Parents & Family
First off, congratulations!
If you've found your way to this page, your child, spouse, or loved one has likely come out to you as LGBTQ+. We hope you're proud that they know themselves enough to be honest with you about who they are.
With that said, if you've just found out about your loved one's sexual orientation or gender identity, we recognize it's a shift. You probably have a lot of feelings. You might be scared for their future or having to adjust the definition of your relationship. You might be worried about how you interact or show your support, especially if you've had little to no exposure to the LGBTQ+ community.
And this is all okay! No one expects you to be perfect, but this person you care enough about to be here right now--whether they're a child, teenager, or adult--needs you more than ever. It's your job now to love and support, while learning and growing from this experience.
Connecting with other people who have been where you are can help you to process your feelings. Through the listings below, you'll find the groups and organizations that can help you do just that.
You've probably heard the phrase "Love Is Love". It's more than just a great catchphrase relating to romantic love; it's about loving people for who they are and when they need it the most.
Organizations
Aubrey Lough - Creating Growth Counseling
Kitsap
I am a mental health and substance use disorder professional providing individual, couple, and family therapy to clients throughout Washington State via telehealth. I am a strong advocate and ally for the LGBTQIA2S+ and poly/kink communities. I specialize in supporting clients struggling with their own or a loved one’s self-harm, suicidal ideation, and/or substance use, as well as helping couples and families to interrupt and transform ineffective communication patterns. I focus on removing shame and finding empowerment through strengths-based communication and developing effective coping skills.
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.
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.
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.
Bainbridge Psychotherapy Guild
Kitsap
A non-profit association of psychotherapists practicing on Bainbridge Island. Their mission is to promote dialogue among psychotherapists working on Bainbridge and to serve as liaison between the community of psychotherapists with the local community. Includes a search engine and a dedicated Gay & Lesbian page.