LGBTQ+ Resources
Our team has created an extensive resource hub for our LGBTQ+ users. Use the menu bar to the right to navigate.
If you'd like to add a resource to this hub please email info@unmute.today
Gender Identity/Transitioning
Trevor Project LGBTQ+ Youth Coming Out Handbook
A downloadable PDF guiding through the different
aspects of discovering sexual/gender identity and
the process of opening up to loved ones. Discusses
the different forms of sexuality, gender identity
and expression.
Sexual Identity/Coming Out
Trevor Project LGBTQ+ Youth Coming Out Handbook
A downloadable PDF guiding through the different aspects of discovering sexual/gender identity and the process of opening up to loved ones. Discusses the different forms of sexuality, gender identity and expression.
Alternative Sexualities/Kink
Best Practices for Consent to Kink
A PDF one-pager that lists 10 guidelines for engaging in safe and consensual kink/BDSM practices, both before and during a session.
A PDF booklet that goes extensively into safer BDSM and sex concepts. Includes definitions of regularly used terminology, legal considerations, how to begin a BDSM relationship, consent discussions, STI/STD prevention tips, and more.
Queer/Expansive Relationships
Best Practices for Non-Monogamy
A PDF one-pager that lists 13 steps on how to address and navigate consensual non-monogamous relationships.
Queer Child/Family Member
Trevor Project Guide to Being an Ally for Transgender/Nonbinary Youth
Downloadable PDF guide on how to be a better ally for trans and nonbinary youth. Including topics on differences between sex and gender, basics of gender, how to respectfully address someone based on honorifics, pronouns and name, and how to healthily address when mistakes are made.
Discrimination/IPV/Trauma
An online pamphlet on addressing trauma by the National Coalition for Sexual Freedom. Topics include: short term reactions, self compassion and recovery, PTSD, trauma bonds, how to be supportive, and how to verbally address trauma.
Support Groups
Unmute's SPILL: Sex Positive, Intersectional and LGBTQ+ Life Peer Support Group
SPILL meetings are made up of members of a SPILL community: LGBTQ+ folks, polyamorous individuals/couples/polycules, sex workers, kinksters, and others. Each meeting has a peer facilitator, who helps guide meetings and foster a safe space for mutual sharing and connection. SPILL meets every Thursday from 7-8pm ET/4-5 pm PT.
An online community and discussion center for 13-24 year olds who identify as LGBTQ+ or are exploring their identity. Joining is free and the network is highly moderated to ensure safety and privacy are maintained for all participants.
The Network/La Red Telephone Support Group (English/Spanish)
A 24/7 toll free hotline for LGBTQ+ survivors of intimate partner violence and abuse. English and Spanish-speaking operators are available, as well as specific groups for helping people in QTBIPOC communities.
A Boston-based support group for trans men and transmasc individuals of all ages. Meets monthly on the first Thursday, and is free to attend. Meetings are currently help on Zoom but with the expectation that attendees would be able to come into Boston once in-person meetings resume.
TRANSCEND - Gender Expansive Teen Therapy Group
Weekly online therapy group via Zoom for trans and gender non-conforming youth. The group environment is intended to ask questions, discuss navigating gender identity, and sharing personal experiences. The community is intended to connect you with fellow peers. Each meeting may have activities, discussions, and overall checking in. The group is a cost of $75. Sessions take place Monday evenings.
Greater Boston PFLAG Family and Friends Groups
A series of free regional meetups for parents, caregivers, family members, and friends of LGBTQ+ individuals. Topics revolve around understanding the LGTBQ+ identity and having a non-judgmental place to work on personal feelings and learn how to best support each other.
Virtual Adult Support Groups (MA/ME/NH) - Merrimack River Wellness
From Merrimack: “Focused on community, learning and finding your own path, regardless of transition status or presentation.”
Meetups/Events
A ballroom and other pairs dance studio focused on classes for people in the LGBTQ+ community. Emphasizes the importance of an inclusive space that deviates from heteronormative and cisnormative ideas of what dance pairings should look like.
A Meetup and support group for people who identify along the asexuality spectrum. Events included social hours, book clubs, field trips, and more.
A volunteer organization for LGBTQ+ individuals who would like to participate in community service events, as well as social gatherings in the area.
Similar to Bumble, this app goes beyond just a dating site and also includes casual and platonic meetup opportunities with new friends. Available only to LGBTQ+ people, with active monitoring for abuse and safety reporting.
Boston Resource Center LGBTQ+ Group
Wednesday morning Zoom meeting for LGBTQ+ individuals and allies to meet both socially and to discuss topics around identity and sexuality. The BRC also offers a number of free weekly groups for different mental health and general wellness topics.
Podcasts
Queer Sex Ed (Pleasure is a Basic Human Right)
Podcast focused on raising awareness of queer sex education and sharing experiences from individuals in the community.
Podcast dedicated to discussing topics of gender identity and answering questions about self-discovery, gender, sexuality, and intersectional topics.
Non-profit based podcast dedicated to sharing LGBTQ+ history from the perspective of individuals who lived through it. A followup to the book of the same name.
Hosted by Cameron Esposito, this podcast discusses stories about social justice, identity, sexuality, and changing cultural perspectives on gender.
Books
All About S.E.X. - Adult Sexuality and Relationships Guide: https://www.scarleteen.com/article/read/all_about_s_e_x_the_scarleteen_book
From Scarleteen: S.E.X. is the popular, in-depth, progressive and inclusive teen and young adult sexuality and relationships guide by Scarleteen founder Heather Corinna (2007 & 2016, DaCapo Press/Perseus Books). And there's a shiny new edition just out now!
Zami: A New Spelling of my Name by Audre Lorde
From Barnes and Noble: “ZAMI is a fast-moving chronicle. From the author’s vivid childhood memories in Harlem to her coming of age in the late 1950s, the nature of Audre Lorde’s work is cyclical. It especially relates the linkage of women who have shaped her . . . Lorde brings into play her craft of lush description and characterization. It keeps unfolding page after page.”—Off Our Backs
Tomorrow Will Be Different by Sarah McBride
From Barnes and Noble: Informative, heartbreaking, and profoundly empowering, Tomorrow Will Be Different is McBride’s story of love and loss and a powerful entry point into the LGBTQ community’s battle for equal rights and what it means to be openly transgender. From issues like bathroom access to health care to gender in America, McBride weaves the important political and cultural milestones into a personal journey that will open hearts and change minds.
Yes, You Are Trans Enough by Mia Violet
From Barnes and Noble: This is the deeply personal and witty account of growing up as the kid who never fitted in. Transgender blogger Mia Violet reflects on her life and how at 26 she came to finally realise she was 'trans enough' to be transgender, after years of knowing she was different but without the language to understand why.
A Universe of Wishes by Dhonielle Clayton (Editor)
From Barnes and Noble: From the organization We Need Diverse Books and Dhonielle Clayton, the co-author of Blackout, comes a fantasy collection of short stories from a list of diverse, award-winning, and bestselling authors. This critically acclaimed young adult anthology welcomes every voice to lead, empower, and take command of their universe.
Intended for adults. From Barnes and Noble: Rigo is a young woman of her time: specifically, the time just after the collapse of Earth. […] In between work shifts at the station air farm, Rigo explores her own desires, developing openly polyamorous relationships with her friends and crewmates. When she starts to feel one of those relationships change, however, Rigo must balance her new feelings with the stability of her other relationships, as well as the hard-earned camaraderie of a small crew floating in the vastness of space.
The Prince and the Dressmaker by Jen Wang
Intended for all ages. From Barnes and Noble: Prince Sebastian is looking for a bride—or rather, his parents are looking for one for him. Sebastian is too busy hiding his secret life from everyone. At night he puts on daring dresses and takes Paris by storm as the fabulous Lady Crystallia—the hottest fashion icon in the world capital of fashion! Sebastian’s secret weapon (and best friend) is the brilliant dressmaker Frances—one of only two people who know the truth: sometimes this boy wears dresses.
Lumberjanes by Noelle Stevenson, et al.
Intended for all ages.
From Barnes and Noble: Five best friends spending the summer at Lumberjane scout camp...defeating yetis, three-eyed wolves, and giant falcons...what’s not to love?! [...] LUMBERJANES is one of those punk rock, love-everything-about-it stories that appeals to fans of basically all excellent things.
TV Shows/Movies
Schitt’s Creek
Available on Netflix. TV-MA
Award-winning comedy about a formerly wealthy family dumped in the middle of a backwater town that they technically own. Features some excellent representation of and dialogue about LGBTQ+ sexualities, including a main plotline around David, the family’s pansexual son.
Avatar
The Legend of Korra: Available on Netflix. TV Y-7.
The sequel to Avatar: The Last Airbender, this arc follows the new Avatar, Korra, as she learns how to master her elemental powers in an increasingly technological world. The show features two canonically bisexual characters, and also discusses topics around living with a society hostile to your identity.
Pose
Available on Netflix. TV-MA.
A drama set in the 1980’s and 90’s, following New York City’s LGTBQ+ ballroom scene. Focused mainly on the BIPOC and Latine dancers competing in drag dance competitions, while taking on issues such as homophobia/transphobia, race and gender intersectionality, and the impact of HIV/AIDS.
One Day at a Time
Available on Netflix. TV-PG.
The revamp of the 1975 show of the same name, this new imagining focuses on a Latina mother raising her children with the help of her mother. Includes a main character who comes out as a lesbian early in the show, and the impacts of that on her family and life.
Steven Universe
Available on Hulu. TV-PG.
The groundbreaking series from Rebecca Sugar, which follows the titular Steven as he uncovers the secrets of his family and unlocks the power of the Crystal Gems. Features a wide array of diverse genders and sexualities, and discusses issues of relationship safety, honesty, and authenticity in a way that children can understand.
But I’m a Cheerleader
Rated R. From IMDb: A naive teenager is sent to rehab camp when her straitlaced parents and friends suspect her of being a lesbian.
Moonlight
Rated R. From IMDb: A young African-American man grapples with his identity and sexuality while experiencing the everyday struggles of childhood, adolescence, and burgeoning adulthood.
Rafiki
Available on SHOWTIME. Unrated.
From IMDb: "Good Kenyan girls become good Kenyan wives," but Kena and Ziki long for something more. When love blossoms between them, the two girls will be forced to choose between happiness and safety.
Social Supports
Legal Advice/Knowing Your Rights ID Please! Federal Document Quick Guide
PDF guide on how to apply for federal document updates such as social security cards and passports when changing your documented name and gender.
Glad Answers Overview of Legal Issues
PDF guide that details Massachusetts laws regarding anti-discrimination at home, in the workplace, in public, and at school. Also includes resources for filing a discrimination complaint.
PDF answering common questions regarding the definition of sexual assault, particularly in kink or BDSM relationships. Discusses consent, boundaries, and grey areas.
Written interview with Renée Yoxon, a gender-affirming vocal coach, on what voice training can look like for trans individuals. Also includes links to Renée’s website, where they offer classes and vocal coaching.
Community Research Initiative:
Drug assistance for HIV/AIDS treatment, PreP, and insurance: From CRI: IDDAP is administered by Community Research Initiative and is among the nation’s most complete drug assistance programs for people living with HIV and other infectious diseases. It plays a crucial role in providing resources to a diverse population that may otherwise lack access to medications and/or health insurance. More than half of IDDAP enrollees are from communities of color, and approximately three-quarters of IDDAP clients have incomes of less than 200 percent of the federal poverty level ($25,760).
Writing a Letter for Hormone Therapy
Online template for both mental healthcare providers and trans individuals seeking to undergo hormone or other gender-affirmation medical therapies. Can be used to confirm medical necessity to insurance companies.
Financial/Daily Life Support
Transitional and Emergency Housing placement for LGTBQ+ individuals living with family or intimate partner abuse. Includes hotline number to reach for immediate assistance.
Health Navigation and Life Coaching From Fenway Health
Overview and contact page for reaching out to peer support mentors who can assist with quality of life and social support navigation.