LGBTQIA+ Resources

Libraries are for everyone. Supporting a diverse and inclusive community is at the heart of librarianship as described by the American Library Association (ALA) and MCPL’s mission to serve Monroe County. The ALA Code of Ethics principle 9 states:

"We affirm the inherent dignity and rights of every person. We work to recognize and dismantle systemic and individual biases; to confront inequity and oppression; to enhance diversity and inclusion; and to advance racial and social justice in our libraries, communities, profession, and associations through awareness, advocacy, education, collaboration, services, and allocation of resources and spaces."

To further this aim, our MCPL staff have compiled a page of local and national resources, educational sources, and supportive information for LGBTQIA+ community members and allies. While this is not an exhaustive list, you can use it as a starting point to find support for LGBTQIA+ community members.

Additionally, if the name on your Library account does not accurately reflect your identity, please ask any staff member at any information desk, and we can update the name that displays on your account. Remember that MCPL does not share what you check out, except in certain circumstances as outlined in our confidentiality statement.

General Education

ACLU: The Indiana chapter of The American Civil Liberties Union is dedicated to providing nonpartisan protection to liberty, rights, and personal freedoms of all people.
HRC: The Human Rights Campaign fights for equal rights for LGBTQIA+ individuals across our country and around the world.
GLAAD: GLAAD is an organization that helps shape and change media culture for LGBTQIA+ acceptance.
GLSEN: GLSEN works to end discrimination and harassment in schools, and works to help people in school feel respected regardless of sexual orientation, gender identity, or gender expression.
PFLAG: PFLAG is a chapter-based organization that works for the support and education of the LGBTQIA+ community and their families.
WPATH Standards of Care: The World Professional Association for Transgender Health is dedicated to developing evidence-based medicine and strives to promote a high quality of care for transgender and gender-nonconforming individuals. The new Standards of Care document was published in September 2022.

Resources

Suicide Prevention

Indiana Suicide Prevention
This Indiana government website provides a suicide prevention resource locator.
National Suicide Prevention Lifeline (Dial 988)
This 24/7 service is available to anyone in suicidal crisis or emotional distress.
The Trevor Project
The Trevor Project provides 24/7 confidential support to LGBTQIA+ youth.

In Our Community

Wellness

HealthNet Bloomington Health Center
HealthNet’s mission is to provide healthcare, regardless of ability to pay.
HealthNet’s Homeless Initiative Program
This program helps people experience homelessness connect with wellness and health resources. They are based in Indianapolis, but sometimes come to Bloomington to provide services.
IU LGBT Health
This page highlights information and services that IU Health provides for the LGBTQ+ community.
IU Student Health Center
This health center is available for IU students only.
Middle Way House
Middle Way House provides alternatives to living with violence, and they have created resource guides for the LGBTQ+ and youth communities.
Planned Parenthood Bloomington Health Center
Planned Parenthood provides affordable in person and telehealth healthcare and sex education.

Community Groups

Bloomington LGBTIQ+ Community Center
This is a safe and sober space for all, and aims to advance and support the LGBTIQ+ community and organizations.
Bloomington PRIDE
Bloomington PRIDE serves the Bloomington and South Central Indiana LGBTQ+ community through education, advocacy, outreach, and other events.
Kaleidoscope Youth Community
This is a youth-led organization that serves members of the LGBTQ+ community ages 12–20.
LGBTQ+ Culture Center at IU
This IU center provides a safe space and helps students reach their educational goals through their resources and scholarships.

At the Library

The Library offers a diverse variety of programming events. We also have meeting rooms that various community organizations use. Check our calendar or ask a Library staff member, and we can help you find LGBTQ+ programs that might be happening.

MCPL: LGBTQIA+ Community Organizations
A list of LGBTQIA+ community organizations from the MCPL community organizations database.
MCPL: Teen Wellness Resources
Teen Wellness resources compiled by the MCPL Teen Services staff.

Other Resources

IndyPride Resource List
IndyPride has created a Central Indiana resource list that includes counseling and support groups, domestic violence and sexual assault services, support and health services, legal services, and inclusive law offices.
IU Student Legal Services
Legal services for IU students only.
Legal Name/Gender Change
Indiana Legal Help assists Hoosiers in finding accessible legal help and guidance.
Trans Formation Project
This nonprofit is dedicated to tracking and educating about legislation that affects transgender people.
ACLU Mapping Attacks on LGBTQ Rights
The ACLU is also tracking U.S. legislation regarding LGBTQIA+ rights.

eResources

Internet Archive Open Library LGBTQ Collection
Internet Archive’s free to read LGBTQIA+ library offers a large collection of works of all genres for all ages.
QZAP.org
Queer Zine Archive Project is a free to use database cataloging over a thousand zines from past and present DIY publishing and underground queer communities.
Digital Transgender Archive
The Digital Transgender Archive is an online hub that works to make transgender history more accessible.