Coming to terms with your sexuality or gender identity can be a tough time for anyone, especially when you’re balancing that stress with other things like school, work, and...everything else. No matter what kind of help you need, there are so many incredible organisations out there that provide support and safe spaces for lesbian, gay, bi, trans and queer + people.

We’ve highlighted some organisations below. It’s in no way an exhaustive list, but you can head over to Stonewall’s directory to find LGBTQ+ support in your area.

Illustrations by Anshika Khullar @aorists

Gendered Intelligence

This organisation aims to increase the quality of trans people’s life experiences, especially those of young trans people. They do this by delivering creative workshops for trans people across the UK and also help engage communities in understanding more about the diversity and complexity of gender.

LGBT Foundation

The LGBT Foundation, largely rooted in Greater Manchester, provide a wide range of resources to support the LGBT community. Their services range from a helpline, support groups, and even a befriending service, to ensure LGBT people do not feel ostracised.

Switchboard LGBT+ Helpline

This helpline promises to be ‘a place for calm words when you need them most’. You can either call the helpline, use the online chat service, or send an email to seek help with whatever you need to talk about. This confidential service is run by self-identifying LGBT+ volunteers and everything you discuss is completely confidential.

AZ Hub

As a response to the lack of alcohol-free, day-time space for queer, transgender and intersex people of colour, the AZ Hub was formed in London. The space is used for workshops, screenings, art display, discussion, performance, information sharing and general chilling!

Families and Friends of Lesbians and Gays (FFLAG)

This charity is dedicated to supporting parents and their LGBTQ+ children. They aim to support families by helping them understand the issues, as well as helping them cope with homophobia and transphobia in our society.

KENRIC Lesbian Social Group

KENRIC is the UK’s longest-surviving lesbian organisation. They know that ‘coming out’ and finding like-minded friends can be difficult, so they offer events which help people connect with others.

Pace Yourself LGBT

With a lot of online forums it can be easy to find misinformation on LGBT+ topics, so this space is designed to eliminate that, especially for young people. This website contains lots of info on subjects like coming out, being bisexual, bullying, and mental health.

Broken Rainbow

This is an LGBTQ+ domestic violence helpline that provides confidential support. Through phone, chat or email you can discuss safety plans, explore housing options and find out about other LGBTQ+ services in your area.

Coming Out UK

This organisation not only exists to support and offer advice to the LGBTQ+ community, but they also have established a production team who work together to create informative, educational and entertaining content for all. Their new series ‘Coming Out’ will be released soon!

London Gaymers

London Gaymers is a social group to help LGBTQ+ gamers in London to find and make new friends in a safe and welcoming environment. They have regular meetups every month, online tournaments and have an active Discord server where you’ll find other “gaymers” to play with.

Don’t forget if you want more info on organisations in your area you can use Stonewall’s directory to find out more info!