A List of LGBTQ+ Resources
Before reading further, consider who has access to your computer, phone, or other devices, as well as your internet history. Using a private browsing mode can protect only you to a certain extent. According to The New York Times, “Private or incognito browsing avoids leaving a history of what you do on your own devices. They’re useful, but mostly limited to removing the threat of someone with physical access to your computer seeing what you’ve been up to. Everything you do during that supposedly private browsing session may still be tracked by companies on the internet.” If you find yourself worried about your privacy, research how to install a virtual privacy network or VPN.
Written and Compiled By: Shayne (Bookseller)
If you have been paying any attention to Nebraskan politics, you know that the attacks against our basic human rights have not stopped. LB 574 was passed in May. While it restricted our reproductive rights immediately, the second half of the bill—the half that restricts minors’ access to gender-affirming surgeries—will go into effect on October 1, 2023. So far it seems to be unknown whether this bill will affect minors’ ability to obtain puberty blockers and hormone therapies; however, the decision lies in the hands of Nebraska’s chief medical officer, who was appointed by Governor Pillen (someone who has made his opinion on such matters very clear).
In times such as these it is easy to feel alone, and it is understandable that you may feel isolated or unsafe. But we have compiled a list of organizations supporting the LGBTQ+ community to show you that there still are good people out there who want to help you and resources you’ll be able to utilize whenever you’re in need.
LEARN
The legislators striving to take our rights away rely on our lack of awareness. Keep an eye on those fascists with the help of these handy websites!
Track the progression of anti-trans bills across the country by using the Trans Legislation Tracker. By clicking on a state—Nebraska, for example— you can find a plethora of information. These links will include information about the bills’ status, a summary of what each bill is about, and a link to their full text.
The ACLU has a similar website that covers legislative attacks against LGBTQ+ individuals in general. Made to educate visitors on “how state lawmakers are targeting LGBTQ rights,'' the ACLU categorizes these bills by their effects on our lives and provides links to more in-depth articles that will teach you about issues like ID laws or laws made to limit trans people’s access to public accommodations.
As trans rights continue to be stripped away, It is imperative that trans people remain aware of the rights that they still have. For a simple explanation of the rights that you or a loved one have as a trans person, check out Trans Nebraska. Trans Nebraska is a part of the ACLU and helps defend people that have been discriminated against. This page goes over what rights you have in school, at certain ages, while voting, and while attending college.
Speaking of the ACLU: if you think your constitutional rights have been violated, the ACLU offers help. Follow the link to get instructions on how to seek their assistance. Keep in mind that the ACLU does NOT accept walk-in appointments.
Economics plays an important part in driving social change, and Nebraska Competes is doing its best to highlight the social and economic benefits of respecting human rights. A coalition of like-minded businesses, Nebraska Competes provides a set of actionable steps toward creating nondiscriminatory workplaces and providing healthcare to LGBTQ+ workers. This coalition has succeeded in bringing together 106 businesses (and counting!) that believe that creating safe and welcoming work environments will not only help the economy grow but also bring in talent from outside the state. Indigo Bridge is a proud member, as are some of our favorite local businesses (including a few you will see on this very list): A Novel Idea, Francie & Finch Bookstore, Gomez Art Supply, Kindred Psychology, Open Harvest Co-op Grocery, and Planned Parenthood North Central States, to mention a few. Consider supporting these businesses and, in turn, supporting LGBTQ+ rights.
Sex ed is a difficult topic not only because society demonizes any mention of sex but also because Nebraska’s schools offer information on the subject that is subpar at best. The specific standards that the government requires educators to meet are difficult to find (for me, anyway), and several articles mentioned that any changes in legislation could be adopted by a school or, you know, ignored entirely. It turns out that there may be few, if any, requirements at all! According to the 2017 Center for Disease Control’s Analysis of State Health Education Laws, Nebraska has no laws on any of the topics they mention. “The option to either Opt-in or Opt-out of sexual health education, HIV Prevention, and STD Prevention instruction is not addressed,” the informational pamphlet reads. Is the curriculum medically accurate? That’s not included in the laws. Are the instructors that teach these children trained properly? Sorry, that’s not addressed either. How about instruction on contraception? You guessed it: it’s not addressed anywhere.
While there is no law that encourages schools to teach abstinence, more of the CDC’s research from 2018 shows that a large percentage of Nebraska’s high schools embraced the ineffective rhetoric, 81.2 percent to be more specific (104). Compare that to similarly controversial topics like sex and gender and the bias is clear. Only 43.8 percent of Nebraska’s high schools taught students about sexual orientation, while 42.9 percent taught them about “gender roles, gender identity, or gender expression” (108).
These pitiful numbers demonstrate why it’s extremely important to find other places to access trustworthy information. LGBTQ+ youth can struggle with all kinds of questions regarding sex and sexuality, gender identity, and a myriad of other topics. Scarleteen has the answers to questions that many schools fail to address. This website offers inclusive advice from sex educators as well as interactive blogs and message boards where readers can ask questions. Scarleteen’s educators explain every term they use, so their help feels truly comprehensive. While the site is largely targeted toward teens and young adults, there is a forum where parents and guardians can ask for advice. Thank you, Scarleteen, for being the kind, unashamed, no-filter aunt that we all needed in high school.
GET HELP
Here are a few organizations that are trying to reduce the legal, financial, and social barriers that prevent trans and non-binary people from receiving the gender-affirming care they require to have the lives they deserve to live.
The Trans Lifeline: (877) 565-8860
Trans Lifeline is a non-profit that provides microgrants to trans people and non-binary people who need to change their names or get new licenses, among other things. In some cases they may be able to help minors (with parental consent). If you fear calling a hotline while in crisis because of the possible repercussions—for example, the operator calling the police—their hotline can still help you. Trans Lifeline has a policy against involving law enforcement unless you have given your explicit consent.
The LGBT National Help Center provides several hotlines that serve callers of various ages and even those who need support in coming out. All the numbers have volunteers who identify as members of the LGBTQ+ community and will provide local resources and confidential peer-support.
LGBT National Hotline: (888) 843-4564. Provides confidential help and information for people of all ages.
LGBT National Youth Talkline: (800) 246-7743. Provides help for those aged 25 or younger.
LGBT National Senior Hotline: (888) 234-7243. Provides help for those aged 50 or older.
LGBT National Coming Out Support: (888) 688-5428. Provides a safe space to “discuss concerns/questions on coming out for all ages.”
Uncomfortable on the phone? Maybe it’s not safe for you to talk out loud about certain things? They also provide a chat service run by volunteers.
LGBT National Help Center Peer-Support Chat
HOURS:
Monday through Friday: 1–9 p.m. Pacific time (3–11 p.m. Central time)
Saturday: 9 a.m.–2 p.m. Pacific time (11 a.m.–4 p.m. Central time)
Gender Bands has grants that people on the transgender and non-binary spectrum can apply for. If you live in the US, Canada, or Mexico and are over 18 (or have parental consent if you’re a minor), then you may be able to receive support. Applications are open from October 1st through November 30th. Follow the link above to see if you fit all the requirements and fill out your application this fall.
Gender Bands also provides free binders for those in need; but as of July 2023, they have been unable to keep up with the volume of applications. They do hope to accept applications again in the future, though.
Another option is The Jim Collins Foundation. This nonprofit also provides gender-affirming surgery to those that need it as long as the person is a US resident over 18 years old. Currently, they are able to assist one person per year. Follow the link above to see whether you are eligible to apply.
Times are tough. Am I the only one that still feels as though they are recovering from the pandemic? Kindred Psychology supports LGBTQ+ individuals and “provide[s] inclusive and affirming therapy.” Group therapy, couples’ therapy, DBT group therapy, and therapy for adolescents are just some of the services that they offer.
Those who are dealing with questions about their sexuality or transitioning may find it helpful to look into the help they can provide.
Trans Stitchin’ is a free resource that provides free gender-affirming clothing and other items to anyone in Omaha that needs it. To look through their closet, you can make an appointment or stop by during their weekly hours. If you’re looking to support the cause, Trans Stitchin’ also accepts donations while they are open. To support them by buying some super rad T-shirts, go here. To buy items from their Amazon wishlist, click here.
ADDRESS: 7701 Pacific St, Suite 208, Omaha, NE 68114
HOURS: Saturday, 10 a.m.–1 p.m.
Panhandle Equality is another organization committed to equality and providing services for the LGBTQ+ community. They have a closet full of gender-affirming clothing as well as their Transgender-Care Fund, which helps recipients cover costs related to the process of transitioning (e.g., travel expenses to doctor’s appointments or medical supplies). This is a resource meant specifically for those who live in the panhandle, the westernmost part of Nebraska.
ADDRESS: 1018 O Street, Gering, NE 69341
HOURS: Thursdays, 5:30–7:30 p.m.
School can be difficult for all children, but kids grappling with questions about their sexuality or gender identity may feel especially alone. LB 574 has made their struggles even more difficult, but Lincoln Public Schools has resources ready to help those in need.
Charles Pratt: LGBTQ+ Student Advocate Specialist
ADDRESS: Federal Programs, 5905 O Street, Lincoln, NE 68510
PHONE: 402-436-1961
EMAIL: cpratt@lps.org
WEBSITE: www.lps.org
There’s a good reason why The Trevor Project is one of our better-known resources. This nonprofit’s mission “is to end suicide among LGBTQ young people,” and it aims to do this by several methods. If you are thinking of harming yourself, there are several ways to reach a counselor at the Trevor Project and receive free and confidential help. There are even resources for those in Mexico as of 2022. So far the project has been used by more than 250,000 struggling LGBTQ+ youth during this year alone.
Counselors are far from the only resource the website provides. One tool that the above link provides is a quick breathing exercise that can help someone calm down and regulate their emotions.
The Trevor Project’s Resources:
TEXT: Text ‘START’ to 678-678
PHONE: 1-866-488-7386
CHAT: Click this link, scroll down, then click the link that says “Chat with us.”
If you explore the website’s Resource Center tab, you will find even more helpful topics. If you want to read more about coming out and what it can mean for you, check out the Coming Out Handbook. Another resource guides readers through having difficult conversations about race and being LGBTQ+.
For help that is closer to home, a comprehensive list of trans resources in Nebraska was compiled by Kindred Psychology. The document is twenty-five pages long and includes information on local medical, mental health, and personal care resources.
CONNECT
During times like these, it is important that no one feels alone. OutNebraska hosts many events in Lincoln, Omaha, and the surrounding areas. OutNebraska also provides many volunteering opportunities, which are a great way to both make an impact and interact with your community.
Find out how to volunteer or attend events at OutNebraska here.
If you attend the University of Nebraska-Lincoln, there is a community for LGBTQ+ students on campus called The Gender and Sexuality Center. As of July 2023, it has merged with the Women’s Center into one unit; because of that, certain aspects of their services may change. But as of now, they provide gender-affirming clothing and accessories as well as inform UNL students and community members about LGBTQ+ events happening on campus. Follow the link above for more up-to-date information.
UNL also has the Chancellor’s Commission on the Status of Gender and Sexual Identity, which is described on their website as an initiative that is a “partnership between the Chancellor’s Commission on the Status of Gender and Sexual Identity and the Nebraska Alumni Association.”
Finally, our Drag Story Hour happens on the first Sunday of every month and is a great way to promote literacy, fight book bans, support drag queens. Stop by Indigo Bridge, grab some free food, and listen as resident queen Babygirl reads a themed selection of picture books. And stay for the small crafting activities we plan for the kids (and any interested parents). You might even see a few members of some of the organizations we mentioned above!
Indigo Bridge
ADDRESS: 1624 S 17th St, Suite 200, Lincoln, NE 68502
We see you.
We hear you.
We support you.
Image Source: Outright International, “Flags of the LGBTQ Community”
