outside the warm welcome of this congregation.
    Recognizing the historical ways in which LGBTQ+ people have been specifically misunderstood and harmed within Christian environments, our church desires to be intentional in communicating that LGBTQ+ people are invited to participate fully within and enrich the community of our church with their experiences and gifts. We believe transparency and honesty are values worth upholding and pursuing regarding the openness and welcome of our congregation so that all people are able to be present and participate as their authentic selves.

  • Hope United Methodist Church
    Absolutely everyone. No asterisks. No buts. No contradictions. We believe that all people — regardless of sexual orientation, gender identity, racial background, economic standing or stage of life —  can experience the inherent love of God. As a church, we strive for absolute authentic affirmation of all LGBTQIA+ people, and we are committed to learning to lead anti-racist lives.

  • Moses Montefiore Temple
    As part of the MMT congregation, we strive to create engaging spiritual moments, nurture educational involvement for all ages, and perpetuate the Jewish values and traditions that lead us all to taking part in making our world a better place. We are an inclusive community as we welcome new and existing Jewish and interfaith families. Our doors are wide open and all are welcome to participate in temple life. We look forward to meeting you!

  • New Covenant Community

    We the people of New Covenant Community, warmly welcome all who wish to share our spiritual journey as followers of Christ.  In light of current controversies within the churches, we intend by this Resolution to make explicit our welcome to all persons without regard to sexual orientation.  This welcome includes our readiness to elect persons to all leadership offices within the congregation without regard to sexual orientation.  We therefore publicly identify ourselves with others making similar declarations in the denominations of which we are a part, namely, “More Light” congregations of the Presbyterian Church (USA), and “Open and Affirming” congregations of the Christian Church (Disciples of Christ) and the United Church of Christ. 

  • Normal First United Methodist Church
    Located by the campus of Illinois State University, we are home to the United Methodist Wesley Foundation (MERGE) campus ministry. However, we are more than a campus church. We are people of God serving the entire community with ministries that touch individuals of all ages and from many walks of life as we seek to fulfill the vision of the United Methodist Church of "Open Hearts, Open Minds, Open Doors."

  • Unitarian Universalist Church of Bloomington-Normal
         If you are looking for a religious home that welcomes all people please join us! We offer a community that celebrates the diversity of all people, a place where your gifts and your concerns are equally embraced, a place where love and service are the guiding values.

  • Wesley United Methodist Church

    WESLEY UNITED METHODIST CHURCH is a fully affirming and inclusive church. We embrace the radical love of Jesus Christ. We welcome ALL people to worship God in a safe space and to participate in the life, community and ministry of Wesley. 

Healthcare

  • Bloomington Primary Care
    The staff at Bloomington Primary Care (BPC) are proud to be your medical providers. BPC is available for acute visits, preventative care and the diagnosis and management of chronic diseases. BPC sees the whole spectrum of life: infants, children, adolescents, and adults.

  • CARLE Transgender Care Directory
    Providers listed in this directory have pledged to follow the Carle Transgender Standards of Care, which means, in part, that they recognize and respect self-identities. They also agree to take on extra training for LGBTQ+ friendly care. We’re committed to providing affirming care. Please feel comfortable reminding us of your name and pronouns if we don’t get it right. It’s our desire – and duty – to get it right.

  • Central Illinois Friends
    Mission: To support people living with HIV and vulnerable community members in need of comprehensive clinical and supportive services through compassionate and personalized care.
    Vision: To provide comprehensive preventive health services and sexual health education by striving to be the leading community resource to those experiencing barriers to services while increasing HIV/STI awareness, prevention, and treatment.

  • Eckelmann-Taylor Speech & Hearing Clinic @ ISU 
    The Eckelmann-Taylor Speech and Hearing Clinic at Illinois State University (ISU) provides gender-affirming communication services (GACS) for individuals who would like to alter characteristics of their voice and communication to express their gender identity and/or gender presentation. The clinic proudly serves many individuals who belong to the transgender community as well as other individuals who wish to modify their voice presentation for personal or vocational needs. All identities are welcome in the clinic. With the support of qualified clinicians, clients will explore various techniques, exercises, and training that contribute to others’ perceptions of one’s gender. These individualized and client-centered sessions prioritize the needs and goals of the individual.

  • Positive Health Solutions
    Positive Health Solutions is the leader in Central Illinois providing comprehensive medical and case management services for persons who are living with HIV/AIDS and providing primary medical care for the LGBTQ+ community.

Mental Health/Counseling

The following providers in Bloomington/Normal welcome LGBTQIA members:

  • Bridge to Hope Counseling

    In addition to LGBTQ+ affirming counseling, I offer a variety of other counseling services in my Bloomington, IL  therapy clinic. I also offer online therapy in Illinois. My counseling services include counseling for anxiety, depression therapy, therapy for poor self-esteem, counseling for college students, and counseling for life transitions.

  • Bryan Hinman Counseling, PLLC
    I am a licensed clinical professional counselor in Illinois with a particular focus on helping folks dealing with LGBTQIA+ related issues, addiction, trauma, and phobias break the chains of old behaviors that often keep them feeling disconnected and alone.

  • Center for Human Services
    The Center for Human Services provides high-quality, recovery-oriented, community-based behavioral health services to bring hope to individuals struggling with their mental well-being, empowering them to build happy, healthy lives.

  • Clara Varlese Counseling, PLLC
    It has been a privledge to be working within the mental health field for 17+ years. I became a therapist because of the life changing therapeutic support I received as a young adult. As a queer individual, mom, and child of immigrants, I have a unique appreciation for adversity, community, and embracing all aspects of our identity.

  • Creative Art Healing Therapy

    Many of the challenges people face can be rooted in traumatic experiences or stressful life events that were beyond their control. The arts can help us feel empowered to overcome these obstacles. At Creative Healing Art Therapy, LLC, we specialize in treating trauma related disorders via methods rooted in both neuroscience and the arts.

  • Elizabeth Morgan, LCSW
    I work with individual adults, especially college students/young adults, those with grief/loss, life transitions, and survivors of abuse/trauma. I am a strong ally of the LGBTQ+ community. Willis and I hope to provide you a safe and comfortable space to be and process in. It's my goal for you to find acceptance with me and ultimately for yourself. 

  • Jeanette L. Roberts, LCSW
    As a social worker, I value diversity and differentness. If you are more interested in becoming the person you are truly meant to be, rather than the person others may expect you to become, you will probably feel very comfortable working with me. My work with clients is psychodynamic in nature, which relies on the quality of the therapeutic relationship where you can begin to experience yourself in a different way. Therefore, I encourage you to ask me questions, let me know your feelings about our work, and let me know what I can do to make your experience effective.

  • Jen Woodrum, MS, LCPC

    I work with adults, teens (12+), and couples/families on concerns including anxiety, depression, trauma/PTSD, grief, and life/relational stressors. I use EMDR, parts work, brainpaint, somatic/polyvagal work, trauma-focused cognitive behavioral therapy, dialectical behavior therapy, and acceptance and commitment therapy.

  • Jessica Jackson Counseling

    Jessica’s professional expertise spans 17 years in Racism Based Trauma, Social Work, Mental Health Counseling, Equity, Diversity and Inclusion, Personal & Professional Development, Educational Advocacy, Facilitating training, and Academic & Life Coaching.

    Jessica Jackson is a Licensed Clinical Professional Counselor (LCPC) in Illinois, specializing in trauma-informed, culturally responsive care. She is a Certified Autism Spectrum Disorder Clinical Specialist (ASDCS), Trauma-Focused Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (TF-CBT) Certified, and TeleMental Health Certified.

  • Jojo Mitchell, PhD, LCP
    While I have experience working with a variety of mental health concerns, I have extensive experience supporting college students, couples, and individuals struggling with dissociation, trauma, and eating disorders. I offer in-person and virtual visits as well as evening and weekend appointments. Contact me today through phone or email for a free consultation at no cost.
     
  • Lifestance Health
    At LifeStance supported practices, there’s no one-size-fits-all approach to mental health. We tailor our care plans to fit each person’s unique needs. Our supported clinicians include psychiatrists, psychologists, and licensed therapists who are ready to support you. LifeStance supported practices offer both in-person and telehealth appointments, so you get the care you need in the format that serves you best. We also accept major insurance plans, allowing you to get the most from your personalized care plan.

  • NAMI LGBTQ+ Connection Recovery Support Group

    LGBTQ+ NAMI Connection Recovery Support Group is a free, peer-led support group designed for any adult (18+) in the LGBTQ+ community who has a mental health condition. Members of the LGBTQ+ population face a set of challenges unique to us as a group specifically, which is why this particular NAMI Connection group demographic is being formed. 

    You will gain insight from hearing the challenges and successes of others, and the groups are led by trained leaders who’ve been there. All meetings are 90 minutes long and are confidential. By sharing your experiences in a safe and confidential setting, you can gain hope and feel a sense of connection. The group encourages empathy, productive discussion and a sense of community. You’ll benefit from other’s experiences, discover your inner strength and empower yourself by sharing your own experiences in a non-judgmental space.

  • Psychiatry & Counseling Associates

    Our vision is to be a leading provider of recovery-oriented, community-based behavioral health services, focused on delivering individualized, evidence-based care in the least restrictive setting possible.

    We are committed to empowering individuals to take an active role in their treatment, working collaboratively with our expert staff to create personalized care plans that promote lasting recovery and improved quality of life. Through our compassionate, client-centered approach, we strive to be a beacon of hope and healing for individuals and families affected by mental illness.

  • Shawn Soule, MS, LCPC
    I have a strong interest in diversity and social justice and strive to provide a safe space to discuss issues. My personal background and training help me to join you where you are and help you make progress on your goals.

Legal Services

  • ACLU of Illinois

    Our advocacy is legendary in the areas of racial justice, religious liberty, freedom of expression, the rights of children and people with disabilities, criminal justice reform, fairness for lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender individuals, and reproductive justice. With a growing membership in Illinois and across the country, the ACLU protects freedom, liberty, equality and justice through litigation, lobbying and education.

  • John L. Pratt (Real Estate, Mergers & Acquisitions, Estate & Trust, Business Planning & Transactions)
    John L. Pratt has been representing clients in central Illinois since 1991. Prior to joining Meyer Capel in 2023, Mr. Pratt was a shareholder in the law firm of Pratt and Pratt, P.C. Mr. Pratt works for closely held companies and their respective owners in a variety of matters including business formations and transactions. He also assists clients with estate planning and estate administration. Mr. Pratt represents clients in commercial, agricultural and residential real estate matters and he represents school systems and other governmental entities.

  • Prairie State Legal Services
    The mission of Prairie State Legal Services is to ensure equal access to justice and fair treatment under the law by providing legal advice and representation, advocacy, education, and outreach that serve to protect basic human needs and enforce or uphold rights. PSLS envisions a community where all low-income, elderly and vulnerable people have ready access to legal services to meet their basic needs and where everyone knows, understands and can exercise their rights and be treated fairly in their pursuit of justice.

  • Samantha M. Walley (Family Law, Litigation Services)
    Samantha is an attorney with the firm’s litigation division, concentrating her practice in family law. She represents clients in a variety of matters, including divorces (dissolution of marriage), parentage, custody, allocation of parental responsibility, allocation of parenting time, child support, and orders of protection.

  • Transformative Justice Law Project of Illinois

    In our work, we consistently see the ways in which complex legal, medical, social and state systems restrict self-determination and gender expression, and privilege some genders over others. Our long-term goal is to eliminate the root causes of inequality, violence, and oppression in our communities so that prisons become obsolete so that all communities can thrive.

Greater Central Illinois Resources

  • Acorn Equality Fund
         Established in 1999, Acorn Equality Fund in Peoria, Illinois, is a grassroots nonprofit organization that provides financial support for the advancement of education, health, and civil rights of gay, lesbian, bisexual, and transgender persons and their allies. We raise funds in order to give out grants and scholarships to promote higher education. Together we can build a bright, united future.

  • Coalition of Rainbow Alliances (CORAL)
    The Coalition of Rainbow Alliances (CORAL) is a non-profit, volunteer group that facilitates networking and community for the Central Illinois lesbian, gay, bisexual, and transgender community, all other sexual and gender minorities, their families, friends, and the organizations that support them. CORAL supports the LGBTQ community throughout the year by hosting a variety of events and service projects including the Ritz, Pride Picnic, and Thanksgiving Dinner.

  • Edwardsville Pride Inclusivity (EPI) Center

    Edwardsville Pride and Inclusivity Center, also known as EPIC or EPICenter, is an emerging nonprofit focused on providing support and a voice for our LGBTQ+ community. We are run by people from our community, for our community. We aim to provide resources, information, guidance, and whatever else our community may need throughout their journey. We want everyone to have a genuine sense of pride in every aspect of who they are, as well as a way to make a difference in the world around them through that pride. We endeavor to be active in the greater Edwardsville area through local activism and action. Our pride is not just a quiet waving of flags; it is loud, ground-shaking work and it starts here at the EPICenter.

  • Illinois Eagle
    The Illinois Eagle is a community e-newspaper covering the LGBTQ communities of Illinois, plus social justice. The mission of the Eagle is to serve as a forum and voice for these communities at the local level and to inform the community of events and issues across the state.
     
  • Peoria Proud

    Peoria Proud encourages and supports diversity and equity throughout the Greater Peoria Area. The coalition seeks to unify the community as a whole, through advocacy, education and social outreach.

    Peoria Proud envisions cities, towns, and communities where all segments of the Queer Community are welcomed and thriving.

  • Phoenix Center, Springfield
    We are Central Illinois’ LGBTQ Center offering various groups, public health services, training, social & educational events and transitional housing.

  • Uniting Pride (UP) of Champaign County

    Uniting Pride of Champaign County is the only LGBTQ+ resource center of its kind in the east central Illinois region. We serve clients from Champaign County and the surrounding areas through social and support groups, events, education, resource referrals and more.

  Hotlines

Blogs

Xan Daggett headshot

Xan Daggett - Assistant Director - Office of Diversity & Inclusion

Department - Office Of Diversity & Inclusion