Resources for Youth (National)
Gay, Lesbian and Straight Education Network (GLSEN)
Focused on ensuring safe schools for all students by supporting, training and providing resources to student organizers and more than 3,000 gay-straight alliances.
Online Colleges
This guide helps prospective students choose a college that with a welcoming environment for LGBTQ individuals. It walks through what to look for in a college, including political activism and awareness, social outreach, support structures, academic environment and campus atmosphere. It also provides a list of online support resources and scholarships available exclusively to LGBTQ students.
Sex, Etc.
Information on sexual health written by teens and for teens. Includes personal stories, a question-and-answer section and sounding board. Sponsored by Answer, a part of the Center for Applied Psychology at Rutgers University.
Scarleteen
Comprehensive sex and sexuality education for young people, specifically toward young men, young women and lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender and questioning youth.
Resources for Youth (NYC)
Covenant House
Open 24 hours for homeless, runaway and at-risk youth. Offers safe emergency shelter for up to 30 days plus food, counseling and health services.
460 West 41 Street, New York, NY 10036
212-613-0300
The Door
Center providing young people ages 12-20 with healthcare, counseling, education, legal services, arts and recreation.
121 Avenue of the Americas, New York, NY 100013
212-941-9090
Hetrick-Martin Institute
Services for lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender and questioning (LGBTQ) youth aged 13-24, including counseling; food and showers; GED, college and career assistance; and HIV/STI and pregnancy testing.
2 Astor Place, New York, NY 10003
212-674-2600 ext 271
24-hour suicide hotlines: 866-488-7386 and 800-543-3638
The Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual & Transgender Community Center (the Center)
Programs for lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender (LGBT) New Yorkers, including extensive programming for LGBTQ young people.
208 West 13 Street, New York, NY 10011
212-620-7310
DYCD Youth Connect
An online resource and referral service for young people, families and community-based organizations looking for after-school programs, jobs, internships, runaway youth, family, and immigration services, and literacy programs. Sponsored by the NYC Department of Youth and Community Development.
800-246-4646
Safe Horizon
Provides services for victims of crime and abuse, including counseling, emergency housing and referrals. Provides violence/abuse prevention workshops to young people in schools and services for homeless and street-involved youth.
2 Lafayette Street, 3rd Floor, New York, NY 10007
800-621-HOPE (800-621-4673)
Resources for Adults
YOUTH-ADULT COMMUNICATION IS KEY
Tips for Adults: Starting Conversations with Young People
- Start early.
- Initiate conversations with your child.
- …About any topic, especially sex and sexuality.
- Encourage open communication.
- Clarify your own values, then communicate them to others.
- Listen.
- Be honest.
- Be patient.
- Use everyday opportunities to start conversations.
- Talk about these issues again. And, again.
Advocates for Youth Parents’ Sex Ed Center
When parents talk to and affirm the value of their children, young people are more likely to develop positive, healthy attitudes about themselves.
Planned Parenthood of New York City: Adult Role Model Program
Planned Parenthood of New York City trains local parents to be Adult Role Models who lead workshops for other parents on how to talk with children and teens about sexuality.
Planned Parenthood of New York City: Let’s Talk
Planned Parenthood of New York’s tips for parents and kids to talk about sex. When you have these ongoing conversations, it can lead to smarter and healthier decisions. Make time to talk!
Parents, Families and Friends of Lesbians and Gays (PFLAG)
Promotes the health and well-being of gay, lesbian, bisexual and transgender persons, their families and friends through support, education and advocacy.
Talk About Sex
Your sexuality has been and will be a part of you for your entire life. How you express it will change depending on your age and stage of life.
Hotlines
NYS HIV Counseling Hotline
800-872-2777
GLBT National Help Center
The Gay, Lesbian, Bisexual and Transgender (GLBT) National Hotline provides telephone, online private one-to-one chat and email peer-support, as well as factual information and local resources for cities and towns across the United States.
888-THE-GLNH (888-843-4564)
Childhelp National Child Abuse Hotline
Counseling and referral service for young people suffering from all kinds of abuse. Offers three-way counseling and communication in 140 languages.
800-4-A-CHILD (800-422-4453)
National Domestic Violence Hotline
Referral services link victims of domestic violence to local programs. Operators speak both Spanish and English and have access to translators for individuals speaking other languages.
800-799-SAFE (800-799-7233)
National Runaway Safeline
Keeping America’s runaway, homeless and at-risk youth safe and off the streets.
800-RUNAWAY (800-786-2929)
General Resources
Advocates for Youth
Promoting access to and important information on adolescent reproductive and sexual health through advocacy, training, and programming.
The Body
Website offering a wide range of HIV/AIDS information on transmission, testing and counseling services, safer sex, and resources for HIV-positive people.
Go Ask Alice!
A health Q & A Internet resource administered by Columbia University’s Health Education Program.
National HIV Testing Resources
Helps locate the nearest HIV testing site and gives comprehensive information on testing, including procedures, who should consider being tested, and definitions of anonymous and confidential testing. A service of the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.
Planned Parenthood Federation of America
Helps locate/research the nearest clinic providing reproductive health services, including birth control, STD screenings, HIV tests and prenatal care. Offers confidential services for teens.
800-230-PLAN (800-230-7526)