Resources
Local Organizations
Downers Grove Public Library – A rich collection of resources in an LGBTQIA+ friendly environment.
DuPage County Crisis Line: 630-627-1700
Crisis Phone Support. Individuals experiencing a crisis can contact Crisis Services at 630-627-1700, 24 hours a day, 7 days a week.
Illinois Department of Child & Family Services (DCFS)
24-hour Child Abuse Hotline: 800-252-2873 (800-25-ABUSE)
Pronouns Matter: Beyond He & She
Recording of a presentation held at the Downers Grove Public Library on June 3, 2021.
Youth Outlook
Downers Grove is fortunate to have a Youth Outlook Drop-in Center for LGBTQ+ youth ages 12-20. The Drop-in group meets weekly with trained and vetted adult volunteers. Group meetings are held at First United Methodist Church in Downers Grove on Thursdays from 6:30-9:00 p.m.
National Organizations
Campus Pride Index
Index to LGBTQIA+-friendly colleges
GSA Network – Gender & Sexuality Alliances
A national youth leadership organization helping LGBTQIA+ and allied students to create community around issues having an impact on them.
Gay Lesbian Straight Educational Network (GLSEN)
Strives to create school climates where LGBTQIA+ people are respected and accepted and where difference is values.
Human Rights Campaign (HRC)
An organization leading the fight for equal rights for LGBTQIA+ people.
Matthew Shepard Foundation
Leads anti-hate work in legislation and community work through activism and presentations.
Hate Crime Resources
Matthew’s Place – Words by and for LGBTQIA+ Youth
National Runaway Safeline
Call 800-786-2929 (800-RUNAWAY) if you are thinking of running from home, if you have a friend who has runaway, or if you are a runaway ready to go home.
National Suicide Prevention Lifeline: 800-273-8255
Out of Yer Shell
A curated database of resources for trans and gender non-conforming people and those who support them
Parents, Family and Friends of Lesbians & Gays (PFLAG)
PFLAG is the first and largest organization for lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, and queer (LGBTQ+) people, their parents and families, and allies. View local chapters.
The Trans Lifeline: 877-565-8860
Trans Lifeline is a trans-led organization that connects trans people to the community, support, and resources they need to survive and thrive.
The Trevor Project
The Trevor Project provides 24/7 crisis support services to LGBTQ young people. Text, chat, or call anytime to reach a trained counselor.
Call 866-488-7386 or text ‘START’ to 678678
The Coming Out Handbook can help you explore what coming out means to you with tools and guiding questions.
Additional Resources
The Blue Book of the Presbyterian Church of Mt. Kisco, New York
This document further explores Biblical Scripture in an effort to uncover the truth about how the Bible has been used to oppress LGBTQ+ individuals, and spread hate.
My Pronouns: What and Why
This is a great resource for learning about pronouns in use in the LGBTQ+ community. Also included is how to handle mistakes.
Talking to Your Child
A resource for parents and guardians of LGBTQ+ children
Talking to Your Parents
A resource for LGBTQ+ youth for talking with their parents/guardians
