LGBTQIA+ Guide

Counseling at CSM is free of charge, confidential, and follows a short-term model, allowing students to access eight sessions per semester. Students have the option of participating in either in-person or virtual sessions. Counseling is offered for a variety of topics, including LGBTQQIA and relationship issues.

The Hawk Pantry is a confidential service that provides free food for students. In addition to main locations at each campus, Hawk Feeder Micro-Pantries can be found in multiple buildings. CSM Libraries also have limited items (Hawk Pantry "Grab & Go").

Learn more about how to join (or create!) a club at CSM.

This page includes information about resources such as locations of gender-neutral restrooms, change of name and pronoun requests, and support services.

The DC LGBTQ+ Community Center educates, empowers, uplifts, celebrates, and connects the lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, and queer communities.

FreeState Justice envisions a Maryland where all LGBTQ+ people are free to live authentically, with safety, dignity, and respect in all communities throughout the state. This organization offers free legal services, legislative advocacy, and education and outreach programs.

This PFLAG chapter, run entirely by dedicated volunteers from St. Mary's, Charles, and Calvert counties, supports LGBTQ+ families through monthly peer-to-peer groups and social events, educates the Southern Maryland community on LGBTQ+ issues, collaborates with local institutions, and advocates for inclusive policies and practices in local government, businesses, healthcare, and educational institutions.

PCOM is the state's primary source for guidance, education, cultural competency, and services to improve quality of life, especially for youth, adults, elders, and allies of all backgrounds, ethnicities, perspectives, genders, sexualities, and cultures.

Pride SoMD is a volunteer-run organization that puts on Pride events in the Southern Maryland region, including an annual event each October.

Trans Maryland is a multi-racial, multi-gender, trans-led community power building organization dedicated to Maryland’s trans community - by trans folks, for trans folks.

A4TE was created by merging the National Center for Transgender Equality (NCTE) and the Transgender Legal Defense and Education Fund (TLDEF). This organization fights for the legal and political rights of transgender people in America.

The Bisexual Resource Center works to connect the bi+ community and help its members thrive through resources, support, and celebration.

COLAGE unites people with lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, and/or queer parents into a network of peers and supports them as they nurture and empower each other to be skilled, self-confident, and just leaders in our collective communities.

The Council for Global Equality is a coalition of prominent U.S.-based human rights and LGBTQI+ advocacy organizations that together encourage a clear U.S. voice for the human rights of LGBTQI+ communities around the world.

Equality Federation is an advocacy accelerator rooted in social justice, building power in our network of state-based lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, and queer (LGBTQ+) advocacy organizations.

Founded in 1979 at the National March on Washington for Lesbian and Gay Rights, Family Equality has spent more than four decades ensuring that everyone has the freedom to find, form, and sustain their families by advancing equality for the LGBTQ+ community, providing resources for families at all stages, and creating community through our in-person and virtual events.

Founded in 1985, GLAAD (Gay and Lesbian Alliance Against Defamation) is a non-profit organization focused on LGBTQ advocacy and cultural change. GLAAD works to ensure fair, accurate, and inclusive representation and creates national and local programs that advance LGBTQ acceptance. Serving as a storyteller, media force, resource, and advocate, GLAAD tackles tough issues and provokes dialogue so that authentic LGBTQ stories are seen, heard, and actualized. GLAAD strives to protect all that has been accomplished and helps create a world where everyone can live the life they love.

GLSEN works to ensure that LGBTQ students are able to learn and grow in a school environment free from bullying and harassment.

GSA Network is a next-generation TQ2S+ racial and gender justice organization that empowers and trains queer, trans and allied youth leaders to advocate, organize, and mobilize an intersectional movement for safer schools and healthier communities.

Working for Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual and Transgender Equal Rights. HRC envisions a world where lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender people are embraced as full members of society at home, at work and in every community.

LGBTQ+ Victory Fund works to elect pro-equality, pro-choice candidates who are out members of the LGBTQ+ community to public office. Victory Fund rigorously reviews applications from around the country and we only endorse and support candidates we know can win.

The Modern Military Association of America is a united voice for LGBTQ+ military and veteran communities. Modern Military works to uphold and expand the civil rights progress made on behalf of LGBTQ+ service members, veterans, and their families through education, advocacy, support networks, and discrimination tracking.

The National LGBTQ Task Force is dedicated to achieving freedom and justice for lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, queer people, and their families through proactive, targeted, change-inducing initiatives.

Outright International works with partners around the globe to strengthen the capacity of the LGBTIQ human rights movement, document and amplify human rights violations, and advocate for inclusion and equality.

PFLAG is the first and largest organization for lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, and queer (LGBTQ+) people, their parents and families, and allies.

The country's largest and oldest organization dedicated to improving the lives of lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender (LGBT) older adults.

SMYAL supports and empowers LGBTQ+ youth, actively working to create a world where queer and trans youth thrive through affirming programs and services designed to develop critical life skills, build community, and foster a sense of belonging.

Provides 24/7 crisis support services to LGBTQ young people. Text, chat, or call anytime to reach a trained counselor.

Staffed by volunteers who identify as part of the LGBTQIA+ family, this hotline provides free and confidential peer-support, information, and local resources.

A grassroots hotline and microgrants 501(c)(3) non-profit organization offering direct emotional and financial support to trans people in crisis. Call (877) 565-8860 for a peer support phone service.

The Lambda Legal Defense and Education Fund, Inc. (“Lambda Legal”) is a national organization working to achieve full recognition of the civil rights of lesbians, gay men, bisexuals, transgender people and everyone living with HIV, through impact litigation, education and public policy work.

NCLR is a national legal organization committed to advancing the civil and human rights of lesbian, gay, bisexual, and transgender people and their families through litigation, legislation, policy, and public education.

SRLP works to guarantee that all people are free to self-determine gender identity and expression, regardless of income or race, and without facing harassment, discrimination or violence. Programs and services include legal help, events, prisoner advisory committees.

The National Coalition for LGBTQ Health is committed to improving the health and well-being of lesbian, gay, bisexual, and transgender individuals through federal and local advocacy, education, and research. The Coalition addresses the entire LGBTQ community, including individuals of every sexual orientation, gender, gender identity, race, ethnicity, and age regardless of disability, income, education, and geography.

The Safe Zone Project is a free online resource for powerful, effective LGBTQ awareness and ally training workshops.