LGBTQ+ Friendly Resources in Central Virginia

Pride Month is a time for remembrance, protest, and celebration for folks of the LGBTQ+ community and their allies. The Civil Rights era of the mid-1900s was host to many activist groups advocating for the rights to life, liberty, and the pursuit of happiness. One such movement, the gay rights movement, had been advocating for their right to exist for years before they finally gained recognition worldwide in 1969. In New York City, as in many other places throughout the U.S. during this time, police would raid bars, restaurants, and community spaces where gays, lesbians, and gender non-conforming folks would gather. On June 28, 1969, the NYPD raided the Stonewall Inn, sparking 6 days of protests which brought worldwide attention to the gay rights movement in the U.S. One year after Stonewall, activists commemorated the protest with the First Gay Pride Parade. Graig Schoonmaker is credited with coining the term “Pride” for the LGBTQ+ community’s celebration of self.

“There’s very little chance for people in the world to have power. People did not have power then; even now, we only have some. But anyone can have pride in themselves, and that would make them happier as people, and produce the movement likely to produce change.”

 – Graig Schoonmaker (Source: History.com)

Although there has been progress, there is still a long way to go before LGBTQ+ individuals can feel safe and secure. Recent legislation, Executive Orders and Supreme Court decisions have threatened those feelings of safety and security, but Pride continues because it must. Feeling that pride can make all the difference for folks, especially when nearly half of LGBTQ+ youth experienced bullying in the past year, and more than 1 in 10 LGBTQ+ youth attempted suicide in the past year (Read the Trevor Project 2024 Survey) 

Your Path Counseling Center is grateful and honored to serve our clients in Hanover County. We are and always will be a safe space for our LGBTQ+ clients and staff.  We understand how important and reassuring it can be for your therapist to use your pronouns and chosen name. We recognize the value in remaining transparent and firm in our ideals to serve this community.

If you are looking for additional resources in the Central Virginia Area, we have compiled some trusted groups below. 

Local LGBTQ+ Friendly Mental Health Resources

• The Trevor Project - Provides 24/7 support for LGBTQ+ Youth, Call:1-866-488-7386 Text: 678-678

• QueerWell – Team of LGBTQ+ therapists based in downtown Richmond

• He, She, Ze, and We - Supports Transgender and Nonbinary people by empowering their families, communities, and allies through support meetings, education, and advocacy work.

• Health Brigade – Provides free and/or affordable care to low-income and uninsured persons throughout the Richmond area.

• Prosperity Behavioral Health Project – Specialize in proving safe and queer affirming services to the LGBTQ+ community

• Sexual Minority Youth Assistance League (SMYAL) - supports and empowers LGBTQ+ youth through housing assistance, education support, and cost-free telehealth and in-person counseling in the DMV area.

• Phases Therapy - Queer owned and operated counseling service that proudly supports their clients of the LGBTQIA+ community, Gender Spectrum/Trans, Ethical Non-Monogamy/Polyam, kink, sex workers, metaphysical/energy workers, BIPOC, and the Disabled population.

• LaunchPad Counseling – Provides counseling, family counseling, or couples counseling. Their aim is to help and support the queer community.