Finding LGBTQ+ Youth Groups Near You

2026-08-01 3 min read

If you're a queer young person, finding other queer young people is one of the most important things you can do — for your mental health, your identity, and your future. This guide shows you where the groups are, what they offer, and how to find them in your area.

Why Youth Groups Matter

The research is clear: LGBTQ+ youth with community support have dramatically better outcomes — lower depression, lower suicidality, better self-esteem. Youth groups specifically matter because they offer:

Peers who get it: Other young people navigating the same identities and questions
Adult support: Trained facilitators who are affirming and safe
Safety: A vetted space, unlike random internet communities
Resources: Names of good therapists, doctors, and next steps

How to Find Groups Near You

Check school: A GSA (Gender & Sexuality Alliance) is the most direct route. If your school doesn't have one, the GSA Network has guides for starting one.
Community centers: Most LGBTQ+ community centers run youth programs. Search "[city] LGBTQ+ community center youth."
National organizations with local chapters: PFLAG (family support that often includes youth groups), The Trevor Project's program directory, and regional youth orgs (SMYRC in Portland, Broadway Youth Center in Chicago, The Proud Trust in Manchester, Minus18 in Australia).
Online directories: TrevorSpace (Trevor Project's social network for queer youth 13-24), and local community center calendars.
Ask a trusted adult: A counselor, librarian, or teacher who signals acceptance can point you to local resources.

What to Expect at Your First Meeting

Most groups are drop-in: show up, sit down, no commitment
There's usually icebreakers, snacks, and talking — no one will force you to share
You can go three or four times before deciding if it's right — it's normal to feel shy at first
Groups are confidential: what's said stays in the room

Virtual Options (If Nothing's Local)

If you're in a rural area, a hostile region, or a country where queer youth groups don't exist, online community is your option — and it's a real one:

TrevorSpace (13-24): moderated, safe, specifically for queer youth
Online GSAs: Some national organizations run virtual meetings
Discord servers with age verification: better than open forums, but choose carefully — see below

Internet Safety (Non-Negotiable)

Never share your full name, school, address, or exact location with strangers online
No adult should be asking you for private details or photos — report and block
If something feels off, it is. Trust your gut, tell a trusted adult
The Trevor Project can help if you've had a bad experience: 866-488-7386

If You Can't Find Anything

Start one. Many youth groups began with one kid asking a teacher for a room. GSAs are legally protected at US public schools (under the Equal Access Act — schools must allow them if they allow any non-curricular clubs). The GSA Network will send you a starter kit.

Helplines (If You Need Support Now)

US: The Trevor Project 866-488-7386 · text START to 678-678
UK: Childline 0800 1111 · Mermaids 0808 801 0400
Global: findahelpline.com

You're not alone. There are people — right now — building and holding spaces for young people like you. Go find them.