Central Illinois Resources

Community Organizations

The Prairie Pride Coalition
The mission of the PPC is: "we pledge ourselves to the awakening of compassion and understanding among all peoples. We strive to foster mutual respect regardless of sexual orientation, creed, race, gender, gender identity, or physical ability through outreach and education."
Illinois Safe Schools Alliance
The mission of the Illinois Safe Schools Alliance (the Alliance) is to promote safety, support and healthy development for lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, and questioning (LGBTQ) youth, in Illinois schools and communities, through advocacy, education, youth organizing and research.
Parents, Families and Friends of Lesbians and Gays - Bloomington/Normal Chapter
Mission: PFLAG promotes the health and well-being of lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender persons, their families and friends through: support, to cope with an adverse society; education, to enlighten an ill-informed public; and advocacy, to end discrimination and to secure equal civil rights. Parents, Families and Friends of Lesbians and Gays provides opportunity for dialogue about sexual orientation and gender identity, and acts to create a society that is healthy and respectful of human diversity.

Acorn Equality Fund
Established in 1999, Acorn Equality Fund in Peoria, Illinois, is a grassroots nonprofit organization that provides financial support for the advancement of education, health, and civil rights of gay, lesbian, bisexual, and transgender persons and their allies. We raise funds in order to give out grants and scholarships to promote higher education. Together we can build a bright, united future.

Local Faith Communities

The following congregations in Bloomington/Normal welcome LGBTQIA members:

Evelyn Chapel
The Office of the Chaplain and the Evelyn Chapel welcome conversations about the spiritual life and contributions of LGBTQIA persons among all walks of faith. Our space is sacred and safe, and you are welcome here. To that end, IWU Pride Alliance holds its weekly meetings in the Evelyn fellowship space. The University Chaplain's office is a Safe Zone.
Hope Church
A United Methodist congregation seeking to provide a spiritual home for a new generation of Christ followers in Bloomington Normal IL.
Normal First United Methodist Church
Located by the campus of Illinois State University, we are home to the United Methodist Wesley Foundation (MERGE) campus ministry. However, we are more than a campus church. We are people of God serving the entire community with ministries that touch individuals of all ages and from many walks of life as we seek to fulfill the vision of the United Methodist Church of "Open Hearts, Open Minds, Open Doors."
New Covenant Community
A progressive Christian congregation in Normal, IL for those who value spiritual searching over religious certainty. Our purpose is to continue in our time what Jesus began in his – working for the healing of our world as an inclusive, compassionate, joyful community.
Unitarian Universalist Church of Bloomington-Normal
If you are looking for a religious home that welcomes all people please join us! We offer a community that celebrates the diversity of all people, a place where your gifts and your concerns are equally embraced, a place where love and service are the guiding values.

Online Faith Communities

Believe Out Loud
Believe Out Loud is an online community dedicated to supporting Christian Queer Youth and fighting for justice for the LGBTQIA community. Check out the Believe Out Loud Welcoming Church Map to see a map of all churches in the U.S. that are LGBTQIA friendly.
Q Christian Fellowship
Q Christian Fellowship cultivates radical belonging among LGBTQ+ people and allies through a commitment to growth, community, and relational justice.
Muslims for Progressive Values
The YouTube channel "Muslims for Progressive Values" has a series of lectures dismantling religious based homophobia, along with providing tips on self empowerment and mental health.
JQ Youth
JQ Youth is a non-profit organization dedicated to supporting the Jewish Queer Community, addressing the unique needs of Queer Jewish Youth and advocating for LGBTQIA rights.