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COVID-19 LGBTQ Community Resources & Support

The LGBTQ+ community is endlessly resilient, and our community’s response to the COVID-19 public health emergency is no exception. In the past week, we’ve seen our community come together in innovative ways to support one another. We at San Diego Pride work to connect community all year long, and we are adapting to our new reality of social distancing, self-isolation, and quarantine during the coronavirus pandemic. Below are LGBTQ+-specific resources and virtual spaces so we can all continue to be connected and supported during this difficult time.

If you have a resource you would like to share with the LGBTQ community, please click here to submit your information.

This list was last updated on 2/25/2021.

External Guides & Support

Government or community-created guides to resources and support available during the COVID-19 emergency, not LGBTQ+-specific.

California State Treasurer Fiona Ma’s Small Business Resource List – Learn more here.

COVID-19 Resource Guide (Stonewall Citizens Patrol)– A continually updated COVID-19 resource page to represent the inclusive communities that we patrol in the Bankers Hill, Hillcrest, University Heights, and North Park neighborhoods. Learn more here.

COVID-19 San Diego Community Resources
This document was created by people who are committed to our community’s well-being. We are an all-volunteer grassroots group operating in Kumeyaay territories. As long as it is done to help others, you are welcome to add resources or copy them. Learn more here.

NCTE: COVID-19 Resource Guide
COVID-19, also referred to as novel coronavirus, is a new virus, and there is still much to learn about the severity of this outbreak. However, we know that transgender people and their families may have a lot of questions about how they can properly face this public health threat. We want trans people and their families to stay safe—both from the virus and from any unique problems we may face with this new virus. It is important for trans people to be prepared for obstacles if an outbreak happens in their communities. NCTE urges everyone to put together a plan of action that not only takes into account basic health needs, but also your specific needs as a trans person. Learn more here.

The Recovery Village Teletherapy Program  – The Recovery Village is an organization with locations across the country, dedicated to providing treatment to those struggling with substance abuse and co-occurring mental health disorders. Learn more here.

Rehab Spot – provides extensive and reliable information on various aspects of substance abuse and rehabilitation in San Diego. Learn more here

Palm Beach Institute – People in recovery are finding it difficult to maintain sobriety with their routine uprooted. Social distancing is particularly problematic for addicts because it distances them from a key element of recovery; the support and strength gained from those around them. They have put together a guide to understanding addiction relapse during COVID-19 and tips for remaining sober. Learn more here.

COVID-19 Business Interruption Insurance Claims – Assistance with filing business interruption insurance claims and appealing denied claims. Learn more here. 

 

Corporate Partner Community Support

Support and/or resources offered by corporations, including Pride’s sponsors, for the community.

Cox Communications
Visit this page to learn about our latest efforts and news of how they are addressing key concerns related to the Coronavirus. Learn more here.

SDG&E Residential Customer Assistance – Offering bill assistance for SDG&E customers. Learn more here.

 

Creative Outlets

Opportunities for people to connect with through creative, visual, performing art. May include things group art & crafts, painting classes, sing-alongs, book clubs, poetry readings, music lessons via social media or conferencing technologies, etc.

Queering The Path
Journal Prompts to help inspire Folx to work through any anxious feelings they may be experiencing during this time. Learn more here.

San Diego Burning Man Community – Makers Space – All are welcome to join online for CoLab Online! Some classes will be live while others prerecorded. Check the Events on Facebook for a complete listing. They will release more classes weekly on Sundays at 10 am. Learn more here

San Diego Public Library: Stay-at Home Storytime Club – The Stay-In Storytime Club is a Facebook group where Youth Services staff from all over San Diego Public Library offer daily storytimes, chapter-a-day read alongs, simple crafts and singalongs. Learn more here.

Silver Squad – Diversionary welcomes LGBTQ Senior Citizens to attend our FREE ONLINE theatre class named the Silver Squad. Learn more here.

Diversionary Theatre – Diversionary is pleased to offer a variety of online programs to keep you engaged at home. Learn more here.

Entertainers/Performers/Artists

Supporting our LGBTQ+ entertainers and artists. Promotion of LGBTQ+ entertainers and artists providing virtual concerts or performances while social distancing.

Don L and Corey Live! – Learn more

Finest City Improv – Learn more

Haus of Fairfield
Haus of Fairfield is teaming up with the National Equality Action Team (NEAT) to virtually bring your local kweens and other fantastic talent from around the nation into your home for your virtual brunch, happy hour, birthdays or any other occasion! Learn more. 

Health & Wellness

LGBTQ+-specific health and wellness resources, including but not limited to: exercise, fitness, nutrition, food access, mental health, and physical health.

Center for Community Solutions (CCS) – Provides intervention and prevention services for survivors of intimate partner violence and sexual violence. Intervention services include: hotline, shelter, advocacy, and counseling. Learn more here.

Family Health Centers of San Diego  – Learn more here. 

Hillcrest Youth Center
As we are following social distancing recommendations, we can only have 1 youth in the space at a time. Emergency services count as: Grabbing snacks, toiletries, clothes and shoes, items for mental health support at home (books, art & craft supplies). Learn more here.

North County LGBTQ Resource Center
Learn more here. 

Healthy LGBTQ Relationships (an online course via Zoom) – an online course on healthy LGBTQ Relationships for middle school through college age youth. Sign up here.

Safe STAY Emergency Housing Program (youth ages 18-24)
Learn more here.

Sage – LGBTQ+ Elder Hotline
Talk and be heard at the SAGE LGBT Elder Hotline during this time of self-isolation. We connect LGBT older people who want to talk with friendly responders who are ready to listen. If you are an LGBT elder or care for one, call the free SAGE Hotline, toll-free, at 877-360-LGBT (5428). English, Spanish available 24/7, other languages available via translation. Learn more here.

San Diego LGBT Community Center
Learn more here.

South Bay Youth Center
As we are following social distancing recommendations, we can only have 1 youth in the space at a time. Emergency services count as: Grabbing snacks, toiletries, clothes and shoes, items for mental health support at home (books, art & craft supplies). Learn more here.

Sunshine Behavioral Health – Still offering treatment and support during quarantine such as Non-Profit hotlines and sources. Learn more here 

Substance Abuse & Addiction Treatment – Information on Substance Abuse & Addiction specifically for the LGBTQ+ Community. Learn more here.

Transgender Legal Defense & Education Fund
In times of crisis, transgender and non-binary people among other communities are often at higher risk of violence and discrimination. The COVID-19 pandemic presents a series of unique challenges that may have long-term impact on transgender people and their families. TLDEF has prepared Know Your Rights guide for transgender and non-binary people who are grappling with questions related to employment, housing, health care, identification, and accessing assistance from government agencies among other issues. The guide is available in both English and Español. Learn more here.  

Trans Lifeline
We know a lot of trans people are facing real challenges due to the COVID-19 pandemic. Some of us have loved ones who are already sick, or are facing traumatic medical situations of our own. Learn more here. 

UCSD Health Resources
COVID Nurse Line, UCSD Covid Updates, UC Updates. Learn more.

LGBTQ+ Online Recovery, Building Bridges not Barriers – LGBTQ+ Online recovery is a volunteer service to connect LGBTQ+ folks in recovery to online meeting resources. Learn more here.

Guide to Managing Stress and Prevent Addiction – The stress and isolation resulting from this pandemic has impacted us all, and has created a major uptick in substance use. It is our goal to help others cope without relying on drugs or alcohol. Learn more here.

American Addiction Centers –  A leading national provider for recovery and innovative care to those with addictions. Learn more about their addiction guides here and their virtual support groups here.

Alcohol Rehab Help – Alcohol Rehab Help is an informational web guide created for people struggling with alcohol use disorders (AUD) and co-occurring mental health disorders. Learn more here. 

Mental Health First Aid – An organization offering education and help on anxiety in daily life. Learn more here.

MixxedFit San Diego – Mixxedfit is a people-inspired fitness program that combines explosive dance movements with Mixxedfit is a people-inspired fitness program that combines explosive dance movements with bodyweight toning. Their mission is to bring communities together through focusing on health and fitness, and believe The LGBTQ community would love to join and bring more awareness during this health-conscious time. Learn more.

Addiction Resources – A website that put together a list of the 9 Best LGBTQ+-Friendly Drug Rehabs in the U.S. Learn more.

Family Health Centers of San Diego: Prodigy Project– The goal of the project is to engage and retain their clients in the full spectrum of HIV care, substance abuse treatment and to reduce HIV risk behaviors among HIV negative individuals and to increase viral load suppression among those who are HIV positive. Although, one of the main focus of the program is to decrease client substance use, they also assist with referrals into health insurance, PrEP, linkage to social support groups, etc. They also provide free Rapid HIV testing for those who are interested. Email Elizabeth Flores for more info and assistance at [email protected]

Legal

Free to Thrive
Free to Thrive empowers survivors of human trafficking to be free from exploitation and thrive by providing them with legal services and other support. We can assist clients with restraining orders, family law needs, clearing criminal records, and other legal needs during this crisis and beyond. Learn more here.

Tom Homann LGBT Law Association – A law association dedicated to the advancement of gay, lesbian, bisexual, and transgender issues throughout California and the nation. They are also the place for San Diego LGBT legal professionals and the community to network, build friendships and develop their careers. They are also there to connect our community to lawyers that can assist them with legal advice during these difficult times. Learn more here. 

San Diego Law Library – The coronavirus will have lasting legal implications for our society. The San Diego Law Library has created this page to help our community find credible information on legal topics impacted by this pandemic. Learn more here.

Arash Law – Offering assistance to people with family members who live in a nursing home with a COVID-19 outbreak. Learn more here.

Local LGBTQ & Allied Businesses

Supporting our LGBTQ+-owned and allied local businesses during this public health emergency will be vital to their economic survival. These small businesses are still open for business (possibly in a limited capacity).

San Diego Restaurant Week
San Diego Restaurant Week presented by the California Restaurant Association is supporting the restaurant industry & our local community by encouraging guests to continue to order great food via pick-up, drive-thru or delivery! Learn more.

Mutual Aid

Community-based, person-to-person aid for the LGBTQ+ community. May include financial assistance or task-based assistance and aid.

COVID-19 Mutual Aid Fund for LGBTQI+ BIPOC Folks
The COVID-19 pandemic has exposed the particular vulnerability of queer, transgender, non-binary and/or intersex Black, Indigenous folks and other LGBTQI+ people of color (QTIBIPOC folks). Due to our community disproportionately experiencing a lifelong arc of violence and discrimination, many of our community members are impoverished and housing unstable. Learn more here.

COVID-19 Support Group
This group provides a platform for San Diego community members to share important updates. Learn more here.

COVID-19 Trans/Queer Relief Form — This Is What Trans Looks Like
Are you out of work because of COVID-19? Do you need basic supplies? Soap? Food? Toilet Paper? OR Do you need support related to COVID-19 otherwise? We want to help! If you identify as queer/trans and CAN HELP provide funds, food or other help OR if you’re queer/trans and NEED HELP, please fill out this form…we want to connect you to each other! Learn more here.

COVID-19 Updates for Workers – Learn more here. 

Imperial Valley LGBT Center
Anyone needing counseling, an HIV test, support, updates or a referral calls the CEO directly and she will make herself available to assist. Reach out to CEO here.

Jewish Family Services – Will deliver home-delivered meals with implementation of medical/safety protocols. Learn more here.

Kitchens for Good –  opened a grab-and-go meal pick up site through the kitchen at the Jacobs Center in Southeastern San Diego. These meals will nourish kids and their families and provide needed food assistance. Hours of operation will be Monday, Wednesday, Friday, from 9am-12pm. Social distancing will be practiced and drive through options available. Kiosk is located at 404 Euclid Ave, San Diego CA 92114. Learn more here.

Mo’s Bar & Grill Protection Shirts – Help the beloved staff of Mo’s Bar & Grill by purchasing one of these “protection shirts” to promote well-being in this unprecedented time. All proceeds go directly to the Mo’s employees affected by COVID-19. Learn more here.

Spiritual & Faith

Opportunities to connect with LGBTQ-affirming faith leaders or faith communities. May include weekly live-streamed services and/or connecting one-on-one with faith leaders.

Beloved San Diego
This LGBTQ+ & mental health focused ministry recently went entirely online. They now offer a Sunday service (with a communion component), prayer groups and Yoga classes via the Zoom platform. Learn more here.

Chalice Unitarian Universalist Congregation – Provides an alternative religious voice in the San Diego North County area. This congregation is a welcoming, inclusive, liberal religious community. Learn more here.

Dignity/SD – Dignity/SD meets virtually, Monday through Saturday at 7pm to pray and check in. On Sunday, they will gather via video conference for their weekly liturgy. 

Dor Hadash Congregation – Hosting worship services online during the Covid-19 pandemic. Learn more here. 

First UMC of San Diego – Livestream worship, 9am traditional Sanctuary service. 10am contemporary, Water’s Edge Faith Community. Learn more here.

First United Methodist Church of San Diego – Every Sunday at 9am, they will be live-streaming a traditional worship service (organ and hymns) and at 10am they are live-streaming a contemporary service. Both of these services will also be available on their YouTube page. Learn more here.

Metropolitan Community Church Virtual Sunday Morning Worship – Offering a virtual Sunday morning worship service via Facebook page, live at 9 AM and then service is automatically archived for viewing any time. Learn more here.

Mission Hills United Methodist Church – Join Mission Hills United Methodist Church online for an inclusive and affirming worship service every Sunday at 10am led by openly queer Senior Pastor, Rev. Bailey Brawner. They are also providing free devotionals and content for kids throughout the week on their YouTube channel. Learn more here.

NH United – YouTube videos uploaded weekly of worship services by an open and affirming church in Normal Heights. Learn more here.

Pacific Beach United Methodist Church – Sunday morning church services on live-stream. Learn more here.

Sojourn Grace Collective – Sundays at 11am, Sojourn Grace Collective (a progressive Christian church; fully affirming/inclusive) broadcasts a livestream including high quality music, prayers/mediations, and informative/inspirational/empowering messages. Learn more here.

St. Paul’s Cathedral (Episcopal) – Worship services every day and Circles of Love – small groups of mutual support. Sunday worship at 1 pm in Spanish; other services in English. Clergy are available for online conversations. Family ministry offers daily resources for kids. Learn more here.

Trinity UMC – Streaming worship online during COVID-19 crisis. Learn more here.

Temple Emanu-El – A Reform Jewish synagogue offering streaming worships & Special events. Learn more here.

University Christian Church –  Congregation, which has been Open & Affirming for over 20 years, hopes that you will join them for our worship LiveStream on Sundays at 10:00 a.m. and Wednesdays at 6:30 p.m. on Facebook Live. Learn more here.

Virtual Sunday Worship Gathering – Join San Diego’s progressive, inclusive, Christian church for a live streamed worship gathering featuring uplifting music, an inspiring message, and a time of connection to God and each other. Learn more here.

Virtual Meetups & Social Spaces

Opportunities to meet up with groups via social media or conferencing technologies. May be general LGBTQ+ community as a whole or may be focused on a specific subset of our community. These may be informal.

Gender Spectrum
Help for Coping with Social Isolation – Staying connected and providing spaces for you to connect with others is our foundation, and has never been more important than now. Learn more here.

PFLAG
Everyday, PFLAG San Diego County offers Support, Education, and Advocacy to LGBTQ persons, their families, friends, and our straight allies, especially during this time of crisis. While all in-person meetings have been postponed, please contact your local chapter to learn about how they’re connecting virtually. Learn more here.

QTie Connections
Queer and Trans Connections list for virtual penpals and meeting new folks.  Learn more here.

TransFamily Support Services
Weekly groups online for youth and families. Please email [email protected] for online meetup times.

  • Parents/Caregivers of Trans Children (any age) – Sundays 1:00pm Pacific time
  • LGBTQ Middle School Students  – Tuesdays 6:30 pm Pacific time
  • LGBTQ High School/College Students (up to age 21) – Tuesdays 6:30 pm Pacific time

Transgender Law Center
TLC Launches Virtual Community Gatherings to Address Coronavirus Pandemic –  Using this opportunity to provide a space of solace, political education, and resource sharing. Learn more here.

Volunteer Needs

Local service organizations or nonprofits that need additional volunteer help during the COVID-19 emergency, either in-person or remote. Pride will help to call on volunteers to support.

Mama’s Kitchen
Mama’s Kitchen’s services are crucial to keeping our critically ill community members healthy and safe. We have a high need for volunteers to ensure all clients have the important nutrition they need. If you are available, healthy, and not on the list of vulnerable populations, please help us by volunteering and sharing this call to action with friends and family. Learn more here

The National Equality Action Team (NEAT) – The National Equality Action Team (NEAT) builds collaborative actions and partnerships so anyone, anywhere, can fight for LGBTQ+ Justice everywhere. If you’re looking for a way to stay involved while sheltering in place, NEAT is a great option. Learn more here.