"We exist to provide support, education and advocacy for parents, families, and friends of the LGBT+ community." "PFLAG Charleston maintains an emergency fund to provide assistance to LGBTQA people who face short-term crises and are in need of emergency funds. These funds may be used for urgent needs such as payments on rent, phone, utilities, transportation, school-related expenses, etc. Those in need may apply by contacting PFLAG at pflagcharlestonil@gmail.com.

This is a non-sectarian organization for people with or without religious backrounds. Meetings are for support, resources or a listening ear. LGBTQ+ are welcome along with allies/family members/spouses/anyone who wants to learn more. You can also arrange a one-on-one meeting with a member if you are nervous to go to a large meeting.

"[Poyser's] clinical interests include working with adults and emerging youth with substance abuse issues, dual diagnosis, mood and anxiety disorders, LGBT populations, health and wellness."

"The mission of Rainbow Cafe is to provide a safe and welcoming environment for youth who are lesbian, gay, bisexual, trans/gender expansive, queer, intersex, asexual, or questioning their orientation and/or gender identity, and their friends, by creating a space in which they are affirmed and offered non-judgmental support and access to personal, community, spiritual, and health resources."

Website states: "Rainbow Camp is a full day of fun, with water games, canoeing, fishing, horseback riding, archery, crafts, pontoon rides and more. We finish with a yummy dinner and closing circle as the sun sets over the lake." Rainbow Camp is for lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender and queer singles, couples and families. Straight allies are welcome too. "DuBois Center is a place where everyone is welcomed as a child of God. Come experience camp in the beauty of God’s creation and have a whole lot of fun."

"The Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Trans*, Queer (LGBTQ) Resource Center, a unit of The Dean of Students, serves as a centrally located, safe campus space that provides educational outreach, referral information and advocacy services, which will add to an inclusive and diverse environment for LGBTQ students, faculty, staff, families, friends, alumni, and the greater community of Southern Illinois."

For the 2018-2019 School Year: "The FHS GSA meets weekly after school. We socialize, plan events centered on acceptance and tolearnce, and create a safe zone for boths traight and LGBTQ students to be expressive or seek guidance."

"This street fair is held the 3rd Saturday of May. It is the product of many hours of hard work and meetings and it is the best festival in Central Illinois! It is a day of embracing diversity and celebrating the Central IL LGBTQ community. It is an event with something for everyone – a kids area, a large stage with live entertainment, lots of great vendors selling goods and giving out information, great food & drinks, tons of fun, and time spent with family & friends. Springfield PrideFest is organized by the Phoenix Center."

The mission of the Phoenix Center is to support Central Illinois’ LGBT Community with programming for promoting equality, health & well being, and social and educational growth.

"Your sexual or romantic orientation or gender identity may not be a source of distress. Yet people who identify as lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, queer, questioning, intersex, or any other type of non-conforming sexual or gender identity (known as LGBT, LGBTQ, or LGBTQIA, among others) may find that the social stigma of living as a sexual minority is a source of stress or anxiety. When seeking counseling, whether for issues associated with your sexual, romantic, or gender identity or for everyday concerns, finding a qualified mental health professional who has experience and familiarity with issues that confront the LGBTQ community can be critical to helping you find the solutions you're looking for. Your treatment plan will be customized with your help, and together we can work to honor your story and your journey."