LGBTQ+ Therapists in Loop, Chicago, IL
Together, we can develop a shared understanding of your unique situation: how your past brought you here, how you are coping with the present, and how you want to grow and transform into the future.
Change is constant. Whether it’s the tumult of growing up or the twists and turns of adulthood, life is constantly shifting and rearranging under our feet. In this context, getting to know yourself—your emotions, your grief, your needs and your gifts—may be overwhelming. I honor the part of you that is seeking therapy for your particular journey. In my practice, I work with adults, teenagers, and children, specializing in therapy for queer and LGBTQIA+ youth and adults.
Together, we can develop a shared understanding of your unique situation: how your past brought you here, how you are coping with the present, and how you want to grow and transform into the future.
Change is constant. Whether it’s the tumult of growing up or the twists and turns of adulthood, life is constantly shifting and rearranging under our feet. In this context, getting to know yourself—your emotions, your grief, your needs and your gifts—may be overwhelming. I honor the part of you that is seeking therapy for your particular journey. In my practice, I work with adults, teenagers, and children, specializing in therapy for queer and LGBTQIA+ youth and adults.
Taylor Leisher
Licensed Clinical Professional Counselor, MA, LCPC
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Loop, Chicago, IL 60602
While I earnestly welcome people from all backgrounds and experiences, I offer particular expertise in helping survivors of complex/childhood trauma, survivors of sexual trauma, people struggling with problematic sexual behaviors, and Asian American, Pacific Islander, Native American, mixed-race, and LGBTQ+ peoples.
Psychotherapy provides an opportunity for a deepened experience, where we can learn both about how you came to be who you are, and how you can grow towards something new. I recognize this process as inherently vulnerable, and as such I offer warm gentleness with honest words, to help you feel comfortable within the therapeutic process to explore yourself and engage the world and your relationships in newfound ways.
While I earnestly welcome people from all backgrounds and experiences, I offer particular expertise in helping survivors of complex/childhood trauma, survivors of sexual trauma, people struggling with problematic sexual behaviors, and Asian American, Pacific Islander, Native American, mixed-race, and LGBTQ+ peoples.
Psychotherapy provides an opportunity for a deepened experience, where we can learn both about how you came to be who you are, and how you can grow towards something new. I recognize this process as inherently vulnerable, and as such I offer warm gentleness with honest words, to help you feel comfortable within the therapeutic process to explore yourself and engage the world and your relationships in newfound ways.
Connor McInerney
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, LCSW
Verified Verified
2 Endorsed
Loop, Chicago, IL 60604
As a queer therapist, I have a unique perspective on what it is like to be different from what society dictates.
Do you struggle with your inner critic? Have you felt lonely or rejected? Maybe you've tried to avoid anxiety, depression, or traumatic memories, seeking a way out of a rollercoaster of emotions. Have you experienced difficulty with life transitions; career/school stress; relationship issues including polyamory and non-monogamy; bigotry; grief; sexual assault/abuse; self-harm, or suicidal thoughts? Are you somewhere on the LGBTQ+ spectrum and feel like no one in your life understands you? If you answered yes to any of these issues, when was the last time you had a space to talk that was just for you?
As a queer therapist, I have a unique perspective on what it is like to be different from what society dictates.
Do you struggle with your inner critic? Have you felt lonely or rejected? Maybe you've tried to avoid anxiety, depression, or traumatic memories, seeking a way out of a rollercoaster of emotions. Have you experienced difficulty with life transitions; career/school stress; relationship issues including polyamory and non-monogamy; bigotry; grief; sexual assault/abuse; self-harm, or suicidal thoughts? Are you somewhere on the LGBTQ+ spectrum and feel like no one in your life understands you? If you answered yes to any of these issues, when was the last time you had a space to talk that was just for you?
Peter Hindley
Marriage & Family Therapist Associate, ALMFT
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Loop, Chicago, IL 60604
My focus is working with couples and individuals looking to improve the quality of their relationships. I am passionate about sex positivity and working to unlearn shame and embarrassment that may be ingrained from past experiences. I aim to facilitate open communication between couples to ensure both parties are getting their needs met. When working with individual clients, I can help guide you in advocating for what you need in your relationships with others. I am a member of the LGBTQIA+ community, and specialize in working with queer individuals and couples. I am kink, poly, and sex-worker affirming.
My focus is working with couples and individuals looking to improve the quality of their relationships. I am passionate about sex positivity and working to unlearn shame and embarrassment that may be ingrained from past experiences. I aim to facilitate open communication between couples to ensure both parties are getting their needs met. When working with individual clients, I can help guide you in advocating for what you need in your relationships with others. I am a member of the LGBTQIA+ community, and specialize in working with queer individuals and couples. I am kink, poly, and sex-worker affirming.
Kendall Wolfe
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, LCSW
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Loop, Chicago, IL 60604
I've worked for more than a decade both private practice and non-profit spaces with a special interest in LGBTQ+ affirming care, community mental health, sexual health, harm reduction, and supporting people living with HIV.
I'm proud to provide safe, affirming, and non-judgmental space for all people, but especially for LGBTQIA persons, non-monogamous and poly- folks, members of kink communities, and persons living with HIV. I am also experienced in treating clients with intellectual disabilities, those with more severe or persistent mental health concerns, and those with chronic health issues.
I've worked for more than a decade both private practice and non-profit spaces with a special interest in LGBTQ+ affirming care, community mental health, sexual health, harm reduction, and supporting people living with HIV.
I'm proud to provide safe, affirming, and non-judgmental space for all people, but especially for LGBTQIA persons, non-monogamous and poly- folks, members of kink communities, and persons living with HIV. I am also experienced in treating clients with intellectual disabilities, those with more severe or persistent mental health concerns, and those with chronic health issues.
Ethan York
Counselor, MA, LCPC, EMDR-C
Verified Verified
7 Endorsed
Loop, Chicago, IL 60604 (Online Only)
Treatment Areas and Competencies: LGBTQ, Teen therapy, PTSD, Faith and Spirituality, Sexuality and Gender, Relationship Challenges, Emotion Regulation, Sexual Trauma, and Exposure to Violence.
Being queer myself, I often work with LGBTQ young adults and teens who are navigating life stressors while forming their identities. I’m formally certified with EMDRIA international in EMDR (eye movement desensitization and reprocessing) and often use this approach to support clients' healing from childhood & other interpersonal traumatic experiences. I also assist clients in their processing of other aspects of identity including family, ethnicity, faith, and spirituality. I am very passionate about working with queer folks, people of faith, and additionally, those with post-traumatic stress symptoms and/or PTSD.
Treatment Areas and Competencies: LGBTQ, Teen therapy, PTSD, Faith and Spirituality, Sexuality and Gender, Relationship Challenges, Emotion Regulation, Sexual Trauma, and Exposure to Violence.
Being queer myself, I often work with LGBTQ young adults and teens who are navigating life stressors while forming their identities. I’m formally certified with EMDRIA international in EMDR (eye movement desensitization and reprocessing) and often use this approach to support clients' healing from childhood & other interpersonal traumatic experiences. I also assist clients in their processing of other aspects of identity including family, ethnicity, faith, and spirituality. I am very passionate about working with queer folks, people of faith, and additionally, those with post-traumatic stress symptoms and/or PTSD.
I am committed to creating an affirming, non-judgemental environment for LGBTQ+ folx to feel empowered and supported.
You are resilient, capable, and unwilling to settle for the status quo. Your reluctance to fit the mold may complicate things, but it’s worth it. However, sometimes, the space between who you are and who you want to be can feel vast, and life can overwhelm our capacity to cope - in those moments, it takes bravery to reach out for support. Together we will celebrate your uniqueness, investigate the barriers to your progress, increase feelings of self-worth and efficacy and expand upon your existing strengths to cultivate an authentic future full of possibilities.
I am committed to creating an affirming, non-judgemental environment for LGBTQ+ folx to feel empowered and supported.
You are resilient, capable, and unwilling to settle for the status quo. Your reluctance to fit the mold may complicate things, but it’s worth it. However, sometimes, the space between who you are and who you want to be can feel vast, and life can overwhelm our capacity to cope - in those moments, it takes bravery to reach out for support. Together we will celebrate your uniqueness, investigate the barriers to your progress, increase feelings of self-worth and efficacy and expand upon your existing strengths to cultivate an authentic future full of possibilities.
Paul Fressola
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, LCSW, CADC
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Loop, Chicago, IL 60604 (Online Only)
My areas of expertise include depression, anxiety, substance use and abuse, grief and loss, LGBT, mid-life issues, health issues including HIV/AIDS, creation of meaning and purpose.
I am a Licensed Clinical Social Worker (LCSW), and a Certified Addictions Counselor
(CADC).
I see therapy as a collaborative process of growth and change. My approach is flexible, warm and empathic. I have over 10 years of experience with individuals, couples and groups and utilize psychodynamics, CBT, Motivational Interviewing,
family systems, relational, and relapse prevention strategies.
My areas of expertise include depression, anxiety, substance use and abuse, grief and loss, LGBT, mid-life issues, health issues including HIV/AIDS, creation of meaning and purpose.
I am a Licensed Clinical Social Worker (LCSW), and a Certified Addictions Counselor
(CADC).
I see therapy as a collaborative process of growth and change. My approach is flexible, warm and empathic. I have over 10 years of experience with individuals, couples and groups and utilize psychodynamics, CBT, Motivational Interviewing,
family systems, relational, and relapse prevention strategies.
Bea Gatchell
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, AM, LCSW, LICSW
Verified Verified
Loop, Chicago, IL 60605 (Online Only)
I work from an evidence-based practice approach using Affirmative Therapy with LGBTQ+ Folx, Intersectional Feminist, Anti-Oppression, Person Centered, Trauma-Informed, Harm Reduction, Relational, Empowerment, Strengths-Based, and 3rd Wave Behavioral Practice.
My area of specialization are working with LGBTQ+ individuals looking to explore their identity and intersecting experiences of violence, such as sexual violence, childhood sexual abuse, domestic violence, intimate partner violence, family system-based violence, spiritual abuse, and community-based violence. I want to work with clients to examine what it means to be present to life on life's terms using radical acceptance, non-judgement, and loving honesty. I love working with folx who want to address thoughts, feelings, and behaviors stemming from anxiety, depression, avoidance, and rumination.
I work from an evidence-based practice approach using Affirmative Therapy with LGBTQ+ Folx, Intersectional Feminist, Anti-Oppression, Person Centered, Trauma-Informed, Harm Reduction, Relational, Empowerment, Strengths-Based, and 3rd Wave Behavioral Practice.
My area of specialization are working with LGBTQ+ individuals looking to explore their identity and intersecting experiences of violence, such as sexual violence, childhood sexual abuse, domestic violence, intimate partner violence, family system-based violence, spiritual abuse, and community-based violence. I want to work with clients to examine what it means to be present to life on life's terms using radical acceptance, non-judgement, and loving honesty. I love working with folx who want to address thoughts, feelings, and behaviors stemming from anxiety, depression, avoidance, and rumination.
Together, let us begin this transformative journey to achieve the life you deserve.
My therapeutic approach is shaped by three beliefs: (1) regardless of your past and current situation, you are worthy of love and respect, (2) you have inherent strengths, and (3) systemic oppression plays a role in way we think, feel, and behave; therefore, in therapy, it is important to consider the relationship among systemic oppression, mental health and the multiple identities we hold. As a Black and queer person, I believe showing up as your authentic self is brave and healthy. Together, we will create a safe and non-judgmental space as we work through your goals.
Together, let us begin this transformative journey to achieve the life you deserve.
My therapeutic approach is shaped by three beliefs: (1) regardless of your past and current situation, you are worthy of love and respect, (2) you have inherent strengths, and (3) systemic oppression plays a role in way we think, feel, and behave; therefore, in therapy, it is important to consider the relationship among systemic oppression, mental health and the multiple identities we hold. As a Black and queer person, I believe showing up as your authentic self is brave and healthy. Together, we will create a safe and non-judgmental space as we work through your goals.
Sara Groth
Licensed Clinical Professional Counselor, MA
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Loop, Chicago, IL 60601
I have experience working with individual adults and partnerships in areas such as anxiety, depression, sex & intimate wellness, relationship conflict, sexual assault, life transitions, and self esteem. One of my primary areas of expertise is working with members of the LGBTQ+ community in areas of positive sexual and/ or gender identity, coming out, transitioning, and sexual health. However, I work with people of all identities and backgrounds. I foster a therapeutic space that is identity-affirming, sex-positive, and polyamorous- and kink-affirming.
I have experience working with individual adults and partnerships in areas such as anxiety, depression, sex & intimate wellness, relationship conflict, sexual assault, life transitions, and self esteem. One of my primary areas of expertise is working with members of the LGBTQ+ community in areas of positive sexual and/ or gender identity, coming out, transitioning, and sexual health. However, I work with people of all identities and backgrounds. I foster a therapeutic space that is identity-affirming, sex-positive, and polyamorous- and kink-affirming.
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As a Licensed Clinical Social Worker (LCSW), I work with adults, either individually or as couples. I use an interactive approach, grounded in Gestalt Therapy with a focus on the mind/body connection. I specialize in grief and loss and navigating life’s major transitions, in recovery from past trauma, and gay/ lesbian issues.
As a Licensed Clinical Social Worker (LCSW), I work with adults, either individually or as couples. I use an interactive approach, grounded in Gestalt Therapy with a focus on the mind/body connection. I specialize in grief and loss and navigating life’s major transitions, in recovery from past trauma, and gay/ lesbian issues.
I love working with adults from all walks of life and am particularly passionate about working with LGBTQIA+ individuals or couples.
Do you feel like you’re hitting roadblocks that leave you stuck, disconnected, or out of sync with your most authentic self? I want to help you achieve the authenticity and connection you deserve. My goal is creating an affirming space where we can work together to not only identify barriers but push past them to realize your potential. Progress is not always linear, but healing and constructive change are possible. Therapy can be challenging and sometimes intense, but I hope you walk away from each session feeling hopeful and truly seen.
I love working with adults from all walks of life and am particularly passionate about working with LGBTQIA+ individuals or couples.
Do you feel like you’re hitting roadblocks that leave you stuck, disconnected, or out of sync with your most authentic self? I want to help you achieve the authenticity and connection you deserve. My goal is creating an affirming space where we can work together to not only identify barriers but push past them to realize your potential. Progress is not always linear, but healing and constructive change are possible. Therapy can be challenging and sometimes intense, but I hope you walk away from each session feeling hopeful and truly seen.
Julleon Garrison
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, LSW
Verified Verified
Loop, Chicago, IL 60602 (Online Only)
I am allied with and passionate about serving the needs of the LGBTQIA+ community and other marginalized groups including immigrant populations.
My ideal client comes from many walks of life. They are children, teenagers, and adults and present with anxiety, depression, adjustment disorders, borderline personality disorder, bipolar disorder, relationship and family problems, Attention-Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD), school problems, and oppositional-defiant disorder. They all share a common need to be heard, empowered, and guided on the path of recovery. I provide evidence-based treatments tailored to the needs of my clients. I focus on strengths and capabilities rather than "illness."
I am allied with and passionate about serving the needs of the LGBTQIA+ community and other marginalized groups including immigrant populations.
My ideal client comes from many walks of life. They are children, teenagers, and adults and present with anxiety, depression, adjustment disorders, borderline personality disorder, bipolar disorder, relationship and family problems, Attention-Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD), school problems, and oppositional-defiant disorder. They all share a common need to be heard, empowered, and guided on the path of recovery. I provide evidence-based treatments tailored to the needs of my clients. I focus on strengths and capabilities rather than "illness."
Alex Ragsdale
Marriage & Family Therapist Associate, ALMFT
Verified Verified
3 Endorsed
Loop, Chicago, IL 60602
Waitlist for new clients
I am queer, sex-positive, fat-positive, and trauma-informed.
As a relational therapist, I focus on supporting and witnessing clients in finding healing, connection, conflict resolution, and repair to ultimately build a life and relationships that honor their values and imagination. Therapy is an opportunity for liberation from dominant social narratives that don’t work for us as individuals or in our relationships, and I recognize the intergenerational and ongoing trauma of struggling against those dominant narratives. All relationships can benefit from this lens – whether they're romantic, platonic, brand new, long-term, with others, or with parts of yourself.
I am queer, sex-positive, fat-positive, and trauma-informed.
As a relational therapist, I focus on supporting and witnessing clients in finding healing, connection, conflict resolution, and repair to ultimately build a life and relationships that honor their values and imagination. Therapy is an opportunity for liberation from dominant social narratives that don’t work for us as individuals or in our relationships, and I recognize the intergenerational and ongoing trauma of struggling against those dominant narratives. All relationships can benefit from this lens – whether they're romantic, platonic, brand new, long-term, with others, or with parts of yourself.
I identify as a cisgender, gay, White, disabled, Jewish man.
I work with many types of clients, but specialize in working with queer and trans people, couples, and other forms of relationships (triads, polycules, open, polygamous, etc.). I deal primarily with anxiety, depression, relationship issues, family conflict, grief and loss, transitions, stress management, trauma, sex-related issues and traumas, kink and BDSM, behavioral and substance addictions, and chronic pain and chronic illness. I tend to work with adults. I love working with clients that bring their whole self to therapy as I do too. I always encourage feedback to ensure the therapeutic process feels affirming and healing.
I identify as a cisgender, gay, White, disabled, Jewish man.
I work with many types of clients, but specialize in working with queer and trans people, couples, and other forms of relationships (triads, polycules, open, polygamous, etc.). I deal primarily with anxiety, depression, relationship issues, family conflict, grief and loss, transitions, stress management, trauma, sex-related issues and traumas, kink and BDSM, behavioral and substance addictions, and chronic pain and chronic illness. I tend to work with adults. I love working with clients that bring their whole self to therapy as I do too. I always encourage feedback to ensure the therapeutic process feels affirming and healing.
As a gay therapist, I am also devoted to serving the LGBTQ+ community, and I have a passion for supporting these individuals dealing with challenges in their relationships, family of origin, and careers.
It can be overwhelming and exhausting trying to cope with the pressures and expectations from life that does not allow much room for our own unique selves and needs. This can leave us feeling anxious, depressed, and even hopeless. From my professional and personal experiences, I believe healing and becoming our authentic, best selves comes from relationships where we feel heard and understood. When you and I work together, it is important to me that I provide you with this therapeutic space, so we can collaboratively work on how to cope with these stressors, develop fulfilling relationships, and live life to your fullest potential.
As a gay therapist, I am also devoted to serving the LGBTQ+ community, and I have a passion for supporting these individuals dealing with challenges in their relationships, family of origin, and careers.
It can be overwhelming and exhausting trying to cope with the pressures and expectations from life that does not allow much room for our own unique selves and needs. This can leave us feeling anxious, depressed, and even hopeless. From my professional and personal experiences, I believe healing and becoming our authentic, best selves comes from relationships where we feel heard and understood. When you and I work together, it is important to me that I provide you with this therapeutic space, so we can collaboratively work on how to cope with these stressors, develop fulfilling relationships, and live life to your fullest potential.
Celeste Souza
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, MSW, LICSW, LCSW
Verified Verified
Loop, Chicago, IL 60602 (Online Only)
Celeste has over twenty years’ experience helping people cope with emotional pain and improve the way they navigate relationships. She specializes in treating depression and anxiety; post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD); and substance use disorders. As a member of the LGBTQ+ community, Celeste ensures that therapy occurs in a supportive and nurturing environment that is sensitive to client concerns around issues of sexual orientation, gender identity, and gender dysphoria. Celeste uses she/her pronouns and lives with her wife and three Portuguese Podengo rescue dogs (Bruna, Rex, and Foxy are all pictured below).
Celeste has over twenty years’ experience helping people cope with emotional pain and improve the way they navigate relationships. She specializes in treating depression and anxiety; post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD); and substance use disorders. As a member of the LGBTQ+ community, Celeste ensures that therapy occurs in a supportive and nurturing environment that is sensitive to client concerns around issues of sexual orientation, gender identity, and gender dysphoria. Celeste uses she/her pronouns and lives with her wife and three Portuguese Podengo rescue dogs (Bruna, Rex, and Foxy are all pictured below).
Barry Shaeffer
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, LCSW
Verified Verified
4 Endorsed
Loop, Chicago, IL 60601 (Online Only)
When we live authentically, grounded in our values and driven by purpose, we transform our lives and we can change the world.
My life’s work is strengthening the LGBTQ community from the inside out. I do this by working with gay and queer men to live the lives they desire. What often holds us back are layers of expectations and belief systems that we take on from society, our families, and others. When these systemic messages conflict with our authentic selves, this creates a dissonance that often results in anxiety, depression, and relationship issues. This isn’t something that is broken or bad in us. Quite the opposite, it’s our authentic selves yearning to be expressed!
When we live authentically, grounded in our values and driven by purpose, we transform our lives and we can change the world.
My life’s work is strengthening the LGBTQ community from the inside out. I do this by working with gay and queer men to live the lives they desire. What often holds us back are layers of expectations and belief systems that we take on from society, our families, and others. When these systemic messages conflict with our authentic selves, this creates a dissonance that often results in anxiety, depression, and relationship issues. This isn’t something that is broken or bad in us. Quite the opposite, it’s our authentic selves yearning to be expressed!
Heads Held High Counseling
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, LICSW, LMHC
Verified Verified
2 Endorsed
Loop, Chicago, IL 60604 (Online Only)
We are a group of LGBTQIA+ therapists of various clinical and cultural backgrounds who work virtually across MA from Boston to Northampton, from Lowell to Fall River and everywhere in between, we are here to support you.
Are you a queer or trans person who struggles to find a therapist who understands you? Do you find that you often have to educate therapists, who are allies, but don't quite have the cultural understanding of someone who's a part of the community themselves? We are here to help.
We are a group of LGBTQIA+ therapists of various clinical and cultural backgrounds who work virtually across MA from Boston to Northampton, from Lowell to Fall River and everywhere in between, we are here to support you.
Are you a queer or trans person who struggles to find a therapist who understands you? Do you find that you often have to educate therapists, who are allies, but don't quite have the cultural understanding of someone who's a part of the community themselves? We are here to help.
See more therapy options for Loop, Chicago
Nearby LGBTQ+ Therapists Searches for Loop, Chicago
- Dearborn Park
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- Printers Row
- River North
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LGBTQ+ Therapists
Do LGBTQ-affirmative therapists receive special training?
Yes. Many therapists who practice LGBTQ-affirmative therapy have completed specialized training, either during their degree program or as continuing education, to learn the core principles of affirmative therapy and how to best support their LGBTQ clients; some have received certifications in LGBTQ-affirmative therapy. Prospective clients should inquire as to a clinician’s background and training to ensure a good fit.
Why might I want to see an LGBTQ-affirming or LGBTQ-friendly therapist?
Queer and gender-non-conforming individuals frequently experience bias and marginalization in day-to-day life. Working with a therapist who understands these unique challenges, as well as accepts and affirms their identity, can help LGBTQ clients feel safe and supported during therapy—allowing them to better navigate their relationships, mental health, and anything else that they wish to explore during therapy. It is important to note that many therapists can be effective in their work with LGBTQ+ individuals, even in the absence of specific training or background knowledge. The most important component in therapy is the alliance between therapist and client, and this alliance can exist between individuals with very different backgrounds.
How can I find an LGBTQ-friendly therapist?
You may wish to inquire about a therapist’s expertise with your specific challenges or concerns—depression, for example, or relationship strife—as well as their past experiences treating LGBTQ+ clients. Prospective clients may also ask whether a therapist has obtained additional training and/or certification in LGBTQ-affirmative techniques.
How can I inquire about a therapist’s experience with LGBTQ issues?
Prospective clients should feel empowered to directly ask therapists whether they have received training or been certified in LGBTQ-affirming therapy; competent therapists will be happy to explain their educational background and preferred approach(es) to help a client find the best match for them. Clients may also wish to ask how a therapist has treated clients with their particular challenges in the past and what they expect treatment to look like.
Are all the therapists listed in the LGBTQ directory themselves members of the LGBTQ community?
While therapists may choose to disclose their sexual orientation or gender identity in their profiles, the LGBTQ directory features not only those who have shared this information but also those who assert specialized training or experience in providing support to queer individuals, couples or families.