Across North Carolina, transgender and gender-diverse individuals continue to face extraordinary challenges from limited access to affirming healthcare and housing to widespread discrimination and political attacks on their rights and identities. In the face of these challenges, a network of courageous organizations and community centers continues to provide critical lifelines of support, safety and empowerment.
These programs represent more than services. They are sanctuaries of hope, resilience and belonging for trans people who too often are told they don’t belong. Each organization listed below offers resources that trans individuals and allies can turn to for care, advocacy, community and affirmation across every region of the state.
Campaign for Southern Equality: Regional/South NC focus, NC
Campaign for Southern Equality is a regional LGBTQ+ organization with a strong focus on trans youth and trans rights in the South. They provide resources, training and direct support to trans individuals and families across North Carolina. Website: https://southernequality.org/
Carolina Transgender Society: Charlotte Metro
Provides community support for transgender persons in the Charlotte area, connecting trans individuals with services, peer support and local resources. Website: https://trans.charlotte.edu/support/community-support
Charlotte Trans Health: Charlotte
Charlotte Trans Health is a multidisciplinary collective of healthcare providers and community partners advancing health equity for trans and gender-diverse individuals. They provide affirming care, education, advocacy and financial assistance (PATH) for gender-affirming healthcare. Website: https://www.charlottetranshealth.org/
Equality North Carolina: Raleigh
Equality North Carolina is the statewide advocacy organization working to secure rights and protections for LGBTQ+ people in North Carolina (including transgender individuals). It engages in policy work, education, community power-building and resource-sharing. Website: https://equalitync.org/
LGBT Center of Raleigh: Raleigh
The LGBT Center of Raleigh offers community support including ‘Gender Inclusion’ programming for transgender, non-binary and gender-expansive adults (18+). They host peer groups, resource referrals, social activities and name/gender marker change support. Website: https://www.lgbtcenterofraleigh.com/
LGBTQ Center of Durham: Durham
The LGBTQ Center of Durham provides a variety of programs including dedicated support for transgender and gender non-conforming persons such as gender identity groups, a youth center and Project F.A.M., which prioritizes trans womxn and queer/trans BIPOC folks. Website: https://www.lgbtqcenterofdurham.org/
LGBTQ Center of the Cape Fear Coast: Wilmington (Southeastern NC)
This center offers programming, advocacy and outreach for the LGBTQ+ community across Southeastern NC. While not exclusively trans-only, it includes trans-inclusive programs and supportive resources. Website: https://lgbtqcapefear.org/
Northstar LGBT Community Center: Triad Area
Northstar LGBT Community Center offers social support, educational programming and resource referrals for LGBTQ+ individuals (including trans and nonbinary folks). Website: https://phmo.dukehealth.org/LGBTQ-NC
PFLAG (NC chapters): Various Cities in North Carolina
PFLAG offers support, education and advocacy for LGBTQ+ people and their families—including resources specifically for transgender and nonbinary youth in North Carolina. Website: https://pflag.org/resource/resources-for-nc-trans-nonbinary-youth/
Time Out Youth: Charlotte
Time Out Youth is a nonprofit serving LGBTQ+ youth (including transgender youth), offering free counseling, housing support, gender-affirming case management, leadership programs and inclusive community spaces. Website: https://timeoutyouth.org/
Trans Care Site: Statewide, NC
Trans Care Site lists support groups for transgender and gender-expansive individuals in North Carolina, including monthly meetings alternating between Greensboro and Durham, and other resources for trans children and families. Website: https://transcaresite.org/?page_id=995
Tranzmission, Inc.: Asheville
Tranzmission is a grassroots organization serving non-binary, transgender, and gender-nonconforming people in Western North Carolina. They provide education, advocacy, name-change support, clothing/closet resources, food pantry and training for schools/providers. Website: https://tranzmission.org/
Youth OUTRight: Western NC
Youth OUTRight serves LGBTQ+ youth (including transgender and non-binary youth) with drop-in services, inclusive spaces, empowerment programming and support. Website: https://www.lgbtqcenters.org/LGBTCenters/State/26/North-Carolina