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Organizations
"Chosen family" is a term you hear a lot in our community. There's a reason for this: many of us--even if our families are accepting and loving--long to connect with people like us, those that understand our struggles and feelings of being different. Sometimes the need is much more dire: for safety, kindness, or basic compassion.
The organizations on this page work tirelessly to make sure everyone in our community feels safe and seen. Because of these groups--and their (mostly) volunteer crews--LGBTQ+ kids learn early to embrace their true selves, transgender people find support, and our community can come together to celebrate in Pride.
The need to connect is essential to the human experience. Even the introverts among us, need their people. No matter where you are in your life journey, these organizations can help you through challenges, find the support you need, and forge relationships that have the potential to last a lifetime.
Pride Organizations
Olympic Pride
Jefferson County
The mission of Olympic Pride is to support the LGBTQ+ community on the Olympic Peninsula through awareness, education, and community engagement. Olympic Pride has a non profit booth at the Farmers Market in uptown Port Townsend, come say hi. We will hold a Pride celebration in Port Townsend in 2022. Currently we are gathering funds and resources to open a LGBTQ+ youth center in Port Townsend.
Social Organizations
Cloud Cover Community
Clallam
Cloud Cover Community is a non-profit organization of volunteers working to support LGBTQIA+ folx and the community.
This includes information, discourse, meetings, and peer support. We do this through Community Meetings. We gather together to connect, create, and encourage community.
Based in Clallam County, Washington, we are currently holding Community Meetings in Sequim and Port Angeles. Please check our Facebook page for events.
Rainbow Club @ Boys & Girls Club of Bainbridge Island
Bainbridge Island
Rainbow Club is a dedicated youth group serving Kitsap County. Run through the Bainbridge Island Boys & Girls Club, we host meetings most Fridays here at the club throughout the school year. Youth are able to meet and build relationships with other LGBTQAI+ youth, while developing thier leadership and impacting thier community. The youth developed mission statement is. "To create a positive and safe environment for all LGBTQAI+ youth so they can educate and advocate for themselves and others."
Jefferson County Transgender Support Group
Jefferson
JCTS exists to prevent isolation and provide peer understanding for trans and gender-nonconforming individuals. We strive to empower each other, share with one another, and provide a space for us to be open and communicate on an issue that affects all members. We are a safe space for people to talk about personal issues, experiences, struggles, and thoughts.
Kitsap Transgender Community Group
Kitsap
Kitsap Transgender Community is a group of trans folk from all walks of life, and the allies that support us. We meet in Bremerton 2-3 times per month (please contact us for information), to share experiences, concerns, trials, happy moments, milestones in transition, etc.
Transfriending
Kitsap
TRANSFRIENDING is a support group for family, friends and allies of people in gender transition or exploration. This is a safe, supportive, and understanding group of parents and others who share both the joys and the challenges of their lives with the Trans people in their lives. They are very aware that Transition includes both extended family and friends, and they are happy to share their experiences. They would be happy if there were a network of similar groups across the West Sound, and look for opportunities to help make this happen. Please get in touch if you would like to start such a group! They meet in person on Bainbridge on the second Monday of each month and on Zoom on the fourth Monday of each month.
Support Organizations
Fishline Food Bank and Comprehensive Services
Kitsap
Fishline has a 55-year history of assisting households and individuals who have slipped through the holes of the community’s safety net. Our services include: food, showers, free clothing, toiletries, mental health counseling, case management, and financial assistance. Our partner agencies, located at our site, offer food stamps, Temporary Assistance for Needy Families (TANF), caregiver support, employment assistance, veterans’ needs, dental care, peer-to-peer counseling, substance abuse support, and mediation. Fishline’s case managers routinely assist survivors of domestic abuse, unhoused individuals, low-income families, and those afflicted with mental and physical health disorders.
QLaw Foundation
Washington
The QLaw Foundation of Washington promotes the dignity and respect of LGBTQ+ Washingtonians within the legal system through advocacy, education, and legal assistance. Our bi-monthly LGBTQ2S+ Legal Clinic offers a free consultation with a volunteer attorney. Attorneys determine whether the client has a legal problem, suggest possible options, and provide appropriate referrals. These attorneys will not represent you in court.
Wellness Organizations
Fishline Food Bank and Comprehensive Services
Kitsap
Fishline has a 55-year history of assisting households and individuals who have slipped through the holes of the community’s safety net. Our services include: food, showers, free clothing, toiletries, mental health counseling, case management, and financial assistance. Our partner agencies, located at our site, offer food stamps, Temporary Assistance for Needy Families (TANF), caregiver support, employment assistance, veterans’ needs, dental care, peer-to-peer counseling, substance abuse support, and mediation. Fishline’s case managers routinely assist survivors of domestic abuse, unhoused individuals, low-income families, and those afflicted with mental and physical health disorders.
Jefferson County Transgender Support
Jefferson
JCTS exists to prevent isolation and provide peer understanding for trans and gender-nonconforming individuals. We strive to empower each other, share with one another, and provide a space for us to be open and communicate on an issue that affects all members. We are a safe space for people to talk about personal issues, experiences, struggles, and thoughts.
National Alliance on Mental Illness (NAMI)- Kitsap County
Kitsap & National
The mission of NAMI Kitsap County is to improve the quality of life for individuals with severe mental illnesses and their families. We are dedicated to providing education, support and advocacy for persons with mental illnesses, their families and the wider community.
