Transitioning later in life support groups

On this page you can find community resources specific to your state. We tried to locates resources and community organizations that are specific to individuals who are older and identify as LGBTQ+.If such resources were not available, we included links from community organizations that cater to the general LGBTQ+ community. 

If one of the community organizations or guides is inactive or outdated, please let us know! We want to provide you with the most accurate and up-to-date resources, 

General Sources 

https://www.lgbtagingcenter.org/

“The National Resource Center on LGBTQ+ Aging is the country’s first and only technical assistance resource center focused on improving the quality of services and supports offered to lesbian, gay, bisexual and/or transgender older adults, their families and caregivers.”

https://www.lgbtcenters.org/LgbtCenters

“CenterLink Strengthens, Supports, & Connects LGBTQ Community Centers” by providing a database or directory making LGBTQ+ affiliated community centers searchable and thus more accessible to the public.

Alabama

• Trans Family SOS Alabama Chapter Alabama Chapter – TransFamily Support Services; 
  • TransFamily Support Services in Alabama provides assistance to TGNC people in finding gender-affirming healthcare, mental health care, and safe spaces within their area; health insurance and legal navigation, to help ease the transition process; as well as free peer-to-peer support groups across various age groups. TFSS Alabama Chapter extends these same services to the regional state, with a focus on uplifting and referring folks to the LGBTQ+ centers and organizations throughout the state that would be more accessible to their needs.

• Magic City Acceptance Center https://www.magiccityacceptancecenter.org/

• Magic City Acceptance Center is Dedicated to providing a brave and radically inclusive space for the LGBTQ community in Alabama including monthly support programs for LGBTQ adults.

Arizona 

• Southern Arizona Senior Pride Southern Arizona Senior Pride

• • Southern Arizona Senior Pride offers friendly visits and phone calls for LGBTQI+ older adults who are 55+, as well as LGBTQI+ people with disabilities regardless of age who are isolated, homebound or living in a care community (independent/assisted living and nursing/care homes). To help reduce the social isolation of LGBTQI+ older adults and people with disabilities, they provide those in need with tablets and internet access. Senior Pride provides support to LGBTQI+ older adults for advance medical care planning. They partner with Pima Council on Aging (PCOA) to educate our LGBTQI+ older adults about myriad ways to prevent falls, including increasing strength and balance. They sponsor grief and loss support groups, and host community arts and cultural events.

Arkansas 

• NWA Equality Org NWA Equality

• • Northwest Arkansas Equality is a nonprofit organization providing programming, education, and advocacy to serve, connect, and empower the lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, and queer (LGBTQ) community. They provide free HIV/STI testing services, various support groups, resources, and social and community outreach events.

California

• LGBT + Aging & Abilities Support Network LGBTQ + Aging & Abilities Support Network | San Francisco Human Services Agency 

• • LAASN provides compassionate supportive services that address social isolation as well as emotional, behavioral, and health challenges faced by lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, and queer seniors and adults with disabilities. Services they provide include emotional and practical support through care navigation, peer support groups, client advocacy to assist with navigation through the social service system, and social programming that offers connective programs that support and enhance the emotional and behavioral well-being of clients.

• LA LGBT Center Senior Services LA LGBT Center Senior Social Services

• • The Los Angeles LGBT Center’s Senior Services Department operates the nation’s largest affordable housing development specifically for LGBT seniors, offers case management for Social Security, Medicare and more; and hosts a wide range of community programs, services, activities, and events specifically for seniors.

Colorado 

• The Center Individualized Support for Older Adults – The Center on Colfax – LGBTQ Colorado

• • The Center’s SAGE of the Rockies program developed the Friendly Visitor and Phone-a-Friend programs to aid seniors isolated from social support. Volunteers are matched with an older adult in the program to provide regular support, friendship, and advocacy to the individual.

Connecticut 

• LGBT Aging Advocacy LGBT Aging Advocacy

• • LGBT Aging Advocacy works to create an open and affirming aging services environment for LGBT elders in Connecticut. Their events connect LGBT adults to each other and to services and supports for healthy aging.

Delaware 

• Camp Rehoboth LGBT Center Senior LGBTQ Needs | CAMP Rehoboth

• • CAMP Rehoboth seeks to promote community well-being on all levels; to foster the development of community groups; to develop community space; to promote human and civil rights; to work against prejudice and discrimination; to lessen tensions among the community at large; and to help foster the economic growth of the area. They offer Senior Needs Assessment, Arts & Cultural Programs, Education & Advocacy, Sexual Health Counseling, HIV Testing, Health Testing and Flu Shots, Health/Wellness Programs for 55+, Support Groups, Grief Counseling, and Community Building.

Florida

• Sage Miami SAGE Services in Florida

• • SAGE’s Miami Services for LGBTQ+ Elders program provides practical and financial support to LGBTQ+ elders in Miami-Dade County and South Florida. The monetary aid portion of the program helps ease the severe financial burden faced by low-income older LGBTQ+ people in Miami. SAGE Miami Services for LGBTQ+ Elders also seeks to address social isolation among LGBTQ+ elders in Miami by forging social connections and companionship. Services include enrollment benefits and entitlements, development of care plans, referrals to additional support services, and direct emergency financial aid for elders in need.

Georgia 

• TRANScending Barriers Atlanta TRANScending Barriers Atlanta

• • TRANScending Barriers Atlanta empowers the transgender and gender non-conforming community in Georgia through community organizing with leadership building, advocacy, and direct services. 

Hawaii

• Home Instead: https://www.homeinstead.com/location/727/?redirFrom=/727
  • “Senior care services from Home Instead® help to enhance the aging experience by providing practical support at home with a human touch. Our professional caregivers immerse themselves into wherever home is to assist with common activities of daily living and build a lasting relationship with you and your family.”

• Hawaii LGBT Legacy Foundation: https://www.lgbtcenters.org/LGBTCenters/Center/6578/Hawaii-LGBT-Legacy-Foundation
  • “The Hawai’i LGBT Legacy Foundation supports LGBTQIA+ people in living happy, healthy, and productive lives. The Foundation educates, facilitates and empowers LGBTQIA+ people as integral members of Hawai’i’s diverse community. We are committed to a legacy of hope, equality, and unity.”

Idaho

• Oasis Everywhere: https://www.oasisnet.org/oasis-everywhere/
  • “Oasis Everywhere offers live online courses led by top Oasis instructors from across the country, making it possible to participate in classes beyond your local city center. With Oasis Everywhere virtual lifelong learning, geographic location, mobility or travel constraints no longer apply!” They offer accessible classes for lifelong learning targeted toward older adults.

• The Community Center Inc.: https://tccidaho.org/
  • “Founded in December 1983, The Community Center is  devoted to the lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender (LGBT) and allied population. The Community Center (TCC) is committed to uniting the LGBT community through educational and developmental programs by providing resources  to the LGBT community. The Community Center (TCC) provides a safe and welcoming location for group meetings and social activities for youth groups, LBGT support groups, women’s and transgender groups. (TCC is a non-profit 501(C) 3 organization.)”

Illinois 

• Senior Rainbow Assistance Program: https://seniorrainbow.org/index.html
  • “The Senior Rainbow Assistance Program is an Illinois based nonprofit organization focused on senior LGBTQ community. It was created by a group of Chicago based women with a passion for working with seniors and contributing positively to society with a social work mindset.”
  • “Our vision is to provide Illinois LGBTQ seniors with the support they need to remain safe, warm and healthy at a time of most need.”
    • West Suburban Senior Services: https://www.cmsschicago.org/services/west-suburban-senior-services/
      • “WSSS provides services to older adults in the western suburbs to ensure access to socialization, mental stimulation, exercise, a daily lunch, and education on various programs and issues important to healthy aging. We offer area seniors access to exercise programs, dancing classes, movies, brain games, card games, a lunch program, and information from guest speakers on issues and services important to the senior community including health education, a free visiting legal clinic, access to community leaders, and more.

      Iowa

      • One Iowa: https://oneiowa.org/resources/lgbtq-older-adults/ 
        • “One Iowa proudly provides a list of resources for LGBTQ Iowans and allies.”

      Kansas

      • The Willow Domestic Violence Center: https://www.willowdvcenter.org/ 
        • “The Willow builds safer communities through shelter, services, and support to survivors of domestic violence and human trafficking.”
        • “We proudly offer all of our services to all the members of our communities, regardless of gender identity.  The Willow is a safe space to regroup and rebuild for all survivors.”
      • Our Spot KC: https://ourspotkc.org/ 
        • “Our Spot KC is a hub for resources that support, advance and equip LGBTQ+ individuals to ensure sustainability and improvement in and of the community.”
      • The Center of Wichita, Inc.: https://www.thecenterofwichita.org/ 
        • “The Center of Wichita is a place to call home for Wichita’s Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Transgender, Queer, and Allied (LGBTQ+) community and a safe space for youth. Run by the community for the community.”

      Kentucky

      • Lexington Pride Center: https://www.lexpridecenter.org/
        • “Founded in 1977, the Lexington Pride Center is the oldest LGBTQIA+ organization in Kentucky. We are a 501(c)(3) non-profit that creates and manages safe and inclusive spaces, programming, and services, including Lexington’s LGBTQIA+ community center and the Lexington Pride Festival, at no cost to those we serve.”
      • Sage of the Bluegrass Louisville: https://queerkentucky.com/respect-your-elders-sage-of-the-bluegrass-and-queer-senior-advocacy/
        • “The Fairness Campaign is Kentucky’s LGBTQ advocacy organization founded in 1991 by 10 Louisvillians. Its primary goal is comprehensive civil rights legislation prohibiting discrimination on the basis of sexual orientation and gender identity and to dismantle systemic racism. With the help of the Fairness Campaign, 24 Kentucky communities and counting have enacted Fairness Ordinances outlawing LGBTQ discrimination in employment, housing, and public accommodations. Today, the Fairness Campaign works in cities all across Kentucky to advance LGBTQ rights and acceptance through legislative advocacy and public education.”
        • They have specific advocacy and services for LGBT Elders
      • Sage of the Bluegrass Lexington: https://www.fairness.org/sagelouisville/ 
        • Same Campaign and services for Elders but in Lexington, Kentucky.

      Louisiana

      • Out of the Box LGBTQ Center: https://www.carpbr.com/out-of-the-box 
        • “Out of the Box (OTB) is a myriad of programs that are designed to enlighten, empower, and encourage individuals to focus on their Holistic Health and Wellness. OTB was created for and by the community to address the individual and collective holistic health needs. Each program under the OTB umbrella addresses the issues that we LGBTQ+ individuals need to enhance our quality of life.”
      • Louisiana Trans Advocates: https://www.latransadvocates.org/resources 
        • “We’re advancing the core human rights of self-determination and expression for all trans, nonbinary and gender nonconforming people in Louisiana.” 

      Maine

      • Equality Community Center: https://eccmaine.org/ 
        • “The Equality Community Center is a collaborative workplace for LGBTQ+ and allied social justice seeking non-profit organizations.”
        • “We strive to provide a safer and more inclusive gathering space with social and educational programming for all, while supporting the most marginalized in our communities.”
        • Physical location in Portland, ME

      Maryland

      • Delmarva Pride Center: https://www.delmarvapridecenter.com/
        • “The Delmarva Pride Center is a community service organization dedicated to creating a positive environment inclusive of all sexual orientations and gender identities. We support, educate, connect, organize, and provide outreach to the Delmarva LGBTQIA+ community and its allies.”
        • “Community – We will connect members and create a community of support for youth, adults, and family.”
      • The Freidrich Center: https://thefrederickcenter.org/ 
        • “The Frederick Center exists to support and advocate for lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender and queer (LGBTQ+) people and our families so we thrive, accepted and affirmed, in the broader Frederick community.”
        • 18+ support groups”
      • Free State Justice: https://freestate-justice.org/ 
        • “FreeState Justice provides legal services to low-income lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender Maryland residents.”
        • “FreeState Justice is Maryland’s statewide advocacy non-profit that seeks to improve the lives of lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, and queer (“LGBTQ”) Marylanders.”

      Massachusetts

      • Fenway Health LGBTQIA+ Aging Project’s support services (based out of Boston, MA): https://fenwayhealth.org/the-fenway-institute/lgbtqia-aging-project/programs-support-groups/
      • South Coast LGBTQ+ Support Network’s “Aging Well” programs (based out of New Bedford, MA): https://www.sclgbtqnetwork.org/aging-well.html
      • Trans Club of New England (based out of Waltham, MA): www.tcne.org

      Michigan

      • Sage Metro Detroit: Programs & Services for LGBT Older Adults (based out of Detroit):https://migenconnect.org/
      • Area Agency on Aging of Western Michigan Senior Guide: https://www.aaawm.org/uploads/files/document/lgbt-senior-guide.pdf

      Minnesota

      • OutFront Minnesota: https://www.outfront.org
      • Minnesota Transgender Alliance: https://www.minnesotatransgenderalliance.com
      • Minnesota Transgender Health Coalition: https://www.mntransgenderhealth.org
      • Rainbow Health: https://rainbowhealth.org
      • The Village Family Service Center (based out of St. Cloud, MI): https://www.thevillagefamily.org/locations/st-cloud
      • Prism Mental Health (based out of St. Cloud, MI): https://www.prismmentalhealth.com

      Mississippi

      • Gulf Coast Equality Center (based out of Gulfport, MI): https://www.gulfcoastequalitycouncil.org/gulf-coast-equality-council
      • Marsha’s Tea Room (based out of Hattiesburg, MI): https://www.marshastearoom.org
      • Mississippi Gulf Coast Rainbow Center (based out of Biloxi, MI): https://www.facebook.com/MSrainbowcenter/

      Missouri

      • The Center Project (based out of Colombia, MS): https://centerproject.org
      • Kansas City Center for Inclusion (based out of Kansas City, MS): https://www.inclusivekc.org/kcci-resources
      • The Glo Center — The LGBTQIA+ Center of the Ozarks (based out of Springfield, MS): https://www.glocenter.org
      • Metro Trans Umbrella Group (based out of St. Lois, MS): https://www.stlmetrotrans.org
      • St. Louis Queer+ Support Helpline: https://www.thesqsh.org

      Montana

      • The Center – Western Montana’s LGBTQ+ Community Center’s Trans, Intersex & Nom-binary support group (based out of Missoula, MT): https://www.gaymontana.org/group/missoula-tin-trans-intersex-nonbinary

      Nebraska

      • Omaha ForUs LGBTQ+ Center (based out of Omaha, NB): https://www.lgbtcenters.org/LGBTCenters/Center/7804/Omaha-ForUs-LGBTQ-Center

      Nevada

      • Henderson Equality Center’s Senior Social & Adult Transformations Support Groups (based out of Henderson, NV): https://hendersonequalitycenter.org/groups/
      • LGBTQ Community Center of Southern Nevada’s list of resources & programs for LGBT+ Seniors (based out of Las Vegas, NV): https://thecenterlv.org/our-programs
      • Our Center’s senior & trans support groups (based out of Reno, NV): https://ourcenterreno.org/programs/#senior

      New Hampshire

      • Gender Diverse Care Coalition of New Hampshire’s statewide resource list: https://genderdiversecarecoalitionnh.com

      New Jersey

      • Robert Wood Johnson University Hospital’s Support Services for Transgender Individuals (based out of New Brunswick, NJ): https://www.rwjbh.org/rwj-university-hospital-new-brunswick/treatment-care/lgbtqia-program/support-services/
      • QSpot LGBT Community Center (based out of Asbury Park, NJ): https://qspot.org
      • Bergen County LGBTQ+ Alliance’s Senior Meet Up Group (based out of Bergen, NJ): https://www.bergencountylgbtq.org/home
      • The Pride Center of New Jersey’s program list (based out of Highland Park, NJ): https://www.pridecenter.org/program-line-up
      • Hudson Pride Center’s Rainbow Elders of New Jersey Support Group (based out of Jersey City, NJ): https://www.hudsonpride.org/social-services/
      • EDGE New Jersey’s Support Programs (based out of Morris Plains, NJ): https://edgenj.org
      • Newark LGBTQ Center’s Support Programs (based out of Newark, NJ): https://www.newarklgbtqcenter.org/programs

      New Mexico →Equality New Mexico > https://eqnm.org/sageabq

      Equality New Mexico’s mission is to provide support for older LGBT people in the Albuquerque Metropolitan Area through advocacy, social programs, education, support groups, and resource distribution.   

      New York → Hudson Valley LGBTQ+ Community Center > Website; Stonewall House: https://www.programsforelderly.com/housing-stonewall-older-lgbt-people.php; Sage NYC: https://sagenyc.org/

      Hudson Valley LGBTQ+ Community Center hosts a gathering that pursue topics such as the relevance of identifying as LGBTQIA+ in your lives; benefits of growing older; adult reality as different from younger expectations; sex; ageism, against both old and young; health; being a mentor; growing older with grace; and nurturing relationships.

      Stonewall advocates for older LGBT housing. The organization aims to increase awareness of the need for greater LGBT housing to policy makers, developers, landlords and the community.

      Sage NYC serves LGBTQ+ adults age 60+ through virtual and in-person programming

      North Carolina → Northstar LGBTQ Senior Center: https://www.bergencountylgbtq.org/home

      Northstar LGBTQ Senior Center hosts a senior social group for general socializing and to open the conversation for future topics that the community would like to discuss. 

      North Dakota → University of North dakota > https://und.edu/npcc/_files/docs/handbook-lgbtq-resources-nd.pdf ; Red River Valley:

      https://www.facebook.com/RRRainbowSeniors