The cornerstone of The Frederick Center is its support programs. Read about the many opportunities for peer-to-peer discussion and friendship.
Healing Pride is an open and ongoing free support group specifically for adult (ages 18+) Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Transgender, or Queer (LGBTQ) survivors of sexual assault, sexual abuse, and/or intimate partner violence. It is a partnership between The Frederick Center and Heartly House.
- Meetings are facilitated by licensed therapists from Heartly House.
- Participants must perform an telephone intake with Heartly House.
- Please call 301-662-8800 to complete the intake.
- Location and time will be shared after the intake process.
Heartly House is the only organization in Frederick County, Maryland, that provides comprehensive services to survivors of domestic violence, sexual assault, and child abuse. They have been providing these services since 1979. Services include: a 24-hour hotline, emergency shelter, individual and group counseling, victim advocate services and legal representation, medical advocacy, abuse intervention groups, and community outreach and professional education. While all services are confidential, please be advised that they are mandated by law to report child abuse, as well as threats of suicide or homicide. www.heartlyhouse.org
TransTeens is the Frederick Center’s free, biweekly support group for teens ages 14-18 who identify as transgender, non-binary, gender non-conforming, and/or who are questioning their gender identity. The group meets on the first and third Tuesdays of the month from 6:30-8:00 pm. Facilitated by Miles George, LGPC, a transgender licensed mental health clinician from the Maryland Center for Gender & Intimacy, TransTeens is a safe, nonjudgmental space for gender-diverse teens to find community, navigate challenges, share resources, and celebrate their identitities. Do you know a teenager interested in attending? Email Miles at [email protected] with questions or to request the Zoom link.
TransPartners is The Frederick Center’s free, biweekly support group for partners of transgender and nonbinary people. The group meets on the second and fourth Tuesdays of the month from 7-8:30 pm via Zoom. TransPartners is a supportive, nonjudgmental space in which to navigate the joys and challenges of relationships with gender-diverse partners. Adults 18+ of all genders welcome. Facilitated by Emma Batting, LMSW, of the Maryland Center for Gender and Intimacy. Interested in attending? Email Emma at [email protected] or with questions or to request the Zoom link.
TransFamily is a free support group for parents and guardians of transgender, non-binary, and other gender-diverse young people. It is a nonjudgmental space for learning how to strengthen family relationships, navigate gender transition, and support your gender-diverse loved one. This group is for caregivers only, no children. You can join by video, audio or chat – whatever you’re comfortable with. TransFamily is professionally facilitated by Kate MacShane, M.Ed., MSW.
Trans & Gender Non-Binary Community Group is free group for transgender and gender nonbinary adults. We provide a safe space to discuss topics of interest including identity, coming out, transition, supporting one another in gender exploration, and building connections with one another. Topics and activities will largely be determined by group interest. We are committed to respect, direct communication, gentleness, exploration, and confidentiality. Group meetings are always facilitated by a trans/GNC identified facilitator. Ages 18+ only. Accompanied significant others are also welcome.
Youth Group Jr is a peer community group for LGBTQ+ youth, ages 9 to 13. Meetings are topic-driven, including education, support, friendship-building, skill-sharing, and more. This is a great place to make connections in a safe, affirming, and welcoming environment. You can join by video, audio or chat – whatever you’re comfortable with! Group meetings are always led by an LGBTQ+ identified facilitator. Some meetings may include a licensed social worker and/or an adult volunteer to assist the facilitator.
Young Adult Group is a peer community group for LGBTQ+ young adults, aged 18 to 26. Meetings are topic-driven, including education, support, friendship-building, skill-sharing, and more. This is a great place to make connections in a safe, affirming, and welcoming environment. You can join by video, audio or chat – whatever you’re comfortable with! Group meetings are always led by an LGBTQ+ identified facilitator.
Youth Group is a peer community group for LGBTQ+ youth, ages 14 to 18. Meetings are topic-driven, including education, support, friendship-building, skill-sharing, and more. This is a great place to make connections in a safe, affirming, and welcoming environment. You can join by video, audio or chat – whatever you’re comfortable with! Group meetings are always led by an LGBTQ+ identified facilitator. Some meetings may include a licensed social worker and/or an adult volunteer to assist the facilitator.
