Updated: 12/7/2023
Quicklinks
LGBTQIA+ Resources
Athlete Ally
Athlete Ally, https://www.athleteally.org/, believes that everyone should have equal access, opportunity, and experience in sports — regardless of your sexual orientation, gender identity or gender expression.
Our mission is to end the rampant homophobia and transphobia in sport and to activate the athletic community to exercise their leadership to champion LGBTQI+ equality.
DECOLONIZING FITNESS
Decolonizing Fitness, www.decolonizingfitness.com is not a gym, but an incredible educational resource for coaches, trainers, studio owners, and anyone who is interested in unlearning toxic fitness culture. Decolonizing Fitness as a practice is about providing a supportive environment to individuals who have historically not felt welcomed in fitness spaces i.e. people in larger bodies, people with disabilities, people with chronic pain, people over the age of 65 and people who are part of the LGBTQIA+ community.
FENWAY HEALTH
The mission of Fenway Health, https://fenwayhealth.org/ is to enhance the well-being of the LGBTQIA+ community and all people in our neighborhoods and beyond through access to the highest quality health care, education, research and advocacy.
GENDER SPECTRUM
Gender Spectrum, https://www.genderspectrum.org/ works to create gender sensitive and inclusive environments for all children and teens.
GLAAD
GLAAD, https://www.glaad.org/ rewrites the script for LGBTQ acceptance. As a dynamic media force, GLAAD tackles tough issues to shape the narrative and provoke dialogue that leads to cultural change. GLAAD protects all that has been accomplished and creates a world where everyone can live the life they love.
PFLAG
PFLAG, https://pflag.org/ is the first and largest organization for lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, and queer (LGBTQ+) people, their parents and families, and allies.
PLUME
Plume’s https://getplume.co/ trans-specializing medical providers are available for questions, appointments, and information from the convenience of your smartphone. We believe healthcare should be easy, convenient, and center the unique needs of the trans community. If you are trans, it doesn’t always mean you need or desire gender-affirming hormone therapy (“GAHT” or “sometimes known as “HRT”), but if you do, we are here to help.
THE TREVOR PROJECT
Need help? We are here for you 24/7: 1-866-488-7386
The Trevor Project, https://www.thetrevorproject.org/ is the leading national organization providing crisis intervention and suicide prevention services to lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, queer & questioning youth.
TRANS ATHLETE
Trans Athlete, https://www.transathlete.com/ is a resource for students, athletes, coaches, and administrators to find information about trans inclusion in athletics at various levels of play. This site pulls together existing information in one central location, and breaks down information into easy-to-reference areas to help you find what you need.
TRANS LIFELINE
Need Help? Call: (877) 565-8860
Trans Lifeline, https://translifeline.org/ is run by and for trans people. Trans Lifeline is a grassroots hotline and microgrants 501(c)(3) non-profit organization offering direct emotional and financial support to trans people in crisis – for the trans community, by the trans community.
TRANS HEALTH
Vision: We are transforming the world so that trans and gender-diverse individuals are empowered and celebrated as they work with an affirming team to own their healthcare journey.
Mission: Transhealth is an independent and comprehensive healthcare center that supports and empowers trans and gender-diverse individuals and families. Throughout our history as a community, trans and gender-diverse people have looked to each other for healing, support, and affirmation. Transhealth honors that by serving as a source of hope and showing what good gender-affirming healthcare looks like. As a trans-led organization rooted in Western Massachusetts, we are expanding the healthcare possibilities for our community. Through expert care, education, research, and advocacy, we work to secure a healthy, affirming future for all of us.
The Transhealth team is a proud, hardworking, and committed group of mostly trans and gender-diverse individuals who have dedicated their lives to serving our community. Our team gets it. They know the struggle, they know the joy, and they are committed to supporting you in being your authentic self and receiving the affirming, compassionate healthcare you deserve.
Transhealth is led by CEO Dallas Ducar, a board-certified registered nurse and psychiatric-mental health nurse practitioner who seeks to revolutionize healthcare, building novel systems that are holistic, empowering and gender-affirming.
TRANSCENDING IDENTITIES
Vision: Transcending Identities, http://www.transcendingidentities.com/ vision is a world where transgender and gender non-binary individuals' psychological, medical, professional, economic, and social needs are met in a responsible and competent way free from discrimination.
Mission: Transcending Identities' mission is to eliminate discrimination and improve the lives of transgender and gender non-binary individuals through research, education, professional training, and by consulting with companies, organizations, corporations, and groups that employ and provide services to these individuals.
Dr. Eunice Aviles, https://www.euniceaviles.net/ focuses on the treatment of depression, anxiety, trauma, and the emotional consequences of discrimination and bullying (for youths and adults). Her private practice with the transgender and gender non-binary community includes the evaluation and treatment of children, youth and adults presenting with gender dysphoria. She specializes in the diagnosis and treatment of sexual dysfunction as well as sexual orientation issues. She provides services in both English and Spanish and strives to be sensitive to cultural differences.
WORLD PROFESSIONAL ASSOCIATION FOR TRANSGENDER HEALTH (WPATH)
The World Professional Association for Transgender Health (WPATH), https://www.wpath.org/ formerly known as the (Harry Benjamin International Gender Dysphoria Association (HBIGDA), is a 501(c)(3) non-profit, interdisciplinary professional and educational organization devoted to transgender health. Our professional, supporting, and student members engage in clinical and academic research to develop evidence-based medicine and strive to promote a high quality of care for transsexual, transgender, and gender-nonconforming individuals internationally. We are funded primarily through the support of our membership, and through donations and grants sponsored by non-commercial sources.
Climbing + Outdoor Adventure Resources
ACCESS FUND
We at Access Fund, https://www.accessfund.org/ are a community of climbing advocates who love our climbing landscapes and the experiences they offer—and we are willing and committed to fight for them. Not just for access, but for the integrity of these amazing places.
ADAPTIVE CLIMBING GROUP
Adaptive Climbing Group, https://www.adaptiveclimbinggroup.org/ is a registered non-profit for people with disabilities to come together and enjoy climbing. At ACG, we help people use their existing abilities to climb. Join us at one of our climbing sessions indoors or outdoors and discover what you can accomplish.
Brooklyn Boulders Foundation, https://brooklyn-boulders-foundation-2.square.site/ Mission: To positively impact our environment, public school youth, and persons with disabilities, through physical movement and creative expression.
AMERICAN MOUNTAIN GUIDES ASSOCIATION
https://amga.com/ Mission: To be the leader in education, standards, and advocacy for professional guides and climbing instructors.
BROWN GIRLS CLIMB
Mission: Brown Girls Climb, https://www.browngirlsclimb.com/ is a small Women of Color owned and operated company with the mission to promote and increase visibility of diversity in climbing by establishing a community of climbers of color, encouraging leadership opportunities for self-identified women climbers of color, and by creating inclusive opportunities to climb and explore for under represented communities.
CATHEDRAL MOUNTAIN GUIDES
Cathedral Mountain Guides, https://www.cathedralmountainguides.com/ seeks to provide safe, high-quality private technical climbing and mountaineering experiences in the White Mountains and Northeast region. The safety and well being of both clients and guides is our first priority, every day we operate. Our guides include some of the Northeast’s best climbers, but more importantly, they share a laid back, positive approach to climbing and teaching developed through years of sharing a rope with one another. Cathedral Mountain Guides offers unique single source access to an incredible wealth of experience.
CLIMBING 4 CHANGE
Climbing 4 Change, https://climbing4change.org/ connects underserved communities with individuals and organizations that seek to increase minority participation in rock climbing and the outdoor adventure industry. From athletes to industry leaders or film makers, we aim to make our industry a more inclusive environment.
DIVERSIFY OUTDOORS
We are a coalition of social media influencers – bloggers, athletes, activists, and entrepreneurs – https://www.diversifyoutdoors.com/ https://www.melaninbasecamp.com/ who share the goal of promoting diversity in outdoor spaces where BIPOC, LGBTQ+, and other diverse identities have historically been marginalized and silenced. We are passionate about promoting equity and access to the outdoors for all — that includes being body positive and celebrating different skill levels and abilities.
Kinship Climbing Collective
KCC’s curriculum is designed to help participants recognize their own strength and realize their potential through rock climbing. The KCC program empowers students to become not just climbers, but leaders in both their communities and the outdoors.
KCC is committed to diversity, equity and inclusion. We currently serve youth from 10 New York City public schools and have built a community that provides a safe space for dialogue around issues related to gender, race, ethnicity, sexuality and other dimensions of identity. KCC believes in gender inclusivity and our program is open to gender expansive youth.
MEMPHIS ROX
Memphis Rox and One Family Memphis, https://www.memphisrox.org/ brings rehabilitation, healing and a renewed sense of hope to challenged communities by providing a climbing facility and programs to foster relationships across cultural, racial, ethnic and socio-economic backgrounds. We exclude no one — regardless of ability to pay.
MOUNTAIN PROJECT
Beyond the Guidebook: The Definitive Climbing Resource, https://www.mountainproject.com/ Crags and routes are submitted to Mountain Project by users around the world. The data is managed and organized by Regional Admins, all of whom volunteer their time, skill, and knowledge for the benefit of all climbers.
NATIVE LAND
For Native Land Digital what we are mapping is more than just a flat picture. The land itself is sacred, and it is not easy to draw lines that divide it up into chunks that delineate who “owns” different parts of land. In reality, we know that the land is not something to be exploited and “owned”, but something to be honored and treasured. However, because of the complexities of history, the kind of mapping we undertake is an important exercise, insofar as it brings an awareness of the real lived history of Indigenous peoples and nations in a long era of colonialism.
Paracliffhangers
ParaCliffHangers is a nonprofit organization that fosters community, adventure, strength, and equity through adaptive rock climbing. Our programming includes recurring indoor meet-ups, outdoor adventures, and competition experience. We build communities where disability is not a barrier to climbing.
OUTDOOR AFRO
Outdoor Afro, https://outdoorafro.com/ has become the nation’s leading, cutting edge network that celebrates and inspires Black connections and leadership in nature. We are a national not for profit organization with leadership networks around the country. With nearly 90 leaders in 30 states from around the country, we connect thousands of people to outdoor experiences, who are changing the face of conservation. So come out in nature with us, or be a partner to help us grow our work so that we can help lead the way for inclusion in outdoor recreation, nature, and conservation for all!
THE PHOENIX
The Phoenix’s https://thephoenix.org/ mission is to build a sober active community that fuels resilience and harnesses the transformational power of connection so that together we rise, recover, and live.
Trans Climbers Belong
Trans climbers belong in our community and at all levels of competition. Without vetting or approval from any of their committees, USA Climbing has enacted harmful changes to their participation policies for trans and nonbinary climbers. Read more to learn how this will impact all climbers and their families - and how you can be a part of the fight to rewrite these policies alongside transgender and nonbinary climbers.
WESTERN MASSACHUSETTS CLIMBERS’ COALITION (WMCC)
https://climbgneiss.org/ Mission: The Western Massachusetts Climbers’ Coalition (WMCC) is a local 501(c)(3) non-profit volunteer climbers’ organization that works to build cohesive relationships with advocacy groups, state and local governments, landowners, and conservation groups to keep climbing areas open and conserve the climbing environment in Western Massachusetts.
8A
8a.nu, https://www.8a.nu/ is one of the world's largest climbing communities and news sites with over 70000 members using it to keep their climbing log.
Climbing Competitor Resources
INTERNATIONAL FEDERATION OF SPORT CLIMBING
The IFSC, https://www.ifsc-climbing.org/ is an international non-governmental non-profit organization whose main objectives are the direction, regulation, promotion, development and furtherance of climbing competitions around the world.
SAFE SPORT
Vision: Our vision is that every athlete will be safe, supported, and strengthened through sport.
Mission: Our mission is to make athlete well-being the centerpiece of our nation’s sports culture through abuse prevention, education, and accountability.
USA CLIMBING
NGB of Competition Climbing in the US, http://www.usaclimbing.org/ Mission: Support the well-being, development, and competitive excellence of our athletes as we advance the accessibility and growth of the climbing community nationwide.
Support Services
NATIONAL DOMESTIC VIOLENCE HOTLINE
Need help? Call: 1-800-799-SAFE (7233)
24 hours a day, seven days a week, 365 days a year, the National Domestic Violence Hotline, https://www.thehotline.org/ provides essential tools and support to help survivors of domestic violence so they can live their lives free of abuse.
NATIONAL EATING DISORDERS ASSOCIATION
The National Eating Disorders Association (NEDA), https://www.nationaleatingdisorders.org/ is the largest nonprofit organization dedicated to supporting individuals and families affected by eating disorders. NEDA supports individuals and families affected by eating disorders, and serves as a catalyst for prevention, cures and access to quality care.
NATIONAL SEXUAL ASSAULT HOTLINE
Need Help? Call 800.656.HOPE
RAINN (Rape, Abuse & Incest National Network), https://rainn.org/ is the nation's largest anti-sexual violence organization. RAINN created and operates the National Sexual Assault Hotline (online.rainn.org & rainn.org/es) in partnership with more than 1,000 local sexual assault service providers across the country and operates the DoD Safe Helpline for the Department of Defense. RAINN also carries out programs to prevent sexual violence, help survivors, and ensure that perpetrators are brought to justice.
NATIONAL SUICIDE PREVENTION LIFELINE
Need Help? Call: 1-800-273-8255
We can all help prevent suicide. The Lifeline provides 24/7, free and confidential support for people in distress, prevention and crisis resources for you or your loved ones, and best practices for professionals.
Southern California Sunrise Recovery Center
SoCal Sunrise Mental Health and we’re dedicated to raising awareness and prevention on mental health issues. We understand the significance of self-harm and the importance for peers and families to recognize if a loved one is struggling.
VICTIM CONNECT
An innovative online chat: Chat.VictimConnect.org
Mission: We provide confidential resources and referrals to empower crime victims to regain control, navigate their options, and determine their next steps. The VictimConnect Resource Center, http://victimconnect.org/ serves all individuals who reach out for assistance regardless of race, ethnicity, national origin, immigration status, religion, age, disability, sex, gender identity, gender expression, or sexual orientation.
Services - Greater Worcester, MA
ABBY’S HOUSE
Vision: Abby’s House, https://abbyshouse.org/ empowers the women we serve to lead self-directed lives filled with dignity and hope.
Mission: To provide shelter and affordable housing, as well as advocacy and support services, to homeless, battered, and low-income women, with or without children.
DEPARTMENT OF CHILDREN AND FAMILIES - MA
If you believe a child is being abused or neglected, call the MA Child Abuse Emergency Line: 1-800-792-5200
The Department of Children and Families (DCF) works in partnership with families and communities to keep children safe from abuse and neglect. DCF also supports young adults ages 18-22 who are transitioning out of DCF care and into independent living. In many cases, DCF is able to provide services to families to help them keep their children safe at home. When it is necessary, DCF provides foster care or finds permanent families for children though kinship care, guardianship, or adoption.
Who DCF Serves: Anyone who is looking for services for their child or family can contact their local DCF area office for help
GIRLS INC
The network of local Girls Inc, https://girlsinc.org/ nonprofit organizations serves girls ages 6-18 at more than 1,500 sites in 350 cities across the United States and Canada. Our evidence-based programming is delivered by trained professionals who focus on the development of the whole girl, supporting, mentoring, and guiding girls in an affirming, pro-girl environment. Here, girls learn to value their whole selves, discover and develop their inherent strengths, and receive the support they need to navigate the challenges they face.
LUK INC
Vision: We partner to create communities where all people are safe, healthy, and resilient.
Mission: To challenge and inspire youth, adults, and families to realize their unique potential through community-based prevention, intervention, education, and support services.
NIPMUC NATION
The official site of the Tribal Government and Citizens of Nipmuc Nation, https://www.nipmucnation.org/ With nearly 600 members, we can continue to be one of New England's most historic and largest native communities. The Hassanamisco Reservation in Grafton Massachusetts is our ancestral home and we are a "state-acknowledged" tribe.
PLANNED PARENTHOOD
Planned Parenthood, https://www.plannedparenthood.org/ is a trusted health care provider, an informed educator, a passionate advocate, and a global partner helping similar organizations around the world. Planned Parenthood delivers vital reproductive health care, sex education, and information to millions of people worldwide.
YWCA CENTRAL MASSACHUSETTS
CHAT hours are available 24 hours a day. Otherwise please call the Hotline at 1-508-755-9030.
Offers legal advocacy, court accompaniment, basic needs, support groups, counseling, shelter, housing support, transportation and much more.