Buffalo has a thriving LGBT community. From the fabulous Pride festival to the various LGBT-friendly events throughout the year, there is so much to offer queer folk in this city.
Pride Center
Apart from the event side of things, there are also plenty of services that are available to the LGBT community. Pride Center supplies a range of medical care resources, including HIV prevention, addiction therapy, dental and eye care, mental health counseling, and pharmacists. They also offer domestic violence support, transitioning resources, training and education, in addition to offering protection for sex workers.
200 S. Elmwood Ave | Buffalo, NY 14201 | 716-852-7743 | www.pridecenterwny.org
Gay & Lesbian Youth Services
The Gay & Lesbian Youth Services has a drop-in center available to LGBTQ and all youth ages 14-21, servicing over 50 schools across Western New York. They offer resources such as mental health therapy and refuge for runaways via their partnership with the Compass House. They also offer wedding services with a list of churches willing to assist any couple looking to take the leap. They help bisexual, intersex and trans youth, as well as people of all ages (parents included!). They also offer scholarships for universities.
393 Delaware Avenue | Buffalo, NY 14202 | 716-855-0221 | www.glyswny.org
PFlag
PFlag is a non-profit organization that focuses on celebrating the diversity of the LGBT community, while supplying resources, education and support through any situation.
P.O. Box 617 | Buffalo, NY 14207 | Helpline: (716)883-0384 | www.pflagbuffalo.org
Embrace Western New York
Embrace Western New York is a non-profit organization dedicated to assisting the LGBT community. They also offer grants and scholarships.
P.O. Box 454 | Buffalo NY 14205 | www.embracewny.org
The Center for Psychosexual Health
The Center for Psychosexual Health offers services, such as gender dysphoria and endocrine condition counseling for children and young adults, in addition to resources for parents.
737 Delaware Ave | Suite 2168 | Buffalo, NY 14209 | www.cphpsych.com
Spectrum
Spectrum is a local transgender group that provides support, education, and advocacy. They offer information on health issues, the transitioning process, activism, as well as useful tools for the youth. They host monthly meetings on the second Friday of every month at 7 p.m.
3107 Main St | Buffalo, NY 14214 | On the corner of Main and Lisbon | (716)541-7003 | www.spectrumwny.org
Planned Parenthood
Planned Parenthood also offers LGBT services such as education, resources, referrals, including STD testing along with a multitude of other health care essentials.
2697 Main Street | Buffalo, NY 14214 | 866-600-6886 | www.plannedparenthood.org
The Counseling Center of WNY
The Counseling Center of WNY is a great resource that offers adoption specialists, LGBT individuals, war veterans, adolescent therapy, addiction and opiate recovery programs, and more.
4476 Main Street | Amherst, NY 14226 | (716) 833-0415 | www.thecounselingcenterofwnyandcny.com
Some LGBT Media Based in Buffalo
This LGBT online classifieds page advertising gay-friendly businesses in Buffalo.
Loop Magazine is our local guide to everything gay and glorious in the city.
Social Media
While Grindr and Tinder are always options, the social app Meetup services Buffalo with seven LGBTQ groups and two in Niagara, including one for varsity sports, all women’s, LGBT on the West Side, transgenders, and nudists!
There are a multitude of LGBT communities on Facebook nationwide, but here are a few local groups and pages:
- LGBTQ friends of Buffalo/Western New York
- Buffalo Lesbians
- WNY Friendly Weddings & Events
- Queer Exchange of WNY
- Buffalo Gay Men
- Varsity Gay League: Buffalo
Gay Nightclubs / Bars
For the nights you want to dance, drink and be in good company, visit your favorite hideaways and mingle with open-minded folk.
- Club Marcella
- Fugazi martini bar on Franklin
- Cathode Ray
- Q
- Funky Monkey
- Underground Niteclub
Homeless Shelters
It has been reported that around one in five trans individuals have experienced homelessness or unstable living environments at some point in their lives. Fortunately, Buffalo offers a few places where the LGBTQ members can seek refuge. Whether it’s escaping an apathetic family, or facing the struggles of finding nondiscriminatory residency, there are shelters here to help.
Compass House
370 Linwood Ave, Buffalo, NY 14209 | (716) 886-1351 | www.compasshouse.org
Corner Stone Manor
150 E North St, Buffalo, NY 14203 | (716) 852-0761
Gerard Place | 2515 Bailey Ave #1, Buffalo, NY 14215 | (716) 897-9948
Belmont Shelter Corporation
33 Spruce St # 1, North Tonawanda, NY 14120 | (716) 213-2784 | www.belmonthousingwny.org
Housing Options Made Easy Inc
669 Hertel Ave suite 150, Buffalo, NY 14207 | (716) 835-1141 | www.wnyhousingoptions.org
Here are some upcoming events in the LGBT community!
YoGay Yoga Buffalo at Heart Fire Yoga
Varsity Gay League Buffalo Dart Play
Buffalo’s 5th Annual Big Gay Sing
If you are aware of any other LGBT friendly businesses, events, organizations, resources, etc., please leave a comment. Living in a vibrant city means that there is a healthy LGBT scene. Thankfully, Buffalo is open to all people, all ways of life, and all beliefs.
Lead image: click