Looking for a Shelter that Helps Trans Teens in RI or MA

December 12, 2016 3:50 PM

It's getting cold here in New England, and I want to donate to a shelter that specifically helps trans teens, especially given the shit that's going on at the national level.. I am having a really hard time identifying one. I'm hoping the hivemind can steer me in the right direction. I would prefer a shelter in RI or MA, but I am willing to go furtehr afield. I already know about the Ali Forney Center in NYC, but I was hoping for something closer to home.
posted by GenjiandProust to Grab Bag (11 answers total)

Best answer: The Massachusetts Transgender Political Coalition (MTPC) has a list of shelters, including those for teens, listed on their site.

You might also contact BAGLY to see if they have specific recommendations.
posted by rtha at 4:02 PM on December 12, 2016 [5 favorites]

After the Orlando shooting I went on a similar hunt of my own so I could donate somewhere useful in a state I don't have relevant contacts in.

I found the search terms "[location] youth lgbt services" useful in turning up results--to test, I did a search for Chicago where I am and found good organizations here I already knew about, so I judged that search to be fruitful.

So going by that, I'd look into Youth Pride Rhode Island and see if their services match your donation goals. They don't appear to have a shelter, but I bet if you contact them they'd be happy to tell you where they refer kids in need to.
posted by phunniemee at 4:09 PM on December 12, 2016 [1 favorite]

GLAD in Boston may also have a list.
posted by roomthreeseventeen at 4:16 PM on December 12, 2016 [1 favorite]

Definitely check out Youth Pride, and also maybe contact Thundermist. They've been working hard on helping transfolk, so they might be able to direct you somewhere.
posted by Ruki at 4:23 PM on December 12, 2016 [1 favorite]

I used to work at The Night Ministry in Chicago, and we housed a fair number of queer and trans kids (though not exclusively LGBTQ kids).
posted by cnidaria at 4:30 PM on December 12, 2016 [1 favorite]

So as not to abuse the edit button, Youth Pride and Thundermist were specifically recommended to me by a trans* friend of mine when I asked her about the best places for Kid Ruki and I to support.
posted by Ruki at 4:30 PM on December 12, 2016 [2 favorites]

Waltham House meets your specifications.
posted by reren at 4:46 PM on December 12, 2016 [1 favorite]

Youth on Fire is a drop-in center for homeless and street-involved youth in Harvard Square. Also, not a shelter, but the Sidney Borum health center in Boston serves LGBTQ youth. I've heard good things about both from young people who have used their services, as well as folks who have worked at both programs.
posted by sleepingwithcats at 5:43 PM on December 12, 2016 [1 favorite]

Seconding both the Borum center and BAGLY as having super good reputations in the trans and queer community here. Neither is a shelter, but they are absolutely who I would ask for a referral if I was looking for one for a young person (or looking for one to donate to).
posted by nebulawindphone at 6:07 PM on December 12, 2016 [2 favorites]

Best answer: My friend works for BAGLY cited above. I can put you in touch.
posted by zizzle at 6:10 PM on December 12, 2016 [1 favorite]

Response by poster: So, in case you were all wondering, I found a group in Boston who seems to fit my requirements and will be sending off a check. zizzle's friend in BAGLY was a huge help. Also, it turns out that most homeless shelters that specifically support trans teens don't always advertise it, since Federal funding often doesn't support outreach to trans people specifically because, well, transphobia, I suppose.
posted by GenjiandProust at 1:53 PM on February 3, 2017