The following resources are provided here for the general public. We have many more resources and links available for CenterLink LGBT Community Center members. More information about joining CenterLink can be found here.
*Asterisked resources are offered directly through CenterLink. All other resources are third party organizations. CenterLink has not extensively vetted each resource listed here.
If you need law enforcement, call 911. That said, CenterLink acknowledges that the justice system often criminalizes LGBTQ people and regularly fails to keep them safe. CenterLink also acknowledges that BIPOC people, both LGBTQ and non-LGBTQ identifying, are often criminalized by the justice system and subject to systemic racial injustice. Even with major advancements in LGBTQ rights, law enforcement still regularly discriminates against the LGBTQ community. Chronic mistrust between our community and the police remains an ongoing issue. Because of these challenges, hate crimes against LGBTQ people are consistently not reported or prosecuted. It is important for law enforcement to do everything possible to promote cultural competency and ensure LGBTQ people - and ALL people - are safe, heard, and respected. Please only call 911 if you are comfortable doing so.
If you are outside the United States and looking for asylum: While we are not legal experts, we are aware that some countries do offer political asylum to those whose life and freedom are threatened due to their sexual orientation. Canada in particular is known for taking in LGBTQIA+ refugees. Here is a link to their country’s information on seeking asylum: http://www.cic.gc.ca/english/refugees/index.asp. It is our understanding that in order to apply for asylum you must either make your way to Canada (NOT by crossing the Canada-United States border), or you need to go to a Canadian embassy OUTSIDE of your home country to apply. Of course, we cannot guarantee that they will be able to offer you asylum but it makes sense to try if you wish.
There are also organizations here in the United States and elsewhere in the world that exist to help LGBTIA+ people internationally:
** For both legal and immigration matters, you may also wish to contact law schools that have legal clinics. These often offer free legal services depending on their capacity.
** For both legal and immigration matters, you may also wish to contact law schools that have legal clinics. These often offer free legal services depending on their capacity.
