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Katerina O. Sinclair
Resources for LGBTA People and their Families and Friends

For many of these resources I have shamelessly plagiarized the descriptions from their websites. This also seemed only fair for the section on organizations opposing rights for LGBT people. If links are broken or there's something missing that you think should be included, drop me a line.

General Resources Regarding Sex and Sexuality
• National Sexuality Resource Center
A resource out of San Francisco State University with many links and interesting articles about sex.
• YouthResource: A project of advocates for youth
Dedicated to creating programs and advocating for policies that help young people make informed and responsible decisions about their reproductive and sexual health. Provides information, training, and strategic assistance to youth-serving organizations, policy makers, youth activists, and the media in the United States and the developing world.
• Our Bodies, Ourselves
The companion site to the comprehensive book on women's health by Boston Women's Health Book Collective.
• Changing Bodies, Changing Lives
By the Boston Women's Health Collective. For adolescents and young adults. It's most appropriate for those 21 and under, but informative at any age.
• The Kinsey Institute
Contains findings from research on sex and sexuality. Begun by Alfred Kinsey, who published his ground-breaking book, Sexual Behavior in the Human Male, in 1948. Has a nice "Related Resources" page.
General Resources for LGB People
• International Gay and Lesbian Human Rights Commission
The mission of the International Gay and Lesbian Human Rights Commission (IGLHRC) is to secure the full enjoyment of the human rights of all people and communities subject to discrimination or abuse on the basis of sexual orientation or expression, gender identity or expression, and/or HIV status.
• International Lesbian and Gay Association
Contains link to world map with information about each country's laws and treatment regarding same-sex attracted people.
• Human Rights Campaign
The Human Rights Campaign is America’s largest civil rights organization working to achieve gay, lesbian, bisexual and transgender equality.
• National Gay and Lesbian Task Force
The national progressive organization working for the civil rights of gay, lesbian, bisexual and transgender people, with the vision and commitment to building a powerful political movement.
• Egale: Canada
Advances equality and justice for lesbian, gay, bisexual and trans-identified people, and their families, across Canada.
• Tolerance: A resource from the Southern Poverty Law Center
Tolerance.org is a principal online destination for people interested in dismantling bigotry and creating, in hate's stead, communities that value diversity.
• GLAAD: Gay and Lesbian Alliance Against Defamation
Dedicated to promoting and ensuring fair, accurate and inclusive representation of people and events in the media as a means of eliminating homophobia and discrimination based on gender identity and sexual orientation.
• The Commercial Closet
Evaluates commercial advertising about LGBT people. Similar to GLAAD's mission, but site can be fun, as it has links to all the commercials.
• New York City's Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, and Transgender Community Center
Established in 1983, the Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual & Transgender Community Center has grown to become the largest LGBT multi-service organization on the East Coast and second largest LGBT community center in the world.
• Lambda Rising Bookstore
One of the oldest LGBTA-bookstores in the country. Washington, D. C.
• A Different Light Bookstore
Since 1979, A Different Light Bookstore has been committed to serving the Gay, Lesbian, Bi-sexual and Transgender community in San Francisco and West Hollywood and, now, online.
• Giovanni's Room
A great little LGBT bookstore in Philadelphia.
• The Gully
An international online magazine about LGBTA issues.
• Queer Resources Directory
Links to many different sites.
• PlanetOut
Tends to be a little more benign and more informative than other sites (i.e., gay.com, dykeconnection.com, lesbianation.com; also check out LGBT-specific chat on AOL and other IM sites). Still, if you decide to enter a chat room, make sure you protect yourself following these guidelines.
Local Resources
• LGBTA Student Resource Center
A resource center for students and community members. Coordinates activities between student groups. Center contains movies, books, and magazines. The most up-to-date resources and contact info can be found at the LGBTA Student Resource Center's Resource page. Many student groups, community groups (including spiritual groups) have contact information on this site.
• Commission on Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual and Transgender Equity
Advises the PSU President on addressing issues affecting the LGBT University community.
• The LGBT Support Network
A listing of individuals, of all sexual orientaitons, across campus who have agreed to serve as a network for LGBTA students.
• PSU Pride Alliance
A site with links to LGBTA-student groups around the Commonwealth
• Undertones
A PSU group for LGBTA students of color. Contact info is on the LGBTA Student Resource Center's Resources page.
• SpeakOut
A political action organization dedicated to improving the environment for LGBTA students.
• Axis
A social group for LGBTA undergraduates.
• The Coalition of LGBTA Graduate Students
A social and political group for LGBTA graduate students.
• OSTEM: Out in Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics
For grad and undergrad students.
• Off-Campus LGBTA Resources
Historical Resources Historic articles/court decisions affecting LGBT people
• Lawrence v. Texas, 2003
Supreme Court decision overthrowing sodomy laws nationwide
• Goodridge v. Department of Public Health, 2003
Established that refusing to marry same-sex couples was against the state's constitution. Massachusetts remains the only state where same-sex couples can marry.
• Amnesty International's Report on Abuse of LGBT People by Law Enforcement
• President Bush's Speech on Amending Constitution to Ban Same-Sex Marriage
Note: this measure failed. There is no federal Constitutional ban on same- sex marriage, but there is a federal DOMA.
Resources for LGBTA People of Color

I have frequently found that LGBTA students of color feel particularly isolated and have few role models. Therefore, I have included some links to sites about my favorite LGB people of color below.

• Diversity Resources for Students
Links to many different support services
• Undertones
A PSU group for LGBTA students of color. Contact info is on the page.
• Tolerance: A resource from the Southern Poverty Law Center
Tolerance.org is a principal online destination for people interested in dismantling bigotry and creating, in hate's stead, communities that value diversity.
• The American Civil Liberties Union
The mission of the ACLU is to preserve all of these protections and guarantees: * Your First Amendment rights-freedom of speech, association and assembly. Freedom of the press, and freedom of religion supported by the strict separation of church and state. * Your right to equal protection under the law - equal treatment regardless of race, sex, religion or national origin. * Your right to due process - fair treatment by the government whenever the loss of your liberty or property is at stake. * Your right to privacy - freedom from unwarranted government intrusion into your personal and private affairs.
• Audre Lorde Project
New York City community center serving the needs of LGBTA people of color. Good list of resources and links, some NYC-specific.
• About bell hooks
One of the most influential feminist theorists.
• About Audre Lorde
One of the most influential writers/poets of her time.
• About James Baldwin
One of the most influential authors of his time.
• About Bayard Rustin
The civil rights organizer behind Dr. King's nonviolent protest techniques and the March on Washington where King made the "I Have a Dream" speech.
Resources for LGBT Parents and Families
• In the Family
A magazine for LGBT families. Out of print, but back issues are available.
• COLAGE: Children of Lesbians and Gays Everywhere
For children who have LGBT parents. Also includes some information about LGBT children of LGBT parents.
• Lambda Legal: Info about current same-sex marriage laws
• AFFIRM: Psychologists Affirming their Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, and Transgender Family
Contains many resources for psychologists, social scientists, and students in the social sciences. Also has an excellent resources page.
Women-Specific Resources
• National Center for Lesbian Rights
A national legal organization committed to advancing the legal and human rights of lesbian, gay, bisexual, and transgender people and their families through litigation, public policy advocacy, and public education. Litigated against Penn State and Coach Rene Portland for alleged harassment and discrimination against lesbians on the basketball team.
• Curve
The best-selling magazine for lesbian and bisexual women. "Popular" articles. This magazine is NOT an academic source appropriate for papers.
• On Our Backs
"Lesbian sex magazine made by lesbians for lesbians." Be sure to play safely.
• Off Our Backs
Started in protest against On Our Backs. The mission of off our backs is: to provide news and information about women's lives and feminist activism; to educate the public about the status of women around the world; to serve as a forum for feminist ideas and theory; to be an information resource on feminist, women's, and lesbian culture; and to seek social justice and equality for women worldwide.
• AfterEllen
News, Reviews & Commentary on Lesbian and Bisexual women in Entertainment and the Media. This is NOT an academic source and is NOT appropriate for papers.
Transgender/Transexual-Specific Resources
• Answers to Your Questions About Transgender Individuals and Gender Identity
A link to APA's brochure on issues affecting transgendered and gender variant individuals, which contains many links to transgender/transsexual organizations.
• American Psychological Association—Division 44
For practitioners and social scientists interested in issues affecting LGBT people. Note: although Division 44 does not include gender identity issues in their title, the site also contains links to their Committee on Transgender and Gender Variance Issues and some information about transgender people.
• PFLAG's Transgender Network for Parents, Family, and Friends of Transgendered Individuals
A special division of PFLAG. A good resource for family and friends who may be struggling to understand a transgendered/transsexual person.
• Transgender Day of Remembrance
Information about the nationwide, annual Transgender Day of Remembrance, which honors transgendered people who have been killed. Maintained by Gwen Smith, a national transgender rights and safety advocate.
• Transsexual Roadmap
Provides an informal network and guide for male-to-female transsexuals and their family and friends. If you follow this link, plan to spend a good chunk of time milling around the site. Note: this site is run by individuals, not an organization, and should be viewed as such.
• Gender.Org's Gender Education and Advocacy Files
A compilation of resources on transgender issues and facts from different agencies. Compiled by Gwen Smith, a nationally-known transgender rights and safety advocate.
• National Coalition for LGBT Health
Committed to improving the health and well-being of lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender individuals and communities through public education, coalition building and advocacy that focus on research, policy, education and training.
• LGBTA Student Resource Center
A resource center for students and community members. Coordinates activities between student groups. Center contains movies, books, and magazines. The most up-to-date resources and contact info can be found at the LGBTA Student Resource Center's Resource page. Good links to trans-resources on this site.
Ally-Specific Resources
• PFLAG: Parents, Families, and Friends of Lesbians and Gays
National organization with a State College chapter. Chapter leaders tend to be very friendly and accept a wide range of responses to learning that a family member or friend is LGBT.
• Beyond Acceptance: Parents of Lesbians & Gays Talk About Their Experiences
A link to Amazon for a fabulous book for parents of LGBT children
Resources for or about LGBT Youth
• GLSEN: Gay, Lesbian & Straight Education Network
Strives to assure that each member of every school community is valued and respected regardless of sexual orientation or gender identity/expression.
• Gay-Straight Alliance (GSA) Network
Resource for GSAs in high schools/middle schools.
• Just the Facts About Sexual Orientation & Youth: A Primer for Principals, Educators and School Personnel
Joint publication by the American Psychological Association, the American Counseling Association, and many school and teacher organizations regarding the treatment of LGBT youth in schools.
• Tolerance: A resource from the Southern Poverty Law Center
Tolerance.org is a principal online destination for people interested in dismantling bigotry and creating, in hate's stead, communities that value diversity.
• OutProud: The National Coalition for Gay, Lesbian, Bisexual & Transgender Youth
• YouthResource: A project of advocates for youth
Dedicated to creating programs and advocating for policies that help young people make informed and responsible decisions about their reproductive and sexual health. Provides information, training, and strategic assistance to youth-serving organizations, policy makers, youth activists, and the media in the United States and the developing world.
• COLAGE: Children of Lesbians and Gays Everywhere
For children who have LGBT parents. Also includes some information about LGBT children of LGBT parents.
• Dillenkoffer Scholarship
Scholarship for LGBT HS seniors
• The Point Foundation
Point Foundation provides financial support, leadership training, mentoring and hope to meritorious students who are marginalized due to sexual orientation, gender identity and/or gender expression.
Associations for Social Science/Social Service Professionals who are LGBTA
• American Psychological Association—Division 44
For practitioners and social scientists interested in issues affecting LGBT people.
• AFFIRM: Psychologists Affirming their Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, and Transgender Family
Contains many resources for psychologists, social scientists, and students in the social sciences. Also has an excellent resources page.
• Association of Gay and Lesbian Psychiatrists
A community of psychiatrists that educates and advocates on Lesbian Gay Bisexual and Transgender mental health issues.
• American Psychiatric Association
Search their page for their position statements on issues such as same-sex marriage and LGB parenting
• Gay and Lesbian Medical Association
GLMA works to ensure equality in health care for lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender (LGBT) individuals and health care professionals. GLMA achieves its goals by using medical expertise in professional education, public policy work, patient education and referrals, and the promotion of research.
• National Coalition for LGBT Health
Committed to improving the health and well-being of lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender individuals and communities through public education, coalition building and advocacy that focus on research, policy, education and training.
Resources for Older LGBT People
• SAGE: Senior Action in a Gay Environment
Dedicated to meeting the unique needs of the senior GLBT communities. It is committed to providing high quality, life enriching programs and services in an intergenerational environment that values age, gender, racial, religious, ethnic, cultural and socioeconomic diversity.
• LGAIN: Lesbian and Gay Aging Issues Network
From the American Society on Aging. Raise awareness about the concerns of lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender (LGBT) elders and about the unique barriers they encounter in gaining access to housing, healthcare, long-term care and other needed services.
• Old Lesbians Organizing for Change
We are committed to empowering old lesbians in the common struggle to: * confront ageism within our own and the larger community * explore who we are and name our oppression * analyze our experience of ageism by sharing our individual stories * develop and disseminate educational material * facilitate formation of new groups and stimulate existing groups to confront ageism * make our presence a visible force in the women's movement and in the lesbian community
Legal Resources
• The American Civil Liberties Union
The mission of the ACLU is to preserve all of these protections and guarantees: * Your First Amendment rights-freedom of speech, association and assembly. Freedom of the press, and freedom of religion supported by the strict separation of church and state. * Your right to equal protection under the law - equal treatment regardless of race, sex, religion or national origin. * Your right to due process - fair treatment by the government whenever the loss of your liberty or property is at stake. * Your right to privacy - freedom from unwarranted government intrusion into your personal and private affairs.
• National Center for Lesbian Rights
A national legal organization committed to advancing the legal and human rights of lesbian, gay, bisexual, and transgender people and their families through litigation, public policy advocacy, and public education. Litigated against Penn State and Coach Rene Portland for alleged harassment and discrimination against lesbians on the basketball team.
• Lambda Legal
National organization committed to achieving full recognition of the civil rights of lesbians, gay men, bisexuals, transgender people and those with HIV through impact litigation, education and public policy work.
• SLDN: Servicemembers Legal Defense Network
Legal services, watchdog and policy organization dedicated to ending discrimination against and harassment of military personnel affected by "Don't Ask, Don't Tell" and related forms of intolerance.
HIV/AIDS-Related Resources
• Places to get HIV-tests in State College
Most of these testing sites have free condoms and dental dams available. Please use only anonymous testing sites or the confidential sites that do NOT become part of your medical record. This is VERY important.
• The AIDS Project
The AIDS Project is committed to enhancing the quality of life for people infected with and affected by HIV/AIDS. They provide services to clients, educate the community to increase understanding and prevent the transmission of HIV, and advocate on behalf of client needs.
• Who's Positive
A site run by a local man, former PSU student, and friend. Contains a lot of information about HIV-testing and help for those who are nervous about being tested.
• Global AIDS Initiative--State College
Student group dedicated to HIV/AIDS awareness, prevention, and services for people who are HIV-positive.
• Centers for Disease Control's National Prevention Information Network
Contains national links to testing sites for HIV and other sexually transmitted infections. Has up-to-date information on HIV/AIDS nationwide.
• National Minority AIDS Council
Information specifically for people of color regarding HIV and AIDS.
• World AIDS Day
Contains information about World AIDS Day (always December 1st) happenings. Many local events are run by the Global AIDS Initiative and the AIDS Project.
• National Coalition for LGBT Health
Committed to improving the health and well-being of lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender individuals and communities through public education, coalition building and advocacy that focus on research, policy, education and training.
• POZ
Chronicles the HIV epidemic and serves as a resource for people living with HIV/AIDS.
Major Organizations Opposing Rights for LGBT People
• Family Research Institute
Note: Dr. Paul Cameron, who produced this site, has been barred from the APA and ASA for irresponsibility in his research. The "research" on this site is not appropriate for academic papers and is not peer-reviewed. More information about why Dr. Cameron is so controversial can be found here. However, you should be able to apply basic research techniques to understand for yourself.
• Family Research Council
Although it has "research" in its name, FRC articles are NOT peer-reviewed and, thus, are not appropriate as academic sources. Mission Statement: The Family Research Council (FRC) champions marriage and family as the foundation of civilization, the seedbed of virtue, and the wellspring of society. FRC shapes public debate and formulates public policy that values human life and upholds the institutions of marriage and the family. Believing that God is the author of life, liberty, and the family, FRC promotes the Judeo-Christian worldview as the basis for a just, free, and stable society.
• Exodus International
Note: "facts" contained on this site are not peer-reviewed and are not appropriate as academic sources. Mission Statement: Mobilizing the body of Christ to minister grace and truth to a world impacted by homosexuality.
• The Christian Coalition
Mission Statement: * Represent the pro-family point of view before local councils, school boards, state legislatures and Congress * Speak out in the public arena and in the media * Train leaders for effective social and political action * Inform pro-family voters about timely issues and legislation * Protest anti-Christianity bigotry and defend the rights of people of faith
• Focus on the Family
Note: my parents gave my daughter a subscription to the children's magazine for Christmas. God bless America. Created by Dr. James Dobson, a controversial, but highly visible opponent of LGBT-rights.
• Westboro Baptist Church
Not a large organization, but had some impact when the group protested at Matthew Shepard's funeral. Their "Purpose" (notice that the site is "www.godhatesfags.com"): "GOD HATES FAGS" -- though elliptical -- is a profound theological statement, which the world needs to hear more than it needs oxygen, water and bread. The three words, fully expounded, show: 1. the absolute sovereignty of "GOD" in all matters whatsoever 2. the doctrine of reprobation or God's "HATE" involving eternal retribution or the everlasting punishment of most of mankind in Hell forever 3. the certainty that all impenitent sodomites (under the elegant metaphor of "FAGS" as the contraction of faggots, fueling the fires of God's wrath) will inevitably go to Hell