“Sometimes you are the only person who can do something at a certain time. It’s the old question, ‘If not I, who?’”
Dr. Lilli Vincenz (1937-2023), local LGBTQ+ activist and pioneer
In late 2024, Arlington Community Foundation convened a group of local LGBTQ+ folks and allies to listen and learn about the topics, needs, and opportunities on the minds of our local LGBTQ+ community. We heard that folks were interested in coming together more often to be in community and learn more about a variety of issues and how they intersect with the local LGBTQ+ community.
We are excited to launch a series of important community conversations guided by this feedback, the first of which being a panel discussion on LGBTQ+ mental health. The LGBTQ+ Community Group is still developing and growing (we still need an official name!), and we are eager for your participation and feedback.
If you would like to attend future community conversations or to provide input on future conversation topics, please contact Jamee Hood at jhood@arlcf.org or by clicking the button below.
Photos: LGBTQ+ roundtable discussions, reception, and notes from the late 2024 event
He She Ze and We (HSZ&W) supports transgender and nonbinary people by empowering their families, allies, and communities to create life-saving, inclusive environments.
He She Ze and We provides a monthly in person educational support meeting for adult family members of trans/nonbinary/gender-diverse youth. They also have “family connections” social gatherings for fellow gender-diverse youth and their families. For information on how to attend either of these, fill out this form.
A dedicated team of queer and trans-identifying psychotherapists serving LGBTQ+ folx, their families, and cishet allies. They offer a wide variety of services and modes of therapy. Learn more about LGBT+ Counseling Collaborative.
Popular tool used to search for a therapist. You can filter by gender, in-person or online, specialties, insurance, race, sexuality, language, and more! Start a search.
A collaborative group of mental health professionals who want to create free spaces, provide mental health resources, and empower queer-focused programming in the DMV area. Check out their Eventbrite page for upcoming free events.
Safe Space NOVA‘s mission is to provide safe, accepting, and supportive environments to combat challenges faced by LGBTQIA+ youth. To align with this mission, Safe Space NOVA provides programming such as social hangs (adult-facilitated group hangouts), You + Me = We (queer sex ed relationship program for teens and allied providers), and social activities (including our annual pride prom!).
Safe Space offers adult and youth volunteer opportunities with social activities and hangs (check out the volunteer interest form here), and visit their website to connect over e-mail and social media!
Timothy and his associates provide individual and family therapy, consultation/supervision, and clinical trainings for mental health providers. Visit their website.
Community-provided resources on a variety of topics, including health and wellness. Visit the resource library.
“WPATH publishes the Standards of Care and Ethical Guidelines, which articulate a professional consensus about the psychiatric, psychological, medical, and surgical management of gender dysphoria and help professionals understand the parameters within which they may offer assistance to those with these conditions.” If you’re looking for a clinician educated in standards of care for Trans folks, ask them about their familiarity with WPATH!