Access to wellness in its many forms is essential to building a strong personal foundation. Spaces where we feel fully understood, supported, and affirmed help us do just that, especially for those who are marginalized. LGBTQIA+, Black-owned wellness centers are empowering our most vulnerable. These vital organizations address health disparities and promote self-care through advocacy, education, and empowerment.
1. Cuties — Los Angeles, California
If you’re in the Los Angeles area, check out Cuties, a community space offering in-person and virtual events for queer and transgender people. Hoping for an alcohol-free gathering, Cuties began as a coffee shop. The brick-and-mortar closed during the COVID-19 pandemic in 2020, and the owners transferred ownership to current CEO Sasha Jones. They are committed to “providing resources, joy, and healing for queer, trans, and gender non-conforming people, with special focus and services dedicated to our QTBIPOC family.”
2. GLITS — New York, New York
Founder and Executive Director Sayen Doroshow founded Gays and Lesbians Living in Transgender Society in 2015. The organization’s mission statement reads, “The first issue we address is the immediate need/crisis assistance for transgender sex workers and members of the TLGBQIA and BIPOC communities in the New York City area, across the United States, and around the world.” After housing, GLITS also prioritizes healthcare.
3. Sis Got Tea — Louisville, Kentucky
Founded in 2019 by Ariel Clark, Sis Got Tea is dedicated to being “as accessible, accepting, responsible, and sober as possible,” according to the site. “She wants to transform Sis Got Tea into a place where people can laugh, relax, have fun, get resources, and drink delicious tea.”
The cafe hosts events like Stitch and Bitch Craft Circles, Gentle Parenting Classes, Name Change Clinics, Ace/Allo/Demi Spectrum Meetups, and also provides supplies like COVID tests, Narcan, Plan B, fentanyl testing strips, and menstrual products.
4. BEAM — Virtual
Yolo Akili Robinson founded the Black Emotional and Mental Health Collective in 2016. BEAM stands for “It is a national training, movement-building, and grant-making organization committed to the healing, health, and liberation of Black and marginalized communities.” BEAM helps people build their health reserves through educational tools, journaling prompts, reflection questions, and more.
5. National Queer & Transgender Therapists Network (NQTTCN) — Virtual
Erica Woodland is a Black queer, transmasculine/genderqueer therapist. She launched NQTTCN in May 2016 to bring therapists together for a deeper analysis of healing justice. “We know that many QTBIPOC are systematically denied access to resources that meet their basic needs, so we are investing our time, intention, and resources to address the physical, emotional, and spiritual needs of our members, staff, and advisory board,” the organization’s website states.
These five aren’t the only LGBTQIA+ Black-owned wellness centers out there. Just search and you’ll find connections. Look for Black and queer-friendly or centered places in your area, or visit virtual communities that can offer the kind of support you’re looking for.
