Outreach Services and Support Groups
This is a group of LGBT+ professionals and allies who understand that diversity, equality, and economic empowerment are vital for any healthy business community. With purpose and out of necessity, Chamber members are rewriting the narrative of the queer intersectional experience in the Upstate of South Carolina, to create a stronger, healthier community based on the shared appreciation for the diversity that defines and enhances us all.
PFLAG is the first and largest organization dedicated to supporting, educating, and advocating for LGBTQ+ people and their families. PFLAG’s network of hundreds of chapters and more than 250,000 members and supporters works to create a caring, just, and affirming world for LGBTQ+ people and those who love them. PFLAG's website offers a number of resources for lobbying and advocating.
The Rainbow Support Group SC began in 2013 in response to a gay-bashing incident involving a few Upstate LGBTQI+ youth and the ensuing lack of support and community resources. This group started to make sure all LGBTQI+ people know they have a place to go get support, encouragement, and fellowship and to know they are not alone.
The Campaign for Southern Equality is working to build a South where LGBTQ people are equal in every sphere of life. More than one third of all LGBTQ Americans live in the South, but the community lacks basic legal protections, faces political attacks, and experiences health and income inequities. LGBTQ Southerners also live each day with courage and strength and are doing heroic work to promote equality in their hometowns. And every day, we hear powerful stories about how the South is changing. All of this is true at once.
Tri-County Gender Benders is a trans-centered support group focused on providing a community for those on the trans spectrum in the tri-county upstate area of South Carolina. This group consists of members who are Transgender & Transgender Allies who help each other cope with a society that is learning through regular monthly meetings.
The Uplift Outreach Center began as the dream of Spartanburg resident and activist, Eric Nolley. He envisioned a safe place for homeless and at risk youth who identified as LGBTQ+ and needed resources. The only place like this existed in Columbia, a hundred miles away.
Upstate Pride SC empowers people of all gender expressions and sexual identities in the Upstate of South Carolina by promoting acceptance through education, advocacy and networking. Upstate Pride SC serves the 10-county region of the upstate of South Carolina.
Health Services
AID Upstate is a 501(c)(3) non-profit organization that provides supportive services to people affected by HIV/AIDS in Anderson, Greenville, Oconee and Pickens Counties of South Carolina. AID Upstate is committed to preventing and treating HIV through direct services, advocacy, education and awareness.
Piedmont Care is the nonprofit 501c3 organization providing HIV/AIDS care, prevention, and advocacy in Spartanburg, Cherokee, and Union counties of South Carolina and only organization in the community 100% dedicated to the fight against HIV/AIDS. The mission of Piedmont Care, Inc., an educational and advocacy organization, is to coordinate and provide medical, social, and psychological services for individuals and families affected by or at risk for HIV.
PrideLink
PrideLink's mission is to improve the quality of life for all LGBTQ+ people in Upstate, South Carolina in hopes of creating a thriving Upstate, SC community where all LGBTQ+ people are strong, safe, and successful. PrideLink offers resources, programs, and services to address health, social, and access needs of LGBTQ+ people.
Mental Health and Addiction Recovery Services
864Pride seeks to serve the community by creating and sustaining mental health programming that does not currently exist for LGBTQ+ folks, providing funding for LGBTQ+ folks to gain access to medical and mental health care, and increasing affirmative providers through clinical training.
Members of the LGBTQ community often do not have access to the same support systems as other members of society. Alcohol Rehab Guide assists with locating an LGBTQ+ sensitive facility with a variety of treatment plans and options.
Amaryllis Counseling supports local LGBTQ+ groups through regular volunteer work and active involvement in LGBTQ+ advocacy within the Upstate of SC. We at Amaryllis is passionate about bringing access to care to the community along with day to day space for healing and growth.
Not knowing where to turn or what to do can be scary when you’re suffering from addiction and feel like there is no one to help. Centric has compiled a list of safe resources for members of the AAPI LGBTQ+ community when seeking help and support for yourself or loved ones.
QTBIPOC people often experience discrimination due to their gender identity and skin color. This discrimination can be encountered when it comes to mental and physical health care. This directory of resources provides access to care for a variety of issues.
To decrease the deficit in care for members of the black LGBTQ+ community, Prevail has found a variety of resources that are meant to help you through the hardest journey of your life. Asking for help is brave. Use any of the following resources to seek help and find a community of people struggling with the same things that you are.
These resource guides were created to help individuals better understand what shaped the current standard of care for their demographic. They offer advice on what can be done to better oneself and also give insight into steps that can be taken to make the future of mental health care more inclusive.
Due to the unique challenges members of the LGBTQ community face, such as discrimination and hate crimes, some may turn to drugs such as alcohol to cope. The road to recovery from alcohol addiction does not have to be difficult, lonely or embarrassing. If you or a family member are struggling with alcoholism in the LGBTQ community, you can find support and medications you need.
If you are a member of the LGBTQ community and looking for drug rehab, then we suggest locating a center that is LGBTQ friendly. To help with this, DRS provides detailed information about drug rehab programs for the LGBTQ community. Since everyone’s situation is unique, you should call a center first and ask what specific accommodations they have to ensure it meets your particular needs.
This Ohio-based company offers a variety of resources for members of the LGBTQ+ community dealing with addiction as well as information for how their loved ones can help.
Senior Support
For members of the senior population looking for housing - retirement, independent living, assisted living, memory care, and nursing homes - that are LGBTQIA+ friendly. Also includes resources for low income seniors and a guide for questions to ask and helpful resources.
MemoryCare.com
In this guide, seniors can access information about the different levels of senior care and what they offer, as well as lists of LGBTQIA+-friendly senior communities at each senior care level.
Growing older presents challenges for millions of Americans, but members of the LGBTQ+ community are particularly hard-hit. This guide connects the elders of the LGBTQ+ community to the resources and information necessary to help them find the care that they need.
Seniors who identify as members of the LGBTQIA+ community, face more challenges finding care than the average senior. This guide discusses housing rights for LGBTQIA+ seniors, common challenges faced by elderly members of this community, and how their loved ones can find safe, comfortable senior housing.
National Resources
The Human Rights Campaign envisions a world where every member of the LGBTQ+ family has the freedom to live their truth without fear, and with equality under the law.
TransLifeline
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 Lifeline connects trans people to the community support and resources needed to survive and thrive.
The Trevor Project is the world’s largest suicide prevention and crisis intervention organization for LGBTQ (lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, queer, and questioning) young people.
A Guide to LGBTQIA+ Campgrounds & Camping
The great outdoors has always held a special allure for many individuals, offering a respite from the hustle and bustle of everyday life and a chance to reconnect with nature’s tranquility. However, for LGBTQIA+ individuals, the camping experience has not always been one of inclusivity and safety. This guide explores inclusive opportunities and resources for the LGBTQIA+ community.