Hope Will Never Be Silent
Resources for LGBTQ+ Advocacy & Support
Opera showcases stories that are heartwarming, humorous, and at times, hard-hitting. From issues of self-acceptance in Awakenings to themes of discrimination and hate in Harvey Milk, there are many difficult topics in this season’s shows. While our world has made strides when it comes to respecting, affirming, and valuing the LGBTQ+ community, there is still more work to be done.
At OTSL, our ultimate goal isn’t just to provide an evening of beautiful entertainment; we also hope that these 2 stories will inspire our community to acknowledge our shared humanity and to begin meaningful and important dialogues.
We recognize that some of our audience members may be all too familiar with the experiences shown on stage — please know that your voice deserves to be heard. There are many resources for support, networking, outreach, and advocacy for the LGBTQ+ community here in St. Louis and beyond. While not exhaustive, we hope this list will be instrumental in connecting those looking for resources.
National Resources
TRANS LIFELINE
Trans Lifeline offers direct emotional and financial support to trans people in crisis.
(877) 565-8860
THE TREVOR PROJECT
The Trevor Project is the world’s largest suicide prevention and crisis intervention organization for LGBTQ+ young people.
(866) 488-7386
COMMUNITY UNITED AGAINST VIOLENCE (CUAV)
CUAV supports the healing of LGBTQ+ people that have experienced violence and abuse by other people or institutions.
(415) 777-5500
IT GETS BETTER PROJECT
The It Gets Better Project inspires people across the globe to share their stories and remind the next generation of LGBTQ+ youth that hope is out there, and it will get better.
STOMP OUT BULLYING: MAKING SCHOOLS SAFE FOR THE LGBTQ COMMUNITY
Schools should be a young person’s primary center for learning, growing, and building a foundation for success in the world. High school can be challenging for any student, but LGBTQ+ youth face additional obstacles of harassment, abuse, and violence.
www.stompoutbullying.org/lgbtqbullying
GENDERS & SEXUALITIES ALLIANCE NETWORK
GSA clubs are student-run organizations that unite LGBTQ+ and allied youth to build community and organize around issues impacting them in their schools and communities.
Q CARD PROJECT
The Q Card is a simple and easy-to use communication tool designed to empower LGBTQ youth to become actively engaged in their health, and to support the people who provide their care.
Local Resources
PFLAG GREATER ST. LOUIS PFLAG
Greater St. Louis’ mission is to build on a foundation of loving families united with LGBTQ+ people and allies who support one another, and to educate ourselves and our communities to speak up as advocates until all hearts and minds respect, value and affirm LGBTQ people.
(314) 328-9432
METRO TRANS UMBRELLA GROUP
Bringing together the community of trans, gender queer, androgynous, intersex and other allies in the St. Louis metro area through community, visibility, advocacy, and education.
TRANSPARENT
TransParent is a St. Louis-based organization dedicated to advancing the perception of transgender and gender independent children through a growing parent support group, proactive outreach, and education. There are chapters in St. Louis, St. Charles, and Kansas City.
PROMO
PROMO is a statewide organization advocating for LGBT equality through legislative action, electoral politics, grassroots organizing, and community education.
(314) 862-4900
