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Family &
Parent Groups
At times, it can be essential simply to know that others are going through something similar to you. The “Community” section is dedicated to supportive groups and networks where you can find others who may be dealing with the same or similar realities. This page displays groups specifically dedicated to providing support for the loved ones of Trans+ individuals.
Highlighted businesses: Trans-owned= 🏳️⚧️, BlPOC-owned=✊🏾
Description:
Families need support to navigate the complicated journey towards accepting and affirming their child’s identity. They need support as cisgender, straight people learning about LGBTQIA+ identity. We provide that through our monthly support groups for parents and family members at any stage of acceptance, creating a safe space where they can ask questions, express grief, anger and confusion without fear of shaming.
When:
2nd Tuesday every month, 8 P.M. CST
Where:
Virtual
Attendees:
south asian families with LGBTQ+ children
Contact:
Website:
Description:
A group for family members of trans-identified folx looking to find support and community.
When:
Every 2nd & 3rd Wednesday, 7:00-8:30pm
Where:
Online
Attendees:
family members of trans-identified folx
Contact:
Lorilei Baker (she/her/hers) lorilei@inclusiveinsight.net
Website:
Description:
This support group for all members of families with gender diverse kids generally meets monthly in Oak Park. Format is informal conversations and connection.
When:
For details about meetings, contact familysupport@unitytemple.org
Where:
For details about location, contact familysupport@unitytemple.org
Attendees:
Gender diverse kids & their families
Contact:
familysupport@unitytemple.org
Website:
Description:
The PFLAG Connects: Gender Spectrum Parents National Support Group is a monthly virtual meeting open to parents and caregivers of gender diverse persons of all ages. Each meeting will be led by skilled facilitators who support families raising gender-diverse youth, and who will guide attendees in receiving support, giving support, and finding resources to help their loved ones, families, and communities. You can join occasionally or regularly. You can participate by phone, chat or online video.
When:
third Monday of the month at 8pm ET / 5pm PT
Where:
virtual
Attendees:
parents and caregivers of gender diverse persons of all ages
Contact:
email: vvizcarrondovelez@pflag.org
alternate email: info@genderspectrum.org
Website:
Description:
This group runs in tandem with the Teen Group, which takes place on a separate floor. Teen Group was created to offer a brave space for tgnc youth between the ages of 13 to 18 years old to find a sense of community while participating in structured programming.
Participation in Guardian Group is optional but strongly encouraged
When:
Every 3rd Tuesday of the month, 6:00pm-8:00pm
Where:
Luries childrens hospital
Attendees:
parents of youth who are 13+
Contact:
Logan Pierce, lmpierce@luriechildrens.org
Website:
Description:
n/a
When:
Second Thursday of each month, 7pm-9pm
Where:
Currently via Zoom, however when in-person is is at The Center on Halsted, 3656 N Halsted St, Chicago, IL. Email below for zoom invite.
Attendees:
Parents and families of trans folks
Contact:
Email Franceyo101@gmail.com or Peterschristine3@gmail.com for zoom information
Website:
Description:
N/a
When:
Fourth Monday of every month, 7-9 pm
Where:
MEETINGS ARE CONDUCTED ONLINE OVER ZOOM UNTIL FURTHER NOTICE
Tree of Life Unitarian Church, 5603 W. Bull Valley Rd.
Attendees:
Parents and families of trans folks
Contact:
Email opendoors@pflagillinois.org for Zoom info
Website:
Description:
Typically at a meeting you can expect to hear introductions from other PFLAG members, hear a speaker about LGBT topics, then a break, then the members break up into support groups where members talk about their experiences of having an LGBT loved one or being LGBT. they strive to make these meetings as welcoming as possible.
When:
depends on location
Where:
Multiple locations across Chicagoland, Northern Illinois, and Illinois.
Attendees:
Parents
Families
Contact:
Website:
Description:
Pride Initiative is a twice weekly support group for members of the LGBTQIA+ community and their families. It is free of charge, open to all, completely anonymous, and positively affirming. Group consists of uplifting and supportive discussions and activities that center around the lives and well-being of LGBTQIA+ individuals and their families.
When:
Tuesdays 6pm (Zoom) OR Thursdays 7:30 (hybraid)
Where:
Zoom OR 250 N. Main St., Crown Point, IN, 46307 (in-person)
Attendees:
LGBTQ+ folx of all ages
Contact:
Website:
Description:
PSI’s Queer & Trans Parent Support Group is FREE and open to all members of the LGBTQIA+ community who are expecting, adopting, and/or parenting from pregnancy to four years postpartum. This group is intended for gestational, non-gestational and foster or adoptive parents. This group is open to all parents from pregnancy to four years postpartum who are part of the LGBTQIA+ community. The group leaders are peer facilitators who are also part of the queer and trans community. You are not alone, and we welcome you to our group space.
When:
Every Wednesday, 2:30PM (EST)
Where:
Virtual
The session will take place via Zoom (from the ShareWell website), so make sure your device is compatible with the Zoom app.
Attendees:
Open to all members of the LGBTQIA+ community who are expecting, adopting, and/or parenting from pregnancy to four years postpartum.
Contact/Website:
Description:
Proud Parents is tailored to Black LGBTQ+ people who are raising children. Join this family-friendly space for resources, support, and the chance to befriend other colorful families with similar interests.Childcare provided.
When:
2nd Friday of the month, 7:00-9:00 pm CST
Where:
2850 S Wabash Ave, Ste 108 - Affinity
Attendees:
LGBTQI individuals who are raising children.
Contact:
Website:
Description:
As new laws and policies across the U.S. make it harder for trans and nonbinary people to live safely and openly, parents are facing more challenges than ever in supporting their trans and non binary children.
Having support and a community around you during these times when it feels the world is against your family can be a powerful tool for parents.
This group aims to provide a safe, welcoming space to share experiences, learn, and share with others who understand what you are experiencing
facilitated by Jori Brick, LSW at Augestyn Family Services
$20 per person but we have sliding scale and scholarship spots available for BIPOC folks, Trans folks, folks with a disability and folks with limited economic resources.
When:
Fridays at 12:00pm
Where:
Virtual
Attendees:
Support group for parents of trans kids
Contact:
Website:
Description:
Join us online or by telephone for virtual support, conversation, to deepen learning and to make connections with others
When:
For parents of adult-age kids: every 1st Tuesday from 4-6pm
For parents of middle school age kids: every 2nd Sunday from 6-8pm
For parents of high school age kids and young adults: every 3rd Sunday from 3-5pm
For dads: every 3rd Sunday from 3-5pm
Where:
Zoom
Attendees:
parents of trans children
Contact/Website:
Description:
Find connection, support, and organized resources for families who are experiencing a range of emotions. Attend a monthly support meeting to help gain skills to navigate the journey so that they may better respond to your child’s needs.
When:
Every Monday, 6:30-8:00pm
Where:
The Pheonix Center, 109 E Lawrence Ave, Springfield, IL 62704
Attendees:
Parental figures raising transgender and/or GNC kids
(note: daycare provided from kids 4-12)
Contact:
contact Gail at springfield.il@transparentusa.org.
Website:
Description:
The group communicates through an email ListServ allowing all members to communicate and respond after they are screened.
Note: messages sent through the ListServ reveal the sender’s email address so if you want to remain anonymous, you should create an alternate email!
When/Where:
whenever and online
Attendees:
Parents
Family members
Contact:
Send an email to Carol Nestor at info@imatyfa.org to schedule a phone interview!
Description:
For parents and families of LGBTQIA+ youth, adults, and any/all LGBTQIA+ families. Friendly chatting, warm support, and plenty of resources to learn from all in one accessible location.
When:
Third Monday of every month, 6-8pm
Where:
Giant City Plaza on 1320 S Giant City Road, Suite F (left side of building, look for colored lights on last door)
Please note that 911 implemented a new address system last year, they were 8609 Giant City Road, Suite F (these address may or may not work on some GPS systems)
Attendees:
Parents and Families of LGBTQ+ folks of youth and young adults
(limited capacity due to COVID)
Contact:
Website:
Description
The UParent group meet the 2nd and 4th Monday of the month at 7pm and is for parents, guardians, and other caregivers to discuss the challenges and nuances of raising a child who identifies as LGBTQ+, as well as for LGBTQ+ parents, guardians, and caregivers.
When:
Second and fourth Monday of every month, 7-8 pm
Where:
Currently Virtual
Uniting Pride of Champaign County, 1001 S. Wright St., Champaign, IL 61820
Attendees:
Parents of LGBTQ+ and gender diverse children of all ages
Contact:
Website:
Description:
Thrive is open to adult parent and caregivers (we welcome foster parents, guardians, and full-time caregivers) of LGBTQ+ teens and young adults. Grandparents and other relatives have a different role with our kids. We are happy to offer other resources such as PFLAG for extended family members.
When:
Every 2nd and 4th Wednesday, 7:00 - 8:00 pm
Where:
Zoom
COH in Naperville
Attendees:
open to parents/caregivers who are actively supporting LGBTQ+ teens
(most parents who attend have trans teens!)
Contact:
Website:
DISCLAIMER: The List does not represent or endorse any of the services or service providers listed herein. This list is provided for information only as to available resources and is not intended to reflect affiliation with or support of these service providers. The details of resources are subject to change and could be out of date on this website. See the resources contact or website for current details.
