LGBTQ+ Safety & Solidarity in Uncertain Times

An LGBTQ+ Safety & Resource Guide

At Clarity & Growth Center for Psychotherapy, we see you. We are a gay-owned, LGBTQ+ affirming practice, and we unequivocally support our LGBTQ+ clients, families, and allies—especially now.

We are living through a frightening and destabilizing time. Across the United States and globally, LGBTQ+ rights are under attack. Legislators in multiple states are actively working to roll back protections we’ve fought hard to win. Trans people are being denied access to gender-affirming care, excluded from public life, and dismissed from military service. Anti-LGBTQ+ hate crimes are rising, and many in our communities—especially Black, brown, disabled, immigrant, and trans people—are feeling the pressure of constant vigilance.

But we are not powerless.

History has shown that LGBTQ+ people are resilient, creative, courageous, and deeply connected. There is power in community, in knowledge, and in collective care.

This guide is here to help you stay safer, more resourced, and less alone. It includes mental health strategies, protest preparation tips, legal documentation suggestions, and resources for immigration and religious/spiritual support. Please share this widely—and know that you are not alone.

Mental Health & Emotional Safety

• Find a therapist who understands. LGBTQ+ affirming therapy can provide a vital space to process fear, anger, grief, and exhaustion. (Our team at Clarity & Growth is here for you.)

• Stay connected to community. Whether through mutual aid networks, LGBTQ+ centers, or group chats, connection helps us regulate and resist.

• Limit doom-scrolling. Stay informed, but notice when media intake is contributing to anxiety or despair.

• Create rituals of care. Whether it’s time in Nature, cooking, prayer, journaling, or dancing—give yourself consistent moments of grounding.

• Know that your emotions make sense. There is nothing wrong with you for feeling overwhelmed. You're responding to very real threats—and your body, heart, and mind are doing their best.

Community & Political Engagement

• Get involved with local LGBTQ+ organizations. Many are mobilizing around safety, legal defense, and political advocacy.

• Reach out to friends and allies. Build support networks before you’re in crisis.

• Volunteer or donate when you can. Mutual aid builds resilience, and you are part of that.

• Know your local officials. Call and write them. Show up. Let them know how you want to be represented.

Protest Preparedness & ICE Safety Tips

If You’re Attending a Protest:

What to bring:

• Government-issued ID (or none at all—depends on risk factors)

• Emergency contact info written on your body or paper (not just your phone)

• Medications (enough for the day)

• A mask (for safety and/or anonymity)

• Snacks and water

• Basic first aid items

• Cash (if possible)

• Know your rights card (ACLU or local orgs often have these)

What NOT to bring:

• Anything illegal or that could be misconstrued (weapons, drugs, etc.)

• Your primary phone if it has sensitive data (use a burner if needed)

• Anything identifying if you're at risk of targeting (consider dressing anonymously)

Before You Go:

• Tell someone where you’re going and when you expect to return.

• Know your rights. (See resource links below.)

• Write the number of a legal support hotline on your body.

• Make a safety plan in case you’re separated from your group.

• Consider setting up a quick-access shortcut for your legal info, emergency contacts, or know-your-rights card. Check out this helpful Instagram reel showing how to notify your significant others in case you’re detained: https://www.instagram.com/reel/DK9qi58gwUf/.

If You Are Undocumented or At Risk of ICE Targeting:

• Do not open the door unless ICE has a signed warrant. Ask them to slide it under the door.

• You have the right to remain silent. Say “I do not wish to speak without an attorney.”

• Have an emergency plan. Know who will care for children, pets, or dependents.

• Prepare a packet:

  • Copies of your immigration documents

  • Contact info for your lawyer and loved ones

  • A signed and notarized power of attorney (if needed)

• Know your local sanctuary organizations. Many provide rapid response support.

Documentation to Prepare (for Arrests or Raids)

• Emergency contact card

• Medical needs list

• Allergies or conditions

• Immigration documents (copies)

• Legal aid contact info

• Local “Know Your Rights” phone number (see link below)

Resources & Toolkits

Mental Health

• The Trevor Project – Crisis & Counseling

• National Queer and Trans Therapists of Color Network

• Clarity & Growth Center for Psychotherapy

Legal Support

• ACLU of Southern California – LGBTQ+ Rights

• Transgender Law Center

• Lambda Legal

• Immigration Equality

Immigration & ICE Safety

• United We Dream – Deportation Defense

• RAICES – Immigrant Legal Support

• ILRC “Red Cards” for ICE Raids

Spiritual & Religious Support

• Q Spirit – LGBTQ+ Spirituality

• Q Christian Fellowship

• Many Voices – Black LGBTQ+ Faith

Protest & Activism Safety

• Black and Pink: Protest Safety Toolkit

• ACLU: Know Your Rights at Protests

• Trans Lifeline: Direct Emotional and Financial Support

Final Note

This guide is meant to be a living document—check back regularly as we update it with new resources and tools. We encourage you to share it widely, link to it, and make your own copies or adaptations for your communities.

And remember: You are loved. You are not alone. You are part of a lineage of resistance, brilliance, and transformation. We are in this together—and there is still so much beauty to build.

With care and solidarity,

Clarity & Growth Center for Psychotherapy
🌈 Gay-owned. Proudly LGBTQ+ affirming.