May is Mental Health Awareness Month, a pivotal time dedicated to raising awareness and reducing the stigma surrounding mental health issues. However, within the vast landscape of mental health advocacy, it’s essential to recognize the nuanced challenges faced by queer Black, Indigenous, and People of Color (BIPOC) individuals. For members of these communities, the intersection of their racial, ethnic, and LGBTQ+ identities often presents unique barriers to accessing culturally competent mental health resources.
Queer BIPOC individuals navigate a complex tapestry of systemic oppression, discrimination, and marginalization, which can significantly impact their mental health and well-being. From facing higher rates of violence and harassment to encountering disparities in healthcare access and treatment, the struggles faced by queer BIPOC communities are multifaceted and deeply ingrained in societal structures.
In this article, we delve into the critical importance of having organizations and resources specifically tailored to support the mental health needs of queer BIPOC individuals. The 20 organizations and resources listed below serve as lifelines for queer BIPOC individuals seeking support and solidarity on their mental health journeys. Through therapy services, advocacy initiatives, community-building efforts, and more, these organizations provide a diverse range of resources designed to uplift and empower our communities.
The Okra Project: Providing mental health resources and services specifically for Black Trans people, The Okra Project offers therapy support and other vital resources tailored to the unique needs of this community.
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Therapy for Black Girls: While not exclusive to queer individuals, Therapy for Black Girls offers a directory of therapists who cater to the mental health needs of Black women and girls, including those who identify as queer, providing a safe and affirming space for healing.
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National Queer and Trans Therapists of Color Network (NQTTCN): NQTTCN focuses on providing mental health resources and advocacy for queer and trans people of color, offering a directory of therapists who understand and respect their diverse identities and experiences.
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Healing By Choice!: A collective of Black queer therapists, Healing By Choice! offers mental health services and community support, creating a nurturing environment for healing and growth.
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Therapy for Queer People of Color: This online directory connects queer people of color with culturally competent therapists who share their identities and experiences, fostering a sense of understanding and belonging.
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The Audre Lorde Project: Dedicated to LGBTQ+ people of color, The Audre Lorde Project provides mental health resources and advocacy, emphasizing community organizing and empowerment as key components of healing.
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Therapy for Latinx: Therapy for Latinx offers a directory of therapists who are culturally competent and sensitive to the needs of the Latinx community, including LGBTQ+ individuals, ensuring that language and cultural barriers are addressed in therapy sessions.
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Muslim Alliance for Sexual and Gender Diversity (MASGD): MASGD provides support, resources, and advocacy for LGBTQ+ Muslims, including mental health resources and referrals to culturally competent therapists who understand the intersection of religion and sexuality.
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API Rainbow Parents of PFLAG NYC: Offering support and resources for Asian and Pacific Islander LGBTQ+ individuals and their families, API Rainbow Parents provides referrals to LGBTQ+ affirming therapists, bridging cultural gaps and promoting understanding within families.
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South Asian Sexual and Mental Health Alliance (SASMHA): SASMHA offers culturally competent mental health resources and advocacy for LGBTQ+ South Asians, recognizing the unique challenges faced by this community and providing tailored support.
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Transgender Law Center: Beyond legal advocacy, the Transgender Law Center provides resources and support for the mental health needs of transgender and gender non-conforming individuals, including those who are BIPOC, ensuring access to affirming care.
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The National Queer Asian Pacific Islander Alliance (NQAPIA): NQAPIA offers support, advocacy, and resources for LGBTQ+ Asian and Pacific Islander individuals, including mental health resources and referrals, fostering a sense of community and belonging.
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Brown Boi Project: Focused on the mental health and well-being of masculine-of-center queer and trans people of color, the Brown Boi Project offers resources, workshops, and community-building initiatives, creating spaces for healing and growth.
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National Black Justice Coalition (NBJC): Advocating for the empowerment and well-being of Black LGBTQ+ individuals, NBJC provides mental health advocacy and resources, addressing systemic inequalities and promoting holistic wellness.
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National Queer Muslim Task Force: Providing support and resources for LGBTQ+ Muslims, including mental health resources and referrals to affirming therapists, the National Queer Muslim Task Force bridges the intersection of faith and sexuality, promoting acceptance and understanding.
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Trikone: Dedicated to supporting LGBTQ+ individuals of South Asian descent, Trikone offers resources and advocacy, including mental health resources, fostering a sense of community and solidarity.
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TransLatin@ Coalition: Advocating for transgender Latinx individuals, the TransLatin@ Coalition offers mental health resources and referrals to affirming providers, addressing the unique challenges faced by this community.
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House of GG: The House of GG offers resources, advocacy, and support specifically for transgender and gender non-conforming individuals of color, including mental health resources and referrals.
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Black LGBTQIA+ Migrant Project (BLMP): BLMP provides support and resources for Black LGBTQIA+ migrants, including mental health advocacy and culturally competent services.
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Brave Space Alliance: Brave Space Alliance offers mental health resources and support specifically for Black and Brown LGBTQ+ individuals on the South Side of Chicago.
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The National Alliance on Mental Illness and Mental Health America offer a list of warm lines for people in need.
Dial 988 in the US to reach the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline. The Trevor Project, which provides help and suicide-prevention resources for LGBTQ youth, is 1-866-488-7386. Find other international suicide helplines at Befrienders Worldwide (befrienders.org)