Westchester County LGBTQ Community Resources

HIV Testing Sites in Westchester County
The Westchester County Department of Health maintains a list of testing sites throughout the county. The Rapid HIV as well as the standard HIV test are available. You can call the county Health Department at (914) 813-5256, Monday through Friday, 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. for information on confidential or anonymous HIV testing. The Health Department's 24-hour HIV information line is(914) 995-9595.

AIDS-Related Community Services
ARCS is solely dedicated to providing HIV/AIDS services to people in New York's Hudson Valley region. Provides free, confidential testing. Spanish speaking counselors available. For HIV testing, call (914) 345-8888.  

Planned Parenthood Hudson Peconic
Rapid HIV testing is available at all seven Westchester, Rockland and Putnam County medical centers: White Plains, Yonkers, New Rochelle, Mount Vernon, Mount Kisco, Spring Valley, and Brewster. Rapid HIV testing provides results in under 20 minutes. Confidential. No appointment necessary. Affordable. Bilingual (English and Spanish). Call (800) 230-PLAN (7526).

Callen-Lorde Community Health Center
Callen-Lorde provides complete health care services for LGBT people and people living with HIV/AIDS regardless of ability to pay.  (212) 271-7200

CANDLE- Youth Pride- Triangles- (Young Adult)
A confidential group for young adults (age 18-23) who want to discuss sexual orientation, gender identity and transitioning to adulthood. Meets Wednesdays 6:30-8pm in Rockland County.  On the website, click on Community-Based Programs and then select Triangles.

CANDLE- Youth Pride- TRUST (Youth)
A confidential group for high school-aged youth who want to discuss sexual orientation, gender identity and growing up. Meets Tuesdays 6:30-8pm in Rockland County. At the Web site, click on Community-Based Programs and then select TRUST.

Center Lane (Youth)
Center Lane, which is a program of Westchester Jewish Community Services, provides a safe haven that fosters a positive sense of self, reduces isolation and addresses high risk behaviors in gay, lesbian, bisexual, transgender, and questioning youth. Program has moved to 34 S. Broadway, White Plains, 10601.

Gay, Lesbian and Straight Education Network (GLSEN)
The Hudson Valley Chapter of GLSEN strives to assure that each member of every school community- regardless of sexual orientation or gender identity - is valued and respected.

LPSS, Inc. (Lambda Peer Support Services)
LPSS, Inc. is an all-volunteer, nonprofit organization, which provides workshops, ongoing and short-term support groups, "Holiday Connections" activities and other programs for the LGBTQ community of Westchester County and surrounding areas. All groups are conducted by trained peer facilitators, under the ongoing supervision of certified clinicians. LPSS strives to foster a sense of community, erase stereotypes about homosexuality and reduce the pain caused by homophobia, discrimination and prejudice.

The LOFT: LGBT Community Services Center
Located in White Plains, The LOFT is a not-for-profit, community-based organization serving the LGBT community of the lower Hudson Valley and working to further the cause for inclusion, diversity and pride through education, advocacy and celebration. The LOFT is home to 20 groups and programs, including Silver Connections, a program for LGBT seniors ages 55+.

NYC LGBT Community Center
The LGBT Community Center has grown to be the largest LGBT multi-service organization on the East Coast and second largest LGBT community center in the world.

Online Resources for LGBT Youth
Born out the PrideWorks for LGBT Youth Conference, here are resources for LGBT youth found in and around Westchester. 

PFLAG (Parents, Families and Friends of Lesbians, Gays, Bisexual and Transgender persons)
PFLAG promotes the health and well-being of LGBT people, their families and their friends through support, education and advocacy.  Local monthly meetings and telephone support are available.

SAGE-Services and Advocacy for GLBT Elders
Incorporated in 1978 as Senior Action in a Gay Environment, SAGE is the nation's oldest and largest social service and advocacy organization dedicated to serving LGBT senior citizens. SAGE has locations in all five boroughs of New York City and SAGE's programs and services for LGBT seniors who will be aging in place in their own communities provide the link they need to a safe and welcoming community.

TwentySomething NYC
TwentySomething is a social and support group providing an alternative to the bar and club scene in NYC for LGBT people in and around their twenties.  Activities include regular meetings as well as outings to movies, concerts, plays, restaurants, and coffee nights.  E-mail Twenty Something NYC.

VCS Community Change Project
VCS Community Change Project (Rockland County) produces the lower Hudson Valley’s premier annual Gay Pride Rockland event as well an exciting range of LGBT friendly programs throughout the year.  View a calendar of LGBT events, the Directory of Rockland’s LGBT Friendly Businesses, Services and Community Organizations and/or to join their mailing list.

Youth Enrichment Services
A program of the NYC LGBT Community Center, YES offers free and confidential support services, leadership training and social activities to LGBT and questioning young people between the ages of 13 and 21 in a safe, affirming, alcohol and drug-free environment.

New York Transgender Rights Organization (NYTRO)
The New York Transgender Rights Organization (NYTRO) works to gain legal protections for transgender people in Westchester County and New York State. In addition, social support and legal assistance are provided for people who are transitioning. Contact information: (914) 428-8447 or send an e-mail to Joann Prinzivalli ;at .

The Gender Identity Project
The Gender Identity Project offers individual peer counseling, information and referral, alcohol/tobacco/drug use counseling, HIV/AIDS prevention and intervention services, support groups, forums and community education, and professional education and sensitivity training. All services are free and confidential.

International Foundation for Gender Education
IFGE advocates and educates for promoting the self-definition and free expression of individual gender identity.  IFGE maintains an extensive bookstore and publishes a magazine addressing issues about gender identity and expression.

Transgender Law and Policy Institute
The TLPI advocates for transgender people by bringing experts and supporters together to work on law and policy initiatives designed to advance transgender equality.

Transgender Support Group (Local)
Transgender Support Groups meets monthly at the LOFT for social and support groups for all transgender and gender-variant  individuals and their partners. (914) 948-2932 /