LGBTQ+ Resources for Youth
Community, healthcare, housing, and legal support in Philadelphia
Philadelphia is one of the most LGBTQ+-affirming cities in the country, with a dedicated Gayborhood, strong legal protections, and dozens of organizations specifically serving LGBTQ+ people. This guide focuses on youth-specific resources — support, healthcare, housing, and community — because every young person deserves to be seen and supported.
Practical next steps
Know that you are not alone in Philadelphia
Philadelphia has one of the oldest and most developed LGBTQ+ communities in the country. There are dedicated organizations, spaces, and services specifically for LGBTQ+ youth. The Attic Youth Center in particular is the go-to space for LGBTQ+ youth up to age 24 — a safe, free, welcoming drop-in center.
Find your community at The Attic Youth Center
The Attic (215-545-4331, atticyouthcenter.org) is Philadelphia's only drop-in center specifically for LGBTQ+ youth ages 13–24. They offer: free drop-in space, peer support groups, mental health counseling, employment help, STI testing, HIV prevention services, and social events. Open most evenings.
Access LGBTQ+-affirming mental health support
Many LGBTQ+ youth experience elevated rates of anxiety, depression, and trauma — often related to family rejection or social stigma. The Attic provides free mental health counseling. The William Way Community Center has counseling programs. The Trevor Project provides 24/7 crisis support specifically for LGBTQ+ youth: text START to 678-678, or call 1-866-488-7386.
Know about LGBTQ+-affirming healthcare in Philadelphia
LGBTQ+-affirming primary care is available at: Mazzoni Center (215-563-0658, mazzonicenter.org) — comprehensive healthcare including trans-affirming care, PrEP, hormone therapy, and mental health. They accept Medicaid and offer sliding-scale fees. Planned Parenthood SE PA also provides trans-affirming care and gender-affirming hormone therapy.
Trans and nonbinary youth: know your rights and resources
Pennsylvania allows minors to change their name with parental consent. Gender marker changes on IDs and passports have specific processes. Mazzoni Center's legal team can advise on name and gender marker changes. The ACLU of PA has resources on trans rights in PA. Trans youth under 24 should also know about the William Way Community Center's trans-specific programming.
If you're facing family rejection: housing help exists
Family rejection is one of the main causes of LGBTQ+ youth homelessness. Covenant House PA and Valley Youth House provide LGBTQ+-affirming emergency shelter and transitional housing. The Attic can connect you with these programs. You don't have to stay in an unsafe home situation — help exists.
Know Philadelphia's LGBTQ+ legal protections
Philadelphia's Fair Practices Ordinance prohibits discrimination based on sexual orientation and gender identity in employment, housing, and public accommodations — broader than federal protections. If you've faced discrimination at school, at work, or in housing, contact the Philadelphia Commission on Human Relations (215-686-4670) or the ACLU of PA.
GALAEI and community organizations for LGBTQ+ Latine youth
GALAEI (215-989-9398, galaei.org) is Philadelphia's LGBTQ+ Latine community organization, providing social services, HIV prevention, and community space. If you're Latine and LGBTQ+, this is a particularly important resource.
Resource starting points
- The Attic Youth Center
Philadelphia's drop-in center for LGBTQ+ youth ages 13–24.
- The Trevor Project
24/7 crisis intervention for LGBTQ+ youth — call 1-866-488-7386 or text START to 678-678.
Organizations featured in this guide
- The Attic Youth Center
Philadelphia's only dedicated drop-in center for LGBTQ+ youth 13–24. Mental health, employment, community, STI testing, and more. Free.
- Mazzoni Center
LGBTQ+-affirming primary care, trans healthcare, hormone therapy, PrEP, mental health, and legal services. Accepts Medicaid.
- William Way Community Center
LGBTQ+ community hub offering counseling, trans programming, social events, and community resources.
- GALAEI
LGBTQ+ Latine organization providing social services, HIV prevention, and community space in Philadelphia.
- Valley Youth House
LGBTQ+-affirming emergency shelter and transitional housing for youth facing housing instability.
Helpful things to know
The Attic is the starting point for everything
No matter what you need — community, mental health, healthcare, housing, employment — The Attic can connect you to it. Show up. You're welcome.
Trevor Project is 24/7 — save the number now
1-866-488-7386 or text START to 678-678. For LGBTQ+ youth in crisis at any hour of the day or night.
PrEP is free or very low cost in Philadelphia
PrEP is a daily pill that prevents HIV transmission. Available free or sliding-scale through Mazzoni Center and Planned Parenthood. Ask for it by name.
Common questions
Can I access services without my parents knowing?
Yes. In Pennsylvania, minors aged 14 and older can consent to outpatient mental health treatment, STI testing and treatment, and substance use treatment without parental permission. The Attic and Mazzoni Center work with youth confidentially.
Is Philadelphia actually safe as an LGBTQ+ person?
Philadelphia is one of the most LGBTQ+-affirming cities in the country with strong legal protections and a large, established community. Like any city, hate incidents occur — but the community and legal infrastructure for protection and response are substantial.
What if I'm being bullied or discriminated against at school?
See the Your Rights in Public School guide. Schools cannot discriminate based on sexual orientation or gender identity. The ACLU of PA and Education Law Center can help if your school is not addressing it.