5 Rhode Island LGBTQ+ Organizations to Support Through Pride and Beyond

Courtesy of Haus of Glitter/Erin X. Smithers.

Haus of Codec

This organization provides safe and accessible spaces for queer and BIPOC communities, including an emergency shelter and transitional housing. Though housing is currently full, they are raising funds to expand Haus of Codec’s reach. It provides accommodations for youth ages eighteen to twenty-four, while coaching them through finding more permanent housing and workforce development opportunities. The shelter space hosts a food and clothing pantry, self-service kitchen, a shared bathroom and access to essential services through partner providers. hausofcodec.org

Haus of Glitter

Haus of Glitter is a dance company, performance lab and preservation society that celebrates queer BIPOC dance, music, culture, history and community wellness. Based in Providence and touring globally, the Haus of Glitter creates and produces original performances and multidisciplinary activations like parties, workshops, retreats, festivals and creative community wellness programming. Its 2024 summer season in Providence will feature a touring Dance for the Diaspora festival, a Pride block party, a Vogue ball and more. hausofglitter.org

Youth Pride

Youth Pride supports LGBTQ+ youth and young adults through direct service, support, advocacy and education. Founded in 1992 under the name “The Way Out,” Youth Pride became a nonprofit in 1994 when it changed its name, but one of its discussion groups is still named “The Way Out” to honor its beginnings. The organization advocates for the policy needs of LGBTQ+ youth, which includes testifying at the State House, attending rallies and addressing the needs of youth in schools or in out-of-home care. Youth Pride is also involved in serving on panels and commissions to make sure the needs of LGBTQ+ youth are considered in decision-making at the state and government levels. youthprideri.org

Dr. Amy Nunn and Dr. Phil Chan of Open Door Health. courtesy of Open Door Health.

Open Door Health

This clinic provides care for the LGBTQ+ community that may be lacking access to primary care and other preventive and sexual health services. The organization brings together medical and public health leaders from across the state to provide medical care in a respectful, accepting and affirming manner. Open Door Health is part of the Rhode Island Public Health Institute, which is dedicated to solving complex health challenges through direct action, policy advocacy and research. odhpvd.org

PVD House

There are many displaced LGBTQ+ youth who have unfortunately been denied a place to live due to their gender identity or sexual orientation. The LGBTQ+ community also experiences a higher rate of homelessness as well as a lack of accessible mental health resources. PVD House hopes to provide both housing and therapy programs for the local queer community by leveraging grant funding to secure a building in Providence that will provide emergency housing solutions, including micro houses and an RV shelter. PVD House is also working with the Trans-Farm-ative Project in Foster to offer both cooperative farming solutions to address food insecurity in the queer community and a dance therapy program. pvdhouse.org