OutReach LGBTQ+ Support Groups offer a safe and inclusive space for LGBTQ+ folx and allies (*18 years old or above*) to come together through free virtual sessions led by our extraordinary community leaders. Our sessions create a welcoming and supportive environment that elevates voices and builds community. Join us for an upcoming session, and stay tuned for more ways to engage with OutReach!
LGBTQ+ Support Groups & Peer Support
Free, engaging, and supportive support groups and peer support opportunities.
Join a Free OutReach Support Group
Embrace Your Spectrum
Join our quarterly gatherings as we cultivate a sense of togetherness within a safe and supportive space for transgender, gender diverse, and nonbinary individuals. Together, we will openly discuss important topics, including coping with current events, self-care strategies, and providing mutual support. Our sessions foster an environment where participants can share their experiences, seek guidance, and build lasting connections. Join us as we navigate the challenges and celebrate the resilience of our community, transcending barriers, and empowering one another on our collective journey of growth and self-discovery.
Facilitated by
Rev. Jemm Merritt, BHSc, AHI, CPSS, GAL 14th District (Durham) (they/them)
North Carolina
Rev. Jemm Merritt, BHSc, AHI, CPSS, GAL 14th District (Durham) is an enthusiastic healthcare professional who is certified by AMT and licensed in North Carolina. They have a bachelor’s degree in health sciences and research from Herzing University and are now pursuing a master’s degree at the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill with a focus on leadership and LGBTQIA+ health. Jemm, who has first-hand and lived experience understanding substance abuse and cultural challenges being Haitian American, adds a wealth of information and expertise to their profession. Jemm has worked extensively to support the LGBTQIA+ community throughout their career, giving all of the clinics they have been affiliated with training on LGBTQIA+ issues. Their work as a peer support specialist expert exemplifies their dedication to harm reduction and recovery, especially for Brown and Black people. Jemm is proud to represent North Carolina as a state representative and is grateful to be a valued member of the OutCare team. They work relentlessly to improve the accessibility of LGBTQIA+ providers throughout the state. Their commitment and influence has made a significant difference in many people’s lives as well as the community of LGBTQIA+ people as a whole.
Somos LGBTQ+
You’re invited to join our quarterly gatherings, creating a safe and confidential space for LGBTQ+ Latinx individuals seeking community support and resources. Each session will focus on a topic relevant to our unique lived experiences, promoting open discussions and sharing of valuable insights. While participation is encouraged, it is not mandatory, and everyone’s comfort level will be respected. Together, we’ll explore the challenges and triumphs we face at the intersection of LGBTQ+ and Latinx identities, building connections and fostering a sense of unity. Mark your calendars for our sessions held on the third Wednesday of each month as we come together, uplift one another, and celebrate our diverse journeys.
Está invitado a unirse a nuestras reuniones mensuales, creando un espacio seguro y confidencial para personas LGBTQ+ Latinx que buscan apoyo y recursos comunitarios. Cada sesión se centrará en un tema relevante para nuestras experiencias únicas vividas, promoviendo debates abiertos y compartiendo ideas valiosas. Si bien se alienta la participación, no es obligatoria y se respetará el nivel de comodidad de todos. Juntos, exploraremos los desafíos y triunfos que enfrentamos en la intersección de las identidades LGBTQ+ y Latinx, construyendo conexiones y fomentando un sentido de unidad. Marque sus calendarios para nuestras sesiones que se llevan a cabo el tercer miércoles de cada mes a medida que nos reunimos, nos animamos unos a otros y celebramos nuestros diversos viajes.
Facilitated by
Priscilla María Gutiérrez, JD (she/her)
Certified Trauma Recovery Coach
Florida | Instagram @cyclebreakercoach
Priscilla María is a Keynote Speaker, Certified Trauma Recovery Coach, and trauma survivor who empowers others to become cycle breakers. Her life purpose is to help others heal from trauma, overcome limiting beliefs, and create their ideal lives. As a sober, bisexual Latina woman with diagnosed mental illness, she shows up authentically to exemplify that recovery and healing are very possible.
Shades of Pride
Welcome to a safe and inclusive space where we gather to share stories, find support and create community. Using creativity, breathwork, guided meditations, and writing prompts, we will crack ourselves open to receive the love that is here for us. We will learn how to give ourselves more permission to live happily, joyously and freely. Join us for engaging discussions, coaching, and activities, such as Reiki, self-acceptance, empowerment, energy work, holistic modalities, and mental health. Together, we will celebrate our diverse identities, foster connections, and address the unique challenges faced at the intersection of LGBTQ+ and Black experiences. This community support group values confidentiality, respect, and the upliftment of LGBTQ+ Black voices. Join us on this transformative journey towards unity, inspiration, and an inclusive joyful future for us all. Sessions are held monthly. Hope to see you soon!
Facilitated by
Nicole “Blu” Nyle (she/her)
Professional Performing Artist, Reiki Master, Yoga Teacher, Spiritual Coach and
Author of poetry Book: TRAUMA THRIVER.
California | Instagram @rootedinpowerhealing
Blu is a born intuitive healer– Channeling the divine through Healing arts and Entertainment arts. Blu has trained with Native American chiefs, Shamans, Master Healers and many Spiritual Teachers/coaches. Blu was born in Boston and moved to New York when she signed her first record deal. Currently living in Los Angeles. She has turned her mess into her message and on a mission to help millions of people— come home to themselves and thrive. Blu is an Empowerment Expert. Her holistic company ROOTED IN POWER HEALING is helping people who are ready for transformation, heal their trauma and better deal with life. Certified in Yoga, Meditation, Breath-work, 3 times Certified Reiki Master and Spiritual Life Coach. Blu is an Energy and sound healer. Blu has been studying and practicing ancient wisdoms and channeling them into today, for 20 plus years. As an advocate for Mental Health and Addiction Recovery–Blu is dedicated to doing her part in helping heal humanity through Entertainment & Spirituality. Blu is a Tuning Fork and uplifts everyone she encounters—Building, Loving, Uniting, New, You, Limitless, Empowerment = Blu Nyle.
Call Out for Facilitators:
LGBTQ+ Identity-Focused Support Groups
Research shows that the biggest protective factor for LGBTQ+ people is SOCIAL SUPPORT. We’re looking for dedicated facilitators who can support LGBTQ+ communities with a safe, affirming space to increase resilience and reduce feelings of social isolation and invisibility. Please reach out to us if you have interested in leading groups for Asian/AAPI communities.
Get Peer Support from Peer Support Specialists
We’ve teamed up with peers.net to get you the mental health support you need and deserve – FOR FREE. Peer supporters are real people with real experiences, just like you, and have been professionally trained to help you navigate life’s challenges—whether you’re dealing with anxiety, depression, stress, trauma, ED, or other struggles. Book a confidential 1:1 session to get the support you need. OutCare referrals get 10 free sessions! Be seen, feel heard, and learn skills from someone who really gets it.
Check out the peer supporters below to find one that’s a good match. You can also click redeem free sessions to find these and other peer supporters on peers.net.
Benefits of Support Groups & Peer Support
Safe Place
A safe space allows individuals to share feelings and process experiences together. The sense of support comes from knowing you’re not alone in dealing with life’s challenges. Realizing that others empathize with your struggles brings immense relief. A group setting fosters this understanding and comfort, ensuring that everyone feels seen and understood.
Uplift Your Voice
Finding your voice is challenging, and using it can be tougher. Support groups provide a safe space to practice speaking up, even when it might feel uncomfortable. These safe environments allow unfiltered expression, reducing stress and anxiety. Learning to articulate feelings confidently empowers you to believe that your voice deserves to be heard.
Personal Growth
Support groups foster growth. Learning about yourself and others is a great way to overcome fears, set healthy relationship boundaries, practice and hone your communication skills, be exposed to new behaviors, beliefs, and thoughts that may shift your perspectives, and more.
Positive Support Systems
A place to receive support and offer support to others who may be experiencing similar challenges. Because you all tend to share similar experiences, group sessions can be very beneficial in terms of gaining insight that you may not otherwise be able to see.
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