LGBTQ+ Resources: Region 9 – Southern

Counseling Services
For local physical and mental health providers with experience in treating and supporting LGBTQ+ students.

IMPERIAL

Imperial Valley LGBT Resource Center
Offers an array of services, such as substance abuse education and prevention, transgender support services, domestic violence classes, lesbian, gay bisexual, transgender (LGBT) competency training, youth activities, support for loved ones of lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, questioning and queer (LGBTQ+), mental illness support groups, HIV counseling and testing, and much more.

PFLAG
PFLAG has over 400 chapters across the country and California. Provides support services and education especially for parents and families of LGBTQ+ youth. Find a chapter near you.

Planned Parenthood
Planned Parenthood delivers vital reproductive health care, sex education, and information to millions of women, men, and young people worldwide. See the local office in your county.

ORANGE

Orange County Department of Education Resources:

• The FAIR Education Act 2011 was passed in order to ensure "a study of the role and contributions of both men and women, Native Americans, African Americans, Mexican Americans, Asian Americans, Pacific Islanders, European Americans, lesbians, gay, bisexual, and transgender Americans, persons with disabilities, and members of other ethnic and cultural groups" (California Education Code (EC) Section 51204.5).

• Student Advocates for Mental Health maintain a Hotline List .

• Mental Health Services for Students (PDF). On campus and community Support. Reach out to any staff member on campus for help. They can refer you to the right person—School Counselor, Mental Health Clinician, or Family Community Liaison. Services available in Spanish.

• Annual Notice for Uniform Complaint Procedures for Parents/Guardians, students and employees.x

• The Student Services Office handles: assistance with School Discipline, School Attendance Review Board (SARB), Hate Crimes, School Records Trainings, Parent Rights, LGBTQ Support, Bullying issues, Human Trafficking, Campus Supervisor Trainings, Foreign Exchange Students & Visas, Work Permits, Military​ Families Support, Adult Education, Expulsion Appeal Hearings and Interdistrict Transfer Appeals.

• Model School District Policy on Suicide Prevention by the Trevor Foundation (PDF).

Anaheim Union High School District
Curriculum and Instruction list of scholarships and financial aid for LGBTQ+ students.

Buena Park School District (PDF)
Basic needs and mental health resources list for students and families.

Capistrano Unified School District
Capistrano Unified School District is committed to equality, diversity, inclusion, tolerance and human and civil rights for all. As part of the Cultural Proficiency Plan, there is a commitment to explore, review, and implement changes that support LGBTQ students. Is available in Spanish

Fountain Valley Unified School District (PDF)
Highlights LGBT suicide risk as a part of their Wellness Wednesdays.

Fullerton Joint Union High School District
As part of their health education, Fullerton makes it clear that there is no selective opt-out for LGBTQ instructional material as a part of the California Healthy Youth Act. Other LGBTQ+ information is available as well.

Irvine Unified School District
Has a community resources and support webpage that is for LGBTQIA services in Orange County. The Health Advisory Committee also makes it clear that parents/guardians cannot opt their student out of instruction that is focused upon LGBTQ+ content.

Laguna Beach Unified School District
Laguna Beach Unified maintains a list of LGBTQIA terminology and crisis information as a part of their Crisis Resources and Intervention webpage under Student Services.

Newport-Mesa Unified School District
Curriculum and Instruction: Secondary Course of Studies; Health: Parents/guardians are not allowed to opt out of ONLY lessons focused on LGBTQ content such as gender identity, gender expression, and sexual orientation, as doing so could be considered discriminatory.

Placentia-Yorba Linda Unified School District
Posted frequently asked questions about the California Healthy Youth Act and LGBTQ+ instruction.

Saddelback Valley Unified School District Resources:

• Wellness Toolkit : This toolkit provides user-friendly tips and strategies to address issues related to mental wellness.

• Mental Health Resources : As a part of their distance learning, mental health support and resources, Saddleback Valley Unified School District has resources for LGBTQ+ students and families.

• Mission Mindfulness : Mindfulness events and activities to help build student resilience and better prepare them with the skills to prosper physically, emotionally, and academically.

• Community Mental Health Resources

Santa Ana Unified (PDF)
Mental Health Resources for Santa Ana Unified School District Students and Families

Tustin Unified School District
Community resources for LGBTQ+ students and their families.

Youth & Young Adult Groups - LGBTQ Center OC
The LGBTQ Center OC’s Youth Program offers comprehensive services and resources comprehensive services and resources for Orange County LGBTQ youth and young adults to: 1) develop well-being, self-confidence, and belonging; 2) enhance school connectivity and academic success; 3) increase access to mental health services; 4) offer opportunities to learn and develop professional skills applicable to college and/or employment; 5) build self-empowerment, leadership development, and community involvement; and 6) enhance engagement and education through Gender and Sexualities Alliance student clubs.

LGBTQIA — NAMI Orange County
If you live with a mental health condition and identify as lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, queer and/or questioning (LGBTQ), it’s important to prioritize your mental health.

Orange County, California - OC ACCEPT
Orange County Acceptance through Compassionate Care, Empowerment, and Positive Transformation (OC ACCEPT). OC ACCEPT provides community-based mental health and supportive services to individuals who are struggling with and/or identify as Lesbian, Gay Bisexual, Transgender, Intersex, or Questioning (LGBTIQ) and the people important in their lives.

PFLAG
PFLAG has over 400 chapters across the country and California. Provides support services and education especially for parents and families of LGBTQ+ youth. Find a chapter near you.

Planned Parenthood
Planned Parenthood delivers vital reproductive health care, sex education, and information to millions of women, men, and young people worldwide. See the local office in your county.

Viet Rainbow of Orange County (Vietnamese/English)
Through engagement, education, advocacy, and supportive services they aim to empower their communities for a more equitable, safe, and unified Vietnamese diaspora and expand its voice in the broader society.

SAN DIEGO

San Diego County Office of Education Resources:

• A Guide for Parents and Community : The San Diego County Office of Education is dedicated to supporting school district offices, parents, and community-based agencies in topics related to LGBTQ by providing training, staff development, technical assistance, and consultation.

San Diego Unified School District - LGBTQIA+ Education and Advocacy Program
The LGBTQIA+ Education & Advocacy Program provides school site resources and district support to meet the needs of LGBTQIA+ students and their families. The program provides professional development opportunities; educator, student, and family resources; and inclusive curriculum. We are devoted to supporting school leaders through our monthly & annual leadership opportunities.

Sweetwater Union High School District - Equity, Culture and Support Services - LGBTQIA+
Their goals are to create school environments that are safe and respectful for all students and adults, and eliminate educational barriers based on gender, race/ethnicity, national origin, color, disability, age, sexual orientation and gender expression so that all students meet the same rigorous standards for academic performance.

GLSEN - San Diego County Chapter
GLSEN San Diego County is a chapter of GLSEN, a national organization fighting for every student’s right to a safe, supportive education. GLSEN San Diego County is a grassroots initiative, working locally in our community to ensure safe schools for all students, regardless of sexual orientation and gender identity.

Family Health Centers of San Diego
Provides services to all people, with a special commitment to the uninsured, low-income and medically underserved. Family Health Centers of San Diego received their LGBTQ Healthcare Equality Leader designation from the Human Rights Campaign Foundation.

North County LGBTQ Resource Center
The North County LGBTQ Resource Center is a 501(c)3 organization that serves the lesbian, gay, transgender, bisexual, and questioning (LGBTQ) community of North County San Diego. Services include support groups for youth, seniors, military service members, HIV/AIDS testing and prevention, counseling, civil rights advocacy, classes, and workgroups.

PFLAG
PFLAG has over 400 chapters across the country and California. Provides support services and education especially for parents and families of LGBTQ+ youth. Find a chapter near you.

Planned Parenthood
Planned Parenthood delivers vital reproductive health care, sex education, and information to millions of women, men, and young people worldwide. See the local office in your county.

San Diego LGBT Community Center
The San Diego LGBT Community Center is to enhance and sustain the health and well-being of the lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, non-binary and HIV communities by providing activities, programs and services that create community; empower community members; provide essential resources; advocate for civil and human rights; and embrace, promote and support our cultural diversity.

San Diego LGBT Pride
Creating a safe environment for LGBTQ youth to thrive is part of the ever-critical work of their movement, and San Diego Pride hosts several LGBTQ+ programs for young people.

San Diego LGBTQIA+ County Collaborative
Through programs and workshops, to create environments that promote the safety and affirmation of all students and foster a culture of respect and care that supports and meets the needs of LGBTQIA+ students in San Diego County.

South Bay Community Services
South Bay Community Services is a community-based nonprofit organization providing a comprehensive range of services for children, youth, and families in San Diego county. Our Safe Place (OSP) program provides a wide variety of services for youth and their families, including support for alcohol and drug abuse, coming out, depression, family relationships, gender identity, sexual health, safe dating and transitioning.

TransFamily Support Services
TransFamily Support Services (TFSS), a nonprofit organization serving transgender and gender nonconforming youth and their families. TFSS provides individual and family coaching to facilitate acceptance and support, assists with healthcare and insurance issues, helps families navigate the legal system, and advocates for resources and support at schools for transgender and gender-nonconforming youth and their families.