LGBTQ+ Essentials
Everything you need to thrive in NYC—from healthcare and housing to career resources and wellness
Healthcare & Wellness
Comprehensive LGBTQ+-affirming healthcare providers, mental health resources, and wellness services across NYC.
Callen-Lorde Community Health Center
Leading LGBTQ+ healthcare provider with comprehensive medical, dental, and mental health services.
NYC Health + Hospitals Pride Health Centers
7 Pride Health Centers across all boroughs offering culturally-sensitive LGBTQ+ healthcare services.
Mount Sinai LGBT Health Program
Comprehensive transgender and LGBTQ+ healthcare with specialized gender-affirming services.
Crisis & Mental Health Support
Immediate mental health crisis support and ongoing LGBTQ+-affirming therapy resources.
Housing & Living
Find LGBTQ+-friendly housing, roommate services, and essential living resources across NYC.
Rainbow Roommates
NYC's premier LGBTQ+ roommate matching service since 1995, covering all boroughs and surrounding areas.
Housing Works
Housing assistance for homeless New Yorkers living with HIV, including LGBTQ+ youth and transgender people.
NYC Housing Connect & Legal Aid
Official NYC affordable housing lottery system and LGBTQ+ legal housing assistance.
Legal & Rights
Free legal services, know your rights resources, and LGBTQ+ legal advocacy organizations.
Legal Aid Society LGBTQ+ Unit
Specialized legal advocacy for LGBTQ+ clients, including criminal defense, housing, and transgender rights in custody.
LGBT Bar Association NY
Free legal clinic every Tuesday, lawyer referral network, and LGBTQ+ legal community support.
NYC Commission on Human Rights
File discrimination complaints based on sexual orientation or gender identity in housing, employment, or public accommodations.
Career & Education
Professional development, career coaching, LGBTQ+ job resources, and educational opportunities.
Out Professionals
National network of LGBTQ+ professionals offering career connections, job board, and networking events.
Ali Forney Center Career Programs
Career development and job training programs for homeless and at-risk LGBTQ+ youth aged 16-24.
LGBTQ+ Job Resources
Specialized job boards and diversity-focused hiring platforms specifically for LGBTQ+ professionals.
Beauty & Fitness
LGBTQ+-friendly gyms, spas, beauty services, and wellness facilities across NYC.
Chelsea Piers Fitness
Top-rated LGBTQ+-friendly fitness complex in Chelsea with gym, spa, pool, rock climbing, and extensive group classes.
LGBTQ+-Affirming Beauty Services
Hair salons, barbershops, nail services, and beauty professionals experienced with LGBTQ+ clients and gender-affirming services.
LGBTQ+-Friendly Spas & Wellness
Curated list of welcoming spa and wellness centers offering massage, facials, and holistic services across NYC.
Community & Support
LGBTQ+ community centers, support groups, and social organizations across all five boroughs.
The LGBT Community Center
NYC's historic LGBTQ+ community hub since 1983, offering programs, events, and resources in Greenwich Village.
Brooklyn Community Pride Center
Full-service LGBTQ+ community center in Park Slope offering cultural programming, art exhibitions, and support services.
SAGE (Seniors)
Largest LGBTQ+ elder organization with NYC centers providing support, social services, and community for seniors 50+.
🚨 Emergency Action Plan
Know what to do in a crisis. Keep these numbers handy and follow these steps for immediate help.
Immediate Danger
Police, Fire, Medical Emergency
Mental Health Crisis
24/7 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline
LGBTQ+ Support
Trevor Project (Youth 25 & under)
General LGBTQ+ Help
LGBT National Hotline
Safety Tips
📱 Keep These Numbers in Your Phone
- • Emergency contacts under "ICE" (In Case of Emergency)
- • LGBTQ+ crisis hotlines
- • Your healthcare provider
- • Legal aid organizations
🏠 Create a Safety Plan
- • Identify safe places to go
- • Keep important documents accessible
- • Have emergency cash available
- • Know your legal rights
New to NYC? Start Here
Essential steps to establish yourself as an LGBTQ+ person in New York City
First Month Checklist
Legal & Documentation
- Update address with DMV, voter registration, and bank
- Research name/gender marker change process if needed
- Get NYC ID card (free for low-income residents)
Healthcare Setup
- Find LGBTQ+-affirming primary care provider
- Transfer medical records from previous providers
- Research health insurance options (NY State of Health)
Building Community
Social Connections
- Visit The LGBT Community Center in Greenwich Village
- Join LGBTQ+ meetup groups or sports leagues
- Explore gay-friendly neighborhoods and venues
Professional Life
- Connect with Out Professionals networking group
- Research workplace LGBTQ+ policies and ERGs
- Update LinkedIn with NYC location
💡 Pro Tip
Don't try to do everything at once! Focus on your immediate needs (housing, healthcare, legal docs) first, then gradually build your social and professional networks. NYC's LGBTQ+ community is incredibly welcoming—you'll find your people here.