For many in the LGBTQ+ community, finding a safe and supportive space to express themselves, seek advice, or connect with like-minded individuals is essential. Whether you're looking for guidance, social interaction, or a place to share your experiences, LGBTQ+ forums provide a valuable resource. These online platforms create inclusive spaces where people can discuss identity, relationships, mental health, activism, and more.
Here are 10 of the best LGBTQ+ forums that offer community, support, and connection.
1. Empty Closets
Empty Closets is a supportive online community for LGBTQ+ people of all ages who are either still in the closet or coming out. The forum is designed to provide a safe and judgment-free space to discuss the struggles of coming out, seeking advice from others who have gone through similar experiences. From relationship advice to dealing with family issues, Empty Closets helps users explore their identity in a warm, welcoming environment.
Highlights:
- Strong focus on providing advice for people coming out.
- Includes resources for both LGBTQ+ youth and adults.
- Users can remain anonymous, offering added privacy and comfort.
2. Reddit's r/lgbt
Reddit’s r/lgbt is one of the most active and broad LGBTQ+ forums, boasting a large global community. With a variety of discussion threads, members can explore topics such as relationships, LGBTQ+ rights, gender identity, and mental health. The forum fosters engagement on social issues and provides a space for individuals to share their personal journeys.
Highlights:
- Huge, diverse global audience.
- Covers a broad range of LGBTQ+ topics, including personal and political discussions.
- Regular updates on news and activism.
3. AVEN (Asexuality Visibility and Education Network)
AVEN is a forum dedicated to the asexual community, offering resources and a space for individuals to connect. Whether you're asexual, questioning, or simply want to learn more, AVEN provides an extensive range of forums for discussions on relationships, coming out, and navigating life as an asexual person.
Highlights:
- Focuses specifically on the asexual community.
- Educational resources on asexuality for both asexual and allosexual (non-asexual) people.
- Active discussions on romantic relationships, platonic intimacy, and visibility.
4. Susan's Place Transgender Forums
Susan's Place is a well-known forum for transgender individuals and their allies. It provides support for trans men, trans women, and non-binary people. This forum covers a wide variety of topics, including gender transitioning, hormone therapy, mental health, and legal matters. Susan's Place is an excellent resource for those seeking advice and community during their transition.
Highlights:
- Comprehensive resources for trans and non-binary people.
- Discusses medical transitioning, including surgery and hormone therapy.
- Legal advice on issues like name changes and gender markers.
5. Queer Hub - LGBTQ+ Forum
Queer Hub is an inclusive online platform designed for the LGBTQ+ community to connect, share experiences, and seek support. The forum provides a safe space where users can discuss various topics such as gender identity, sexuality, relationships, mental health, and more. It's open to all LGBTQ+ individuals and allies, promoting a respectful and diverse environment for meaningful conversations. Members can join different discussions, share personal stories, and seek advice from a supportive global community.
Highlights:
Queer Hub stands out for its user-friendly design, welcoming atmosphere, and focus on fostering genuine connections. Whether you're looking for advice, resources, or a space to simply be yourself, Queer Hub provides a supportive platform for LGBTQ+ individuals to thrive.
6. LGBT Hero Forum
LGBT Hero Forum is a dedicated online space focused on improving the health, well-being, and support of LGBTQ+ individuals. The forum allows members of the community to discuss personal challenges, mental health, relationships, and identity in a safe, moderated environment. With a strong emphasis on providing support, LGBT Hero Forum is designed to be a place where users can seek advice, share experiences, and connect with others facing similar challenges.
Highlights:
The forum is part of the broader LGBT Hero initiative, which offers resources aimed at empowering LGBTQ+ individuals to lead healthy, confident lives. The forum stands out for its mental health focus, providing a supportive network for those seeking help with personal struggles and emotional well-being.
7. Q Chat Space Forum
Q Chat Space is an online community specifically designed for LGBTQ+ teens, providing a safe and moderated space where young people can connect and discuss a range of topics in real-time, facilitated by experienced moderators. The forum hosts scheduled chat sessions on subjects like identity, mental health, relationships, and activism. It aims to offer teens a supportive environment where they can explore their questions, seek advice, and build friendships with peers from the LGBTQ+ community.
Highlights:
Q Chat Space stands out for its focus on teens, with live, moderated chat sessions to ensure a secure environment for young LGBTQ+ members. It’s a unique resource providing real-time peer support and engagement on topics important to LGBTQ+ youth.
8. LGBTQ+ Chat on The Trevor Project
The Trevor Project’s LGBTQ+ Chat is a moderated online forum for young LGBTQ+ individuals. It provides a safe space for youth aged 13-24 to discuss issues such as mental health, relationships, and identity in a non-judgmental environment. As a part of the larger Trevor Project mission to prevent LGBTQ+ youth suicide, the forum also includes professional support for those in crisis.
Highlights:
- Geared towards LGBTQ+ youth aged 13-24.
- Moderated for safety and privacy, ensuring a supportive environment.
- Part of the Trevor Project, a leading organization in LGBTQ+ youth suicide prevention.
9. TransPulse Forums
TransPulse is a forum dedicated to supporting transgender individuals and their loved ones. It provides advice on transitioning, medical care, and mental health while fostering a strong community for transgender people at all stages of their journey. TransPulse also includes forums for allies, where friends and family members of trans individuals can seek advice and support.
Highlights:
- Covers a wide array of topics including transitioning, medical care, and mental health.
- Dedicated spaces for allies of transgender individuals.
- Peer-to-peer support with a focus on education and empowerment.
10. Gay Authors Forum
Gay Authors is a forum for LGBTQ+ writers and readers, creating a supportive space where community members can share their stories and engage in discussions about writing. The forum includes sections on writing advice, publishing, and reading recommendations, with an emphasis on stories that feature LGBTQ+ characters and themes. It’s a creative platform for both aspiring and established LGBTQ+ authors.
Highlights:
- Focused on LGBTQ+ literature, including writing and reading.
- Connects LGBTQ+ writers with readers for feedback and support.
- Encourages creativity with writing prompts and advice from experienced authors.
Whether you’re looking for advice on coming out, support during a gender transition, or simply a place to share your experiences with others, LGBTQ+ forums offer a wealth of resources. These 10 forums represent some of the most active, welcoming, and supportive online communities for LGBTQ+ individuals. By joining these platforms, you can connect with people who understand your journey, find guidance, and engage in discussions that celebrate the diversity of LGBTQ+ life.