Connecticut State Department of Children and Families

LGBT Resources (Safe Harbor Project)

About Us
The Safe Harbor Project guarantees fair and equal treatment, services and resources for LGBT youth and families.  The State of Connecticut child welfare system (DCF) is responsible for providing a safe living environment free from harassment, humiliation, abuse and neglect.  DCF understands that children who unfortunately find themselves in horrible situations, through no fault of their own, need love and attention in order to flourish and succeed in life.  In accordance with Connecticut laws and DCF's mandate, LGBT youth-in-care should never be placed in a setting where they will be subject to acts of violence or abuse, bigotry, bullying, condemnation, harassment, intolerance, indoctrination, proselytizing or prejudice.  If you are being abused, beaten, bullied, harassed or neglected because of your inherent sexuality, let us know.  The State of Connecticut and DCF has a mandate to protect you!   In keeping with Connecticut's laws, regulations and ethics, DCF actively recruits LGBT foster and adoptive parents and mentors.  DCF has been working with True Colors to ensure that all LGBT staff, providers, youth and their families receive appropriate, non-discriminatory and professional care.

You deserve a family who...

...Loves you, unconditionally
...Treats you with respect
...Doesn't abuse you, make fun of you or disown you
...Supports your gender identity and expression
...Supports your inherent sexuality
...Helps you make connections with other LGBT youth
...Stands up for you
...Allows you to be yourself
...Is proud of who you are!

If you are a youth under the age of 18, who is being abused, beaten, bullied, harassed or neglected because of your inherent sexuality, let us know.  The State of Connecticut and DCF has a mandate to protect you!   CALL 1-800-842-2288

Publications

A Guide to Living Bully Free
Answers to your questions about Sexual Orientation
Congregate Care Providers Working with LGBTQ Youth
Families Supporting an LGBTQ Child
Foster Parents Caring for LGBTQ Youth
I think I might be Bi
I think I might be Gay
I think I might be Lesbian
I think I might be Transgender
LGBTQ Youth Risk Data
Out, Safe & Respected
Read this before coming our to your parents (En Español)
Trevor Project National Survey on LGBTQ Youth Mental Health (2019)
Youth in Care - Information for LGBTQ Youth

Contact Us
Ms. Robin McHaelen, MSW
Executive Director
True Colors, Inc.
Phone: 860.232.0050 ext. 203 or toll free: 1.888.565.5551
Email: director@ourtruecolors.org

Education / School Guides
Developing LGBT-Inclusive Classroom Resources
GLSEN (Gay, Lesbian and Straight Education Network)
Guidelines for Schools on Gender Identity and Expression
LGBTQ Friendly Colleges & Universities
Local Gay Straight Alliances
Safe Schools Coalition

Colleges
Affordable Colleges online
Guide to the Most Progressive LGBTQ Graduate Degrees
LGBT Graduate Degrees
LGBTQ Friendly Colleges & Universities
LGBTQ Scholarships and Financial Aid
LGBTQ Student (Teens and College students) Resources and Support

Family Supports
Advocates for Youth
Center for the Study of Social Policy - Get R.E.A.L.
Colage (Children of Lesbian and Gays Everywhere)
Family Acceptance Project
PFLAG

General Information
211 - LGBT Resources
How does Connecticut Rate on LGBT Issues compared to other states?
Live Out Loud!
Office of the Connecticut Victim Advocate
Sexual Orientation (Inherent Sexuality) Questions and Answers
Teen Line

 
Hotlines
Gay & Lesbian National Hotline 888-843-GLNH (4564)
National Gay & Lesbian Youth Hotline 800-347-TEEN (8336)
The Trevor Helpline 886-488-7386 (Suicide Hotline)

Legal
Astraea Lesbian Foundation for Justice
American Civil Liberties Union (ACLU)
Connecticut Commission on Right and Opportunities (CHRO)
Gay and Lesbian Advocates & Defenders (GLAD)
Human Rights Campaign (HRC)
Lambda Legal
Legal Out
National Gay and Lesbian Task Force
Out and Equal (Workplace Advocates)
Transgender Rights

Policies & Laws
Connecticut's Gender Identity and Expression Non-Discrimination Laws
Connecticut's Laws - LGBT Issues and Discrimination
DCF Non-Discrimination Policy

Transgender Resources
Answers to your Questions about Transgender People, Gender Identity and Gender Expression
Are you concerned about your child's gender's behavior?
Connecticut Children's Medical Center - Gender Identity Specialists
Connecticut Outreach Society
DCF Transgender Best Practice Guide
Guidelines for Managing Information Related to the Sexual Orientation Gender Identity/Expression
New York City - Transgender and Gender non-Confirming
Responding to Transgender Victims of Sexual Assault
Transgender Law Center
World Professional Association for Transgender Health

GUPPE Clinic: CT Children’s Medical Center: Matt Malouf, Ph.D. 860.837.6220

Gender Spectrum is an organization dedicated to the education and support of families raising gender variant, gender non-conforming, gender-fluid, crossgender, and transgender children and adolescents.   www.genderspectrum.org/

PFLAG, Hartford. Meets the 3rd Wednesday of the month at 7:30 PM at Immanuel Church, 10 Woodland Street, Hartford, CT.  Includes a support network for parents of trans* youth

Translation:  A trans-youth only support/social group for youth 14 – 17; and art group for gender non- conforming children under 11;  and a parent support group.  Meets in New Haven.  Contact information:  Tony @ 203.376.8089 or by email at nhtranslation@yahoo.com

WPATH: The World Professional Association for Transgender Health (WPATH), formerly known as the (Harry Benjamin International Gender Dysphoria Association,  HBIGDA), is a professional organization devoted to the understanding and treatment of gender identity disorders.  www.wpath.org/

Youth of Color
Audre Lorde Project
FIERCE
LGBT Youth of Color
National Black Justice Coalition
Youth of Color Initiative