GENERAL RESOURCES FOR TRANS, NON-BINARY & QUEER FOLKS
This is a list of resources - information, organizations and advocacy groups - I’ve compiled for clients and community members. While many are trans/non-binary specific, others apply to the entire LGBTQI+ community. Some are local (Missoula), some are state-wide (Montana) and others are national (USA). It is extensive, but by no means comprehensive. I’ve added my own notes to explain why each link is included here.
If you or a loved one is currently in crisis, please click here for crisis resources.
COMMUNITY SUPPORT
EmpowerMT (Missoula)
Offers resources on their website, and hosts a variety of groups for kids, including two LGBTQI+ groups, one for ages 9-14, and one for ages 13-19.
The Center (Missoula)
Puts on events, hosts a variety of support groups & provides resources to LGBTQ+ people. They also have an incredible amount of information and extensive lists of resources on their website.
Montana Two Spirit Society (Missoula)
Hosts an annual gathering (in August) for indigenous, two spirit people of all ages. Scholarships are available for people who want to attend but cannot afford the cost; non-Native people may attend if sponsored by a Native friend or family member.
TransFamilies (online)
Hosts online support groups for parents as well as for youth (including a group for kids under age 11), and provides links to various resources.
Camps for LGBTQI+ Kids & Adults (various states & Canada)
The creator of this page offers lists, updated yearly, of LGBTQ+ specific camps around the country. Many camps offer a sliding scale or scholarships; a few are free. This can be a really powerful experience for kids OR adults, especially if folks haven’t been in an all queer/trans space before.
(In case the link breaks, this is from a site called “The Spaces In Between.”)
Trans Youth Equality Foundation
This organization offers a variety of resources including zoom support groups, scholarships, legal information and camps (based in New England). They also offer individualized guidance to anyone via phone or Skype.
CONFERENCES
Trans Week (Provincetown, MA) - a weeklong event held every October (since 1975!) which combines social and educational activities.
Philadelphia Trans Wellness Conference (Philadelphia, PA) - four-day conference including topics related to health, legal issues, and advocacy
INFO ABOUT IDENTITY & TRANSITIONING
Transgender Teen Survival Guide
This is a Tumblr blog originally created by and directed primarily toward youth (although it could be useful for anyone). It contains a massive amount of information about identity, coming out, navigating school, transitioning, etc.
“Trans Summer School” by Scarleteen
This series of pages includes information on identity, coming out, dating and transitioning as well as guidance on handling issues like harassment and family rejection. (Note: Scarleteen offers comprehensive, inclusive information related to relationships and sex.)
This site has detailed information about the social, medical and legal aspects of transitioning, including LOTS of resources on topics ranging from houselessness to military service.
ACTIVISM & ADVOCACY
Trans Student Educational Resources (online)
This is “a youth-led organization dedicated to transforming the educational environment for trans and gender nonconforming students through advocacy and empowerment.” They provide educational resources, leadership training for youth (up to age 26), offer scholarships, and host a yearly summit.
LEGAL SUPPORT & ADVOCACY (in Employment, School, etc.)
Name & Gender Change Guidance from Montana Law Help
This is not a trans specific organization, but they do provide a guide for changing name and gender markers in Montana, in addition to other legal information. They also offer a link to apply for legal help from Montana Legal Services Association.
A4TE - Advocates for Trans Equality
This site has a tremendous amount of helpful information, including state-specific information on how to change identity documents and resources for navigating health insurance.
This site offers legal information/resources, and has a form the can be filled out to request more specific information.
MEDICAL INFORMATION
Queer Doc is an online medical clinic that provides gender affirming care. Although they cannot serve people in MT, they also provide a wealth of user-friendly information, including information on surgery scholarships for people who need them.
Gender-affirming Care Guidelines: UCSF
This website offers a comprehensive descriptions of various medical intervention (including hormone blockers for adolescents) as well as other potential health concerns for trans or nonbinary people.
Health Coverage Guide by the National Center for Transgender Equality
This guide walks you through the process of getting transition-related healthcare covered by insurance.
LOCAL HEALTHCARE RESOURCES
Gender Care Clinic at Community Children’s Hospital (Missoula)
The Gender Clinic is offered in collaboration with Dr. Juanita Hodax, a pediatric endocrinologist who visits from the Seattle Children’s Gender Clinic. It takes a team approach—including social workers and nurses—in order to help families navigate the process and consider options.
Blue Mountain Clinic (Missoula)
Blue Mountain Clinic in general presents itself as LGBTQI+ inclusive and has historically offered gender affirming care.
Dr. Stephanie Suprenant, MD, MPH at Wellspring Health and Aesthetics (Missoula)
Dr. Suprenant performs gender affirming top surgeries for trans men and women and nonbinary people,and is able to bill Medicaid for this procedure.
EDUCATORS / ADDRESSING MISINFORMATION
For my list of resources you can provide to educators/schools, as well as some articles and research addressing misinformation and common misconceptions related to gender-diverse people, click here.
CRISIS SUPPORT
Click here for my list of crisis resources.