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Culture Centers
Indiana University Bloomington

Learning and getting support

LGBTQ+ issues can feel complex and overwhelming sometimes, whether you're struggling with something in your own life or trying to understand and support someone else. Thankfully, there are lots of resources to help!

  • Black Lives Matter–Bloomington: The Bloomington chapter of the #BlackLivesMatter activist group fighting against violence and systematic racism against the Black community.
  • Bloomington PRIDE: Organizes programming for the arts, youth groups, education, and more all centered around the support and advocacy of Bloomington’s and South Central Indiana’s LGBTQ+ communities.  See below for more info on all of Bloomington PRIDE’s amazing programming. (PS: If you want to volunteer for our center but we do not have positions, check out Bloomington PRIDE for more options!)
    • Bloomington PRIDE Pridefest: An annual summer street festival celebrating all things LGBTQ+ with live entertainment, vendors, kid-friendly activities, food trucks, and more (an all ages event).
  • First United Church: A United Church of Christ and American Baptist Churches member, First United Church is an LGBTQ-affirming place of worship in Bloomington, Indiana.
  • Kaleidoscope Youth Community (formerly Prism Youth Group): An all-inclusive social group for anyone age 12 to 20.
  • STI Testing on- and off-campus: Taking care of your sexual health is easier than you think. You can get tested right on campus at the IU Student Health Center, or visit one of many local spots that offer free or low-cost testing. Most places also provide confidential services, safer sex supplies, and helpful info on prevention and treatment.
  • Planned Parenthood – Bloomington Health Center: Provides a variety of health services ranging from reproductive health checks, abortion, general health checks, HIV testing, and more. Now offering gender-affirming hormone care. Accepts most insurance plans, including Medicaid and Medicare plans.
  • Quarryland Men’s Chorus: A musical performance, advocacy, and community group for gay, bisexual, and trans men (and their allies).
  • Rainbow Elders: The Rainbow Elders (formerly LGBT Aging & Caring Network) is a Bloomington PRIDE program targeted toward aging populations and the issues that affect them. The group provides support, plans social activities, and creates educational opportunities for the community at-large.
  • The People's Cooperative Market: The People's Cooperative Market strives to build equity, create relationships, cultivate liberation, and ensure access to local food, art, and education. The People's Market CSA is an excellent way to get delicious locally grown and produced food while supporting local farmers and vendors. For those in our community experiencing food insecurity, People's Market CSA offers free produce, eggs, bread, and meat. Anyone can request sponsored food on the website. ​Check out their website and their Facebook page.
  • Spencer Pride: A volunteer-run community organization that provides LGBTQ+ focused programing for the Spencer, Indiana community (about a 30 minute drive from Bloomington) as well as the larger Southern Indiana community. Their programming includes an annual summer pride festival, a community center, and a youth group.
  • The Back Door: Bloomington’s premiere queer bar and club (21+ only).
  • Trans & Allies Support Community: A support group for trans and nonbinary folks in Central Indiana
  • Visit Bloomington–LGBTQ Travel: A travel guide for LGBTQ+ folks visiting Bloomington, Indiana.

  • ACLU of Indiana
  • Indiana Transgender Network
  • IndyPride
  • Lambda Legal - Indiana
    A national legal organization with state chapters that advocates for LGBTQ+ civil rights and also provides free legal services for LGBTQ+ individuals.
  • Pride of Indy
    A LGBTQ+ and Ally musical group based in Indianapolis, Indiana with multiple ensembles for all interests and experience levels, including a concert band, a pep/marching band, a jazz band, and a visual ensemble.

  • AddictionResource.net–12 Best LGBT-Friendly Drug Rehab Centers In The U.S.: For individuals who have specific needs for addiction treatment, particularly when it comes to LGBT+ individuals, finding a rehab program which matches these needs can greatly affect recovery outcomes. The LGBT-friendly and gay-friendly rehab centers in this list were chosen based on variation in treatments offered, excellence of rehab programs, facility accreditation, and positive reviews from program participants.
  • Conversation Starters for STI Testing: Not sure how to open a conversation about STIs and testing with a partner? Check out this resource from the US Department of Health & Human Services.
  • External Resources & Scholarships for LGBTQIA+ Students: STEPS (Student Training & Education in Public Service) aims to promote diversity and equal opportunity education, with the belief that everyone should have the same chance to go to and thrive in college, regardless of their background or financial means. Their regularly-updated scholarships and resources page for LGBTQIA+ students showcases scholarship opportunities for members of the LGBTQIA+ community, along with a set of valuable resources, advocacy groups and professional networks to further help throughout their college and career journey.
  • Financial and Social Resources for Homeless LGBTQ+ Youth: LGBTQ+ youths are 120% more likely to become homeless than their cisgender or heterosexual peers, often because they have been forced to leave home or run away due to abuse and family conflict. Fortunately, many organizations throughout the country can provide support if you have nowhere to live or are worried about becoming homeless. In this guide from MoneyGeek, you’ll find state and national helplines, shelters and other organizations that can help, along with tips for how to avoid homelessness. If you are among the LGBTQ+ homeless youth in America, these resources can help you find support and a safe home.
  • LGBTQ National Help Center (888-843-4564)
    They provide peer-support, community connections and resourceful information to those with questions about sexual orientation and/or gender identity. 
  • MyPronouns.org: MyPronouns.org offers a comprehensive guide to what personal pronouns are, how to use them, and why they matter. It's an excellent resource for LGBTQ+ community members and allies alike!
  • QueerCafe.net: Queer Cafe offers information, news, commentary, articles, stories, and educational resources relevant to the needs and concerns of LGBTQ people. The Queer Cafe is an active site with current content that is up-to-date, accurate, and research-based. 
  • Sunshine Behavioral Health–Transgender Addiction Recovery Resources: Sunshine Behavioral Health has developed a guide on Substance Abuse and Mental Health specifically intended to address the unique issues facing the transgender community.
  • The Trevor Project (866-488-7386)
    The Trevor Project is the leading national organization providing crisis intervention and suicide prevention services to lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender and questioning (LGBTQ) young people.
  • Transgender Birth Certificates–Laws by State: As attitudes to gender fluidity change over time, so too do the rules for representing a change of gender on your vital records. Check out this guide for information on changing the gender on your birth certificate, according to your state.
  • Trans Lifeline (877-565-8860)
    Trans Lifeline is dedicated to the well-being of transgender people. It is a hotline staffed by transgender people for transgender people.

  • Bi Social Network: The BSN project works with underserved diverse communities on mental health, poverty, homelessness, marginalized groups, and the elderly in the bi+ community.
  • GATE (Trans, Gender Diverse and Intersex Advocacy in Action): GATE is an international advocacy organization working towards justice and equality for trans, gender diverse and intersex communities. They work collaboratively with strategic partners at the global level to provide knowledge, resources and access to UN mechanisms and bodies. GATE envisions a world free from human rights violations based on gender identity, gender expression and sex characteristics, transforming the landscape of global advocacy, knowledge creation and resource distribution through critical inclusion of trans, gender diverse and intersex movements at all levels of political, legal and socio-economic processes.
  • ILGA World (the International Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Trans, and Intersex Association): a worldwide federation of more than 1,600 organisations from over 150 countries and territories campaigning for lesbian, gay, bisexual, trans and intersex human rights. Their goal is to help form a world where the human rights of all are respected and where everyone can live in equality and freedom; a world where global justice and equity are assured and established regardless of people’s sexual orientations, gender identities, gender expressions and sex characteristics (SOGIESC).
  • OutRight Action International: OutRight Action International fights for LGBTIQ rights, working at the international, regional and national levels to research, document, defend, and advance human rights for LGBTIQ people around the world. Staffed in six countries across four continents, OutRight has a permanent presence at the United Nations Headquarters in New York, holding special consultative status there, which allows them to bring to light the concerns of LGBTIQ people globally.

  • Things Not to Say to Gay People
    A video featuring gay and queer individuals sharing the questions and comments about their identities that they find frustrating, harmful, or difficult to hear.
    • Audience: Allies
    • Creator: BBC Three
    • Type: Comedy/Experiences
  • Binding for Beginners
    An introductory video explaining what binders are and providing detailed information about three different binding methods. This resource offers guidance for individuals who are exploring binding and learning more about gender-affirming practices.
    • Audience: Transgender and nonbinary communities
    • Creator: Cal Campos
    • Type: Tutorial
    • Content note: This video discusses multiple binding methods, including KT tape. Binding experiences vary, and some methods may not be suitable for everyone. Viewers should consider their own comfort, health, and individual needs when deciding whether and how to bind.
  • How Hormones (HRT) Change a Trans Woman’s Body
    An educational video explaining hormone replacement therapy (HRT) for transfeminine people from the perspective of a trans woman. The video explores how hormones can affect the body and provides information for those interested in learning more about gender-affirming care.
    • Audience: Trans women and girls
    • Creator: Riley J. Dennis
    • Type: Educational
    • Content note: This video includes discussion of fertility and the potential effects of HRT on reproductive health. Information about HRT and fertility continues to evolve, and experiences vary from person to person. The relationship between HRT and fertility is different for transfeminine and transmasculine individuals.
  • Passing | Trans | One Word | Cut
    Transgender and nonbinary individuals share their perspectives on the term “passing,” exploring how the concept is experienced within the trans community and the ways it can impact identity, visibility, and acceptance.
    • Audience: Allies
    • Creator: Cut
    • Type: Educational
  • What Dating Apps Are Like for Trans and Gender Nonconforming People
    Trans women and nonbinary individuals share their experiences using dating apps, discussing identity, representation, relationships, and the unique challenges and experiences of navigating online dating as trans and gender nonconforming people.
    • Audience: Allies, transgender, and nonbinary communities
    • Creator: IntoMore
    • Type: Comedy/Experiences
  • Everyday Makeup Tutorial | Transgender MTF
    A beginner-friendly everyday makeup tutorial created by a transgender woman. This resource provides tips and guidance for building confidence with makeup techniques and exploring personal expression.
    • Audience: Trans women and girls
    • Creator: Seaine Love
    • Type: Tutorial
  • How Black Guys React to Seeing “No Blacks” on Dating Apps
    Black gay men share their experiences navigating dating apps, discussing the impact of racial preferences, exclusion, and sexual racism within LGBTQ+ dating spaces. This resource explores the intersections of race, identity, and community experiences.
    • Audience: LGBTQ+ community and allies
    • Creator: As/Is
    • Type: Experiences
  • Exploring the Roots of Chicago’s Queer South Asian Community
    Part of a multi-part NBC series exploring Chicago’s queer South Asian community, this resource highlights community organizing, cultural history, and efforts to preserve and celebrate LGBTQ+ South Asian experiences.
    • Audience: LGBTQ+ community, allies, and queer Asian communities
    • Creator: NBC News
    • Type: Educational/Experiences
  • Asexual People Explain What “Asexual” Means to Them
    Five asexual individuals share their experiences with identity, coming out, sexuality, and romantic attraction on the asexual spectrum. This resource offers personal perspectives and advice for people exploring or learning more about asexual identities.
    • Audience: LGBTQ+ community, allies, and people on the asexual spectrum
    • Creator: Tinder
    • Type: Experiences/Educational
  • Queer Disabled Podcaster Talks About Sex and Intimacy
    An interview with a queer disabled content creator exploring topics of sex, intimacy, disability, and humor. This resource highlights the experiences and perspectives of people navigating the intersections of queerness and disability.
    • Audience: LGBTQ+ community, disabled communities, and allies
    • Creator: Them
    • Type: Educational/Experiences
  • Period Advice for Trans Guys
    A resource created by a trans man offering advice and support for navigating periods. This video provides practical information and personal insight for trans and nonbinary individuals who experience menstruation.
    • Audience: Trans men and nonbinary communities
    • Creator: Ashton Daniel
    • Type: Advice
  • Asexual Denial and Bisexual Erasure
    A conversation between a gay man, a demisexual man, and a bisexual/pansexual woman exploring identity development, asexual denial, internalized asexual stigma, and bisexual erasure within LGBTQ+ communities. This resource highlights the importance of understanding and supporting diverse experiences within the LGBTQ+ community.
    • Audience: Bisexual and asexual communities
    • Creator: Evan Edinger
    • Type: Advice/Experience
  • HI I'M INTERSEX #firstvlog
    A personal vlog from Pidgeon Pagonis sharing their experience with an intersex diagnosis, medical treatment, and related aspects of their identity journey. This video is the first part of a four-part series exploring intersex experiences and advocacy.
    • Audience: Intersex communities and allies
    • Creator: Pidgeon
    • Type: Experience