Every LGBTQ+ young person deserves access to affirming spaces where they can find support, build community and be themselves. This guide highlights some of the organizations, community centers and PFLAG chapters serving LGBTQ+ youth and families in North and South Carolina. Whether you’re looking for a support group, mental health resources or family support, these organizations are a great place to start.
NORTH CAROLINA
Charlotte-Metro Area
The Gender Education Network is a Charlotte-area nonprofit supporting transgender and gender-diverse children, with a particular focus on children ages 12 and younger. Based in Indian Trail, the organization provides education, advocacy and resources for families, educators and communities while connecting families with affirming health care providers, mental health professionals and other community resources.
Through family education, community events and outreach, the Gender Education Network helps parents, caregivers and educators better understand and support gender-diverse children while advocating for more inclusive schools and communities.
Founded in 1991, Time Out Youth is a Charlotte-based nonprofit serving LGBTQ+ young people ages 11 to 24 across the Charlotte region. The organization provides free programs and services, including drop-in hours, support groups, leadership development, mental health support, case management and housing assistance for young people experiencing homelessness or housing instability. Time Out Youth also offers education and training for schools, families and community organizations to help create more inclusive and affirming spaces for LGBTQ+ youth.
Umbrella Inc.
Umbrella Inc., also known as Umbrella LKN, is a Lake Norman-area nonprofit serving LGBTQIA+ youth ages 13 to 18. The organization operates a confidential drop-in center where young people can connect with peers, participate in activities and access support in a welcoming environment. The location is not publicly shared to help protect the privacy and safety of participants and volunteers.
Beyond its youth programming, Umbrella LKN supports LGBTQ+ visibility throughout the Lake Norman region and is the primary local beneficiary of Huntersville Pride. Community members can support the organization through financial contributions and donations that help keep its youth center stocked and welcoming.
Email: UmbrellaLKN@gmail.com
Charlotte-Metro PFLAG chapters
PFLAG is the nation’s largest organization dedicated to supporting, educating and advocating for LGBTQ+ people, their families and allies. Local chapters offer peer support, education, community resources and opportunities to connect with others in affirming environments.
Triangle
LGBTQ+ Center of Durham Youth Center
The LGBTQ+ Center of Durham Youth Center serves LGBTQ+ youth and young adults ages 12–24 through drop-in space, educational programs, arts-based activities and community events across the Triangle. The center also partners with local middle and high schools, Gender and Sexuality Alliances (GSAs), educators and community organizations to better support LGBTQ+ youth.
The center is also home to a growing LGBTQ+ library featuring books and media for children, teens and adults, with an emphasis on queer and transgender history and the voices of people of color. A full lending library is expected to launch in fall 2026.
Youth and families interested in learning more can contact the Youth Center at youthcenter@lgbtqcenterofdurham.org.
The LGBT Center of Raleigh supports LGBTQ+ youth, young adults and families across the Triangle through youth leadership, peer support and family programming. Its Youth Coffee House provides a welcoming space for LGBTQ+ and questioning youth ages 13–18 to build friendships and connect with peers in Raleigh and Fuquay-Varina.
The center also offers TransGens, which connects parents and caregivers of transgender and gender-expansive youth with experienced families for one-on-one peer support, along with the Parents of Queer Youth Alliance (PQYA), Family Days, Drag Story Hour Triangle and monthly LGBTQ+ youth social gatherings.
Triad
Guilford Green Foundation & LGBTQ Center
The Guilford Green Foundation & LGBTQ Center supports LGBTQ+ youth across the Triad through weekly youth nights for teens ages 13–18, offering opportunities to socialize, build community and access the center’s queer library. The library includes books, movies and other media celebrating LGBTQ+ lives and experiences for readers of all ages.
The center also hosts L.E.A.R.N. (LGBTQ+ Educators and Allies Resource Network), bringing together educators, youth and community partners to share resources and strengthen support for LGBTQ+ students.
North Star LGBTQ+ Community Center
North Star LGBTQ+ Community Center serves LGBTQ+ people of all ages in the Triad. Its SAGE Youth Club provides a safe, affirming space where LGBTQIA+ middle and high school students can build friendships, connect with peers and trusted adults, and enjoy activities together. Dinner is provided at each gathering.
The center is also home to the Alice Johnson Jennings Library, one of the region’s few lending libraries devoted entirely to LGBTQ+ topics. The collection includes more than 800 books, DVDs and CDs celebrating LGBTQ+ lives and history, including dedicated sections for children, teens and young adults.
QORDS (Queer Oriented Radical Days of Summer) is a grassroots nonprofit that uses music, creativity and activism to empower LGBTQ+ youth and parents, with a special focus on young people in the South. Its signature program, QORDS Camp, is an annual summer camp where participants learn an instrument, write original songs, form bands and explore topics such as LGBTQ+ history, activism and zine-making. No previous musical experience is required.
For more than two decades, YouthSAFE has provided a welcoming space where LGBTQ+ and questioning youth in the Triad can build community, find support and develop confidence. Serving lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, queer, intersex, asexual and agender youth, the organization emphasizes peer connection, youth leadership and opportunities for young people to explore their identities in an affirming environment.
YouthSAFE offers programs for both teens and tweens, connects young people and families with LGBTQ+-affirming resources, and shares information about community events and support services. For transgender youth seeking gender-affirming healthcare, the organization also directs families to trusted resources, including the Southern Trans Emergency Project.
Triangle & Triad PFLAG chapters
SOUTH CAROLINA
Midlands
The Harriet Hancock Center is a Columbia-based nonprofit serving LGBTQ+ people across the Midlands. Its Youth OUTLOUD program provides middle and high school students with peer support, social programming and leadership opportunities in an affirming environment. Youth OUTLOUD hosts twice-monthly meetings and activities, including game nights, crafts, movie discussions, queer prom and community outings.
In addition to its youth programming, the Harriet Hancock Center maintains a statewide directory of LGBTQ+-affirming medical, mental health, legal and community resources, helping connect young people and their families with support across South Carolina.
Upstate
Gender Benders is a South Carolina-based, trans-led grassroots organization connecting transgender and gender-diverse people across the South with resources, education and community support. The organization also provides advocacy, leadership development and resource navigation while helping individuals and families access affirming health care, legal resources, name change assistance and other support services. Among its youth-focused programs is the GB Footstep Fellowship, a mentorship and leadership development program for transgender youth in Upstate South Carolina.
The Queer Wellness Center is a Greenville-based nonprofit connecting LGBTQ+ people across Upstate South Carolina with identity-affirming medical, mental health and wellness services. Founded through a partnership between 864Pride, Amaryllis Counseling and Pride Link, the center also provides peer support and connects individuals and families with affirming community resources.
Among its programs is BLOOM, which offers free group therapy for LGBTQ+ youth ages 11 to 17. The center also partners with providers to expand access to affirming medical and psychiatric care throughout the Upstate.
Uplift Outreach Center is a Spartanburg-based nonprofit serving LGBTQ+ youth and young adults ages 10 to 25 across Upstate South Carolina. Founded in 2019, Uplift is the only youth center in the Upstate exclusively dedicated to serving LGBTQ+ youth. The organization offers age-specific programming, support groups, life skills development and connections to LGBTQ+-affirming resources and services.
Upstate Pride supports LGBTQ+ people across Upstate South Carolina through education, advocacy and community engagement. While the organization does not provide youth programming directly, its Youth Resources page connects LGBTQ+ youth, families and caregivers with affirming organizations, services and programs throughout the region, including mental health, housing, basic needs, support groups and community resources. The directory features organizations such as Uplift Outreach Center, the Queer Wellness Center, Pendleton Place, Project Pronouns and PrideFest Collaborative.
Low Country
Founded in 1995, We Are Family is a North Charleston-based nonprofit and South Carolina’s oldest organization serving LGBTQ+ youth and young adults through age 24. The organization offers free programs focused on health and wellness, leadership development and community building, with an emphasis on supporting young people who are BIPOC and/or have low incomes.
Programs include mental health assistance, group therapy, peer support groups, GSA coalition support, gender-affirming gear, emergency assistance through the Trans Love Fund, family support through Rainbow Roots, and events such as Queer Prom and Queer Youth Fest.
PFLAG Chapters
To find additional chapters or learn how to start one in your community, visit PFLAG National’s chapter finder at https://pflag.org/findachapter/.
This story is brought to you by Rosedale Health and Wellness and Dudley’s Place.
