LGBTQIA+ Mental Health Resources

What is LGBTQ & LGBTQIA+?

LGBTQ stands for Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Transgender, and Queer/Questioning.

LGBTQIA+ adds Intersex and Asexual/Aromantic/Agender, while the + signifies all other identities not explicitly covered.

LGBTQIA+ Local Resources

Below find a list of resources/services for support and information, regarding “Coming Out” and other Gay/Lesbian/Bisexual/ Transgendered/Queer/Questioning issues, for yourself or a friend.

LGBTQIA+ Affirming Christian Ministries:

Resource List at other Colleges/Universities

Contact an HCC Counselor

HCC Counselors are licensed professionals with master's or doctoral degrees who offer free, time-limited, short-term counseling to currently enrolled students. Students with documented disability may also qualify for accommodations at HCC.

LGBTQIA+ National Resources

  • The Trevor Project: The Trevor Project is the leading national organization providing crisis intervention and suicide prevention services to lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, queer & questioning (LGBTQ) young people under 25.

National Career/Employment Resources

  • Out and Equal Workplace Advocates: Out & Equal is the premier organization working exclusively on LGBTQ workplace equality. Through our worldwide programs, Fortune 500 partnerships and our annual Workplace Summit conference, we help LGBTQ people thrive and support organizations creating a culture of belonging for all.

Other Online Resources

  • Human Rights Campaign - The Human Rights Campaign advocates for the rights of LGBTQ+ individuals, including seniors. It provides important resources, such as the Healthcare Equality Index and the Long-Term Care Equality Index, which help seniors and their family members ensure they’re accessing safe, effective health care and long-term care services.
  • Outright Action International
  • World Professional Association for Transgender Health
  • Intersex Society of North America
  • NorthEast Two-Spirit Society
  • The Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual & Transgender Center
  • National LGBTQ Task Force - The National LGBTQ Task Force is an advocacy organization that protects the rights of LGBTQIA+ community members of all ages. Its work includes intervening in cases of discrimination in health care and long-term care facilities, as well as providing education and awareness for caregivers and family members of LGBTQIA+ seniors.
  • GLAAD - GLAAD has long been an advocate for gay, lesbian, bisexual and transgender Americans. This nonprofit organization promotes acceptance for all people and provides education for straight allies, as well as for those who are still working toward acceptance. GLAAD also provides advocacy services for LGBTQIA+ persons of all ages, offers intervention where necessary and promotes inclusivity.
  • Assistedliving.org - LGBTQIA+ Senior Housing Options
  • Trans Students Education Resources is a youth-led organization dedicated to transforming the educational environment for trans and gender non-conforming students through advocacy and empowerment.

Medical Resources

Online Resource for College Mental Health

Jed Foundation has a comprehensive, confidential, online resource center for college students, faculty, and staff regarding mental and emotional health.

Pronouns

There are three sets of commonly used gender-neutral pronouns:

sie, hir, hir, hirs, hirself
zie, zir, zir, zirs, zirself

  • So instead of he/she, you may use sie/zie pronounced "see"/'zie"
  • So instead of him/her, you may use hir/zir pronounced "here"/like "sir" with "z"
  • So instead of his/hers, you may use hirs/zirs pronounced "here's"/like "sirs" with a "z"
  • so instead of himself/herself, you may use hirself/zirself pronounced "here-self"/like "sir-self with a "z"

Reference

If the person you’re referring to is a stranger or brief acquaintance (like a server, cashier, fellow bus patron, etc), you may not need to know. If the person is a classmate, student, or coworker, for example, it is best to ask. Try:

  • “What pronouns do you use?”
  • “How would you like me to refer to you?”
  • “How would you like to be addressed?”
  • “My name is Tou and my pronouns are he and him. What about you?”

Reference

Remember that people may change their pronouns without changing their name, appearance, or gender identity. Try making pronouns an optional part of introductions or check-ins at meetings or in class.

Reference

Most people appreciate a quick apology and correction at the time of the mistake. Try:

  • “Her books are—I’m sorry, hir books are over there.”
    By correcting yourself, you’re modeling respectful pronoun use for others in the conversation.

If you only realize the mistake later, a brief apology can help. Try:

  • “I’m sorry I used the wrong pronoun earlier."
  • "I’ll be more careful next time.”

Reference

Some people may not want a lot of public attention to their pronouns, while others will appreciate you standing up for them. If someone uses the wrong pronoun for a person who isn’t present, try a brief correction:

  • “I think Sam uses she and her pronouns. And yes, I’m going to her house later too!”

It can be tough to remember pronouns at first. The best solution is to practice! Correct pronoun use is an easy step toward showing respect for people of every gender.

Reference

Check out the links below for more information regarding Gender Inclusive Pronoun usage in other languages.

Reference

Please submit a "Change of Name" form through the Admissions & Registration office.

Contact Us

HCC Cares

Director of Counseling and Ability Services

3100 Main Street , Houston, TX 77002