Concerns about LGBTQ safety have increased recently in North Texas in the wake of an Arlington City Council vote that scrapped the community’s protections from the anti-discrimination ordinance.
Texas has the second-highest population of LGBTQ people in the country, with more than two million of its residents identifying as LGBTQ. According to VisitDallas.com, North Texas has the largest number of LGBTQ people in Texas, with just over 200,000 residents.
Here are some resources and organizations focused on supporting the LGBTQ community nationally and within North Texas.
North Texas resources
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The Resource Center provides information for those seeking LGBTQ-friendly health services, such as gender-affirming care, HIV and STI testing and both primary and mental health care.The Help Center for LGBTQ Health in Arlington offers free programs for diagnosing and preventing AIDS/HIV and other STDs, including all-inclusive PrEP services.LGBTQ Saves in Fort Worth hosts in-person and virtual weekly meetings, Pride events and community dinners for LGBTQ youth and their families. The organization focuses on LGBTQ individuals ages 12 to 24 and offers scholarships for those actively engaged in its programs.PFLAG is dedicated to supporting, educating and advocating for LGBTQ individuals and those who love them. PFLAG has chapters in Dallas, Fort Worth and Mesquite.Dallas Pride is a long-running LGBTQ nonprofit organization dedicated to putting on events that “promote a diverse, inclusive and positive image of the LGBTQ community.” The organization hosts the Dallas Pride Parade and Music Festival.Pride214.com is a website full of information on LGBTQ resources, organizations and events. The site lists parades and promotional Pride nights for local professional sports teams, medical resources, information on local addiction and psychological counseling, and local LGBTQ-friendly churches.Dallas Hope Charities operates the Dallas Hope Center, an LGBTQ homeless shelter geared toward youth. According to the Trevor Project, around 28% of LGBTQ youth can experience homelessness.National hotlines The Trevor Project offers 24/7 resources for the LGBTQ community over the phone at 1-866-488-7386, by texting “START” to 678-678 or starting a chat on the website. More information at thetrevorproject.org.Trans Lifeline is a trans-led organization that provides resources and support for the community. Speak to a representative at 877-565-8860 or visit translifeline.org. The LGBT National Hotline provides a confidential space where callers of any age can speak about sexual orientation or gender identity issues. Call 888-843-4564 Monday through Friday from 1 p.m. to 10 p.m. and Saturday 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. The LGBT National Youth Hotline at 800-246-7743 and the LGBT National Senior Hotline at 888-234-7243 can be contacted between the same hours.
For more resources, visit the Equality Texas website.