Grief Resources for LGBT & Secular Identities

If you’ve recently lost a loved one, my condolences.
Peace to you and your family.

Someone recently shared with me that they had been turned away from a grief support group because of their identity. They gave up looking for help because of that experience; they didn’t know where to turn for affirming support and community.

If you know of anyone who may benefit from the below resources, please share. Please also add in the comments or message me privately if you know of additional relevant resources. I work with diverse identities facing the loss of loved ones every day and am always grateful to know about resources to provide for them.

The resources listed below are not recommended or endorsed by the individual or company providing you this list. Please do your own research and vetting.

PRE-SCREENING RESOURCES

Professionals serving you at a time of grief and loss should understand and honor your identity. When you first speak with them, let them know who you are and ask about their experience with your identity. Ask them candidly if they have a faith or other bias that may impact your session(s). Do you feel comfortable speaking with them?

If that professional is not the right fit for you, it is okay to let them know and seek another professional. There are identity-affirming resources in Central Florida.

Research by reading reviews, reading their website, looking at their posts on Facebook, Twitter, LinkedIn, and other social pages. Ask people or organizations you know and trust for referrals.

Here are some good places to start.

LGBTQ+ Resources

• The Center Orlando Resource Guide: https://thecenterorlando.org/the-center-resource-guide/
• NAMI Resource Guide: https://namigo.org/resources/lgbtq-services/
• 26 Health, Mental Health Resources: https://26health.org/service/mental-health/
• National Resource Center on LGBTQ+ Aging: https://www.lgbtagingcenter.org/
• The PRIDE Chamber (LGBTQ+ & Ally owned businesses and organizations): https://ThePrideChamber.org

Secular Resources
(Atheist, Humanist, and other non-religious identities)

• Find Humanist Celebrants and Chaplains: http://TheHumanistSociety.org
  • Humanist Celebrants or Chaplains serve the non-religious community in the same capacity as religious clergy.
  • Contact The Humanist Society for referrals: endorsement@humanist-society.org
  • Humanist Celebrant Orlando: http://HumanistCelebrantOrlando.com
• Recovering From Religion (there are local support groups): https://www.recoveringfromreligion.org/
• Grief Beyond Belief: http://griefbeyondbelief.org  
  • GBB Resources:   http://griefbeyondbelief.org/resources/
• Death, Grief, and Belief: https://deathgriefandbelief.com/
• Secular Therapy Project: https://www.seculartherapy.org/
• Humanist Community in Central Florida:
  • Central Florida Freethought Community: http://CFLFreethought.org
  • Other groups & support: https://americanhumanist.org/get-involved/find-or-start-a-chapter/

LGBT and Secular affirming counseling

• Authentic Life Transitions: https://drstephanymahaffey.com/
• Orange Counseling: https://orangecounselingfl.com/
• Michael Freeman Counseling: http://www.mafreeman.com/
• High Expectations Counseling: https://www.lifecounselingorlando.com

Inclusive Pre-Planning Services

I’m an active & vocal advocate for LGBTQ+ and Secular and Minority Faith identities. As a death care professional with the largest funeral provider in North America, I can provide a safe space for final arrangements discussion or assist with any question you have regarding your identity and final arrangements. Please reach out to me if i can help.