Community Resources
Support Groups for Families
TransParent Group
This is a support group for families from all over Wisconsin who have transgender, non-binary, or gender-expansive youth. We meet monthly on 1st Mondays throughout the school year in Madison, from 6:30-7:30pm. This is a safe, affirming space to process all the things you are going through.
During COVID 19, we will run our family support group via Zoom.
Mark your calendar for the 2020-2021 Transparent (Virtual) Group Schedule:
+ 10/5
+ 11/3
+12/7
+ 1/4
+ 2/1
+ 3/1
+ 4/5
+ 5/3
Trans Youth Support Group:
We also have a youth group at the same time for our transgender, non-binary, and gender expansive kiddos staffed by community volunteers. Typically, we have trans* youth age 4-16 years of age~ all are welcome!
Transparent Google Group:
Please email Sherie at shohs@madison.k12.wi.us to be invited to the Transparent Google Group. Feel free to use this group to ask questions, share resources, organize events, and more. We are so lucky to have families who are willing to share and support one another- there is a wealth of information to gain from everyone.
What families have to say about the group:
"Thanks for starting this group. Being the parent of a transgender child often brings feelings of isolation, guilt, sadness, desire for information, and fear for the safety of one's child, among others. This TransParent Support Group addresses such felt needs."
"I'm so grateful for this group because it gives me the opportunity to hear from other people who are also trying their best to parent their child through a difficult and unfamiliar experience. It's really comforting to talk to others who have 'been there and done that' and understand what I'm going through and what my kid is going through. And you can quote me on that!"
PFLAG~ Parents, Families, & Friends of Lesbians and Gays ~ Madison
This is the website of Madison Parents, Families and Friends of Lesbians and Gays (PFLAG) Chapter. PFLAG is both a support and advocacy group dedicated to making life better for LGBTQ+ people and their families and friends. All meetings are held on the third Sunday of the month.
Our mission is to build a safe, ethnically, equitable and racial social just place for the Latinx LGBTQ+ community in Dane County community can thrive. We meet on the first Wednesday of every month from 6:30 pm to 7:30 pm. For more information, contact Baltazar de Anda Santana at baltazar@latinoacademywi.org
Gender Spectrum hosts online groups for pre-teens, teens, parents, caregivers, and other family members. These groups provide participants the opportunity to connect with others, share their experience, and feel the comfort of a supportive community. All groups are hosted online, unless noted otherwise. Please view the information to learn more and sign up for these groups.
Local lgbtqia+ orgs to know about...
Statewide organization charged with Creating Just Schools for LGBTQ Youth
Virtual Support Group for Trans/NB Youth
Meets 2nd Monday of the Month, 6:30-7:30pm via Zoom.
School-aged children & teens welcome; we will split into groups by age/interest.
Contact Sherie at shohs@madison.k12.wi.us for Zoom Link
Information on our Trans Youth Group leaders
Teens Like Us (Briarpatch): Support Group for LGBTQIA2+ youth ages 13-17. Weekly group meetings via Zoom every Wednesday from 5:30-7:30pm. Contact Emily or Ollie for the Zoom link and further information: emily.walden@brairpatch.org or ollie.schaal@briarpatch.org
24/7 Help Line 608.251.1126 or 800.798.1126
Shelter for youth of all gender identities, age 12-17
Open enrollment in early fall, ages 13-17
Miscellaneous Resources:
Trans Youth Clothing Closet:
Transition wear available for trans/NB youth in the Madison area
Contact them at: transyouthclothingcloset@gmail.com
Health & Mental Health Resources:
OUT Health & Oriel Medicine
Center for Community Healing~ Mental Health Support with LGBTQIA+ focus
The PRISM Program (Peer Recovery in Supportive Mutuality) is a new pilot program to connect LGBTQ+ folx with trained peer-specialists for emotional support and mentorship.
PRISM is a free service for LGBTQ+ youth around the ages 16-26 years old living anywhere in Wisconsin.
PRISM is exclusively virtual (for now) and available online and by phone.
Call 414-336-7974 and leave a brief message with your name, phone number, county of residence, and whatever you want to share about what you're seeking support on.
In addition to one-on-one care, we also offer a weekly support group.
Legal Resources
Trans Law Help Wisconsin is a legal aid clinic staffed by volunteer attorneys. They provide assistance to the transgender community by helping individuals obtain corrected identity documents (birth certificates, driver’s licenses, passports, etc.) reflecting their authentic name and gender. At the clinic, participants will receive necessary information about the process for obtaining a name and a gender marker change as well as hands-on assistance with completing the required forms.
other lgbtqia+ orgs to know about...
LGBTQIA+ Supportive Organizations:
if your child is in crisis
*** IF YOUR CHILD IS SUICIDAL...
If your child is suicidal, do not leave them alone.
Try to get them to seek help immediately from an emergency room, physician, or mental health professional.
Take seriously any comments about suicide or wishing to die. Even if you do not believe they will actually attempt suicide, they are clearly in distress and can benefit from your help in receiving mental health treatment.
24/7/365 Support for LGBTQIA+ youth. If you are thinking about suicide and in need of immediate support, please call or TrevorChat to connect with a counselor.
Trevor Lifeline 1-866-488-7386: Crisis intervention & Suicide prevention phone service 24/7/365.
Trevor Chat: Confidential online instant messaging with a Trevor counselor, 24/7.
Trevor Text: Text START to 678678. Confidential text messaging with a Trevor counselor.
Trevor Space: Start meeting LGBTQ friends today! TrevorSpace is an affirming international community for LGBTQ young people ages 13-24. Sign up and start a conversation!
Trevor Support Center: Find answers to frequently asked questions, and explore resources related to sexual orientation, gender identity and more!
A peer support service run by trans people, for trans and questioning callers
Lifeline 1-877-565-8860
Find and give support, have fun, connect around shared interests and get good information.
Chat with like-minded peers in live chats designed for you & by you, facilitated by folks who care.
¡Q Chat Space ahora está en español! (Q Chat Space is now in Spanish!)
24/7 Help Line 608-251-7273
Línea de Ayuda 608-258-2567
Domestic Abuse Intervention Services (DAIS)
Help Line: 608-251-4445 or 800-747-4045; If you are in immediate danger, call 911
National Suicide Prevention Lifelife
1-800-273-TALK (1-800-273-8255)