Support Groups

All of these groups meet at the Center unless specifically stated otherwise.

You don't need to register for any of our groups. Simply show up. We have free parking on the east (left) of the building.

When you come into the Center, please sign in and someone will show you where the group meets. We look forward to seeing you.

See our Calendar of Events for the most up to date meeting information.

Asexual/Aromantic Support Group aka Cheesecake

The group is open for Asexual, Aromantic, and questioning individuals aged 18 and up. The goal of this group is to hold space for members of the Ace/Aro community to support one another and talk about successes, difficulties, and struggles as Ace/Aro individuals.

Meets VIRTUALLY Mondays 6:00 pm - 7:00 pm

For meeting information, contact Jessiye Davis (she/her) at davis.jessiye@gmail.com.

Disability Support Group

This intergenerational peer-led group explores issues and support at the interactions of LGBTQ+ identified individuals with all disabilities.

Meets the 2nd and 4th Monday 2:30 - 4:30 pm Online

See our Calendar of events for meeting information or contact disability@mkelgbt.org

FAB (Fifty and Better) Discussion Group

In person support group for individuals fifty and better. Includes discussing the highs and lows of the week, sharing one's experiences, and discussing various topics chosen by the participants.

Meets every Tuesday from 1:00 pm- 2:30 pm

See our Calendar of Events for meeting information or contact aging@mkelgbt.org

Gemini Gender Support Group

18 + open peer support group for anyone that identifies with the labels Transgender or Gender Non-Conforming. A welcoming space to build community talk about experiences as a TGNC individual.

Meets every 2nd Saturday of the Month 6:00 pm - 8:00 pm

Contact valerymeyer@aim.com for more information.

Later Life Lesbians

A support group for adult women questioning and discovering their sexuality and/or coming out "later."

Meets the 3rd Thursday 7:00 pm - 8:30 pm

Contact jenniferjanviere@gmail.com for meeting information

Parents of TGNC Littles Support Group

This is a support group for parents of TGNC Littles (ages 4-12). While the parents meet to gain support from other families in a similar situation, the littles will meet in the Project Q space under the supervision of Center staff to interact with kids like them. The parents and kids are just down the hall from each other for everyone's comfort level.

Meets in person on the 3rd Monday of the Month from 5:30 - 6:30 pm.

Contact parentsOTL@mkelgbt.org for meeting information.

PFLAG (Parents, Family, and Friends of LGBTQ+)

A support group for sharing and caring. Periodically, we have presentations on substantive LGBTQ+ issues. We offer a place to talk freely since we all share similar stories. We support and help each other with problems that arise. We form friendships as we grow in our understanding and acceptance.

Meets 3rd Sunday of the month, August thru May, and the 4th Sunday in June from 5:00 to 7:15 pm, at Martin Luther Church, 9235 W. Bluemound Road, Wauwatosa, WI.
We do not meet in July.

For meeting information, contact pflagmilwaukee@hotmail.com

Poly Discussion Group

The Milwaukee Poly Group meets twice a a month, the first Friday of each month for a social at a different location and the third Wednesday of each month for a discussion, with a different topic every month. We strive to be a safe and inclusive space for non-monogamous folks to get information, support, and advice.

Meets in person 3rd Wednesday 7:30 - 8:30pm

Contact Lyndzi Miller (she/her) for meeting information.

Sexual Compulsive Anonymous (SCA)

Sexual Compulsives Anonymous is a 12-step Recovery program for sexual compulsion, sex addiction, and romantic obsession. It is a fellowship of people who share their experience, strength, and hope with each other, that they may solve their common problem and help others recover from sexual compulsion. Abstaining from healthy sex is not required to participate in the program.

Meets Saturdays 9:00 am - 10:00 am

For meeting information, contact Raymond K (he/him).

Thoughtful Gay Man

A soul-searching support group with a changing topic every month – to find healing, meaning, and deeper connection with likeminded gay men. Always safe, always kind, always thoughtful. All ages, identities, and life backgrounds welcome

Meets on select Saturdays 11:00 am - 12:30 pm

For meeting information, contact admin@mkelgbt.org.

Trans & Gender Nonconforming Support Group

This group is open to adults age 18+ who identify under the Trans Umbrella, including gender non-conforming, genderqueer, non-binary, and trans folx. Topics will be chosen by the group and may include survivorship, safety, resources, trauma, support in the community, and healing. 

Meets in person every Thursday from 6-8:00 pm

Contact our general email at admin@mkelgbt.org for meeting information.

Youth Counseling Services

For more information, contact Aaleh Hughes (she/her).

Meeting times and locations for groups can also be found on our Calendar.

LGBTQIA+ Youth Support Group

An Open, peer support group for LGBTQIA+ youth 13 - 24. A free and confidential support group where youth are given a safe space to discuss openly.

Wednesdays 4:30 - 5:30 pm Online.

Transgender Counseling Services

Contact us for more information.

The Center provides services and programs for the Transgender and Gender Non-conforming community. Services include a weekly support group, counseling, shapewear, and name change information.

Name Change Process. The guides below can help people through the name change process in Milwaukee County. In many cases, it is not necessary to work with a lawyer when applying for a name change! Our Name Change Cordinator will work with you through the process and assist with applications, fee waivers, and other paperwork.

The primary benefit of working with a pro bono lawyer to file your name change is that the lawyer pays for the process. If you want to work with a lawyer, you can reach out to be put on our waitlist.

Name Change Guides:

• 2024 Wisconsin Name & Gender Marker Change Guide

• Milwaukee County Name Change Forms PDF

• The City of Milwaukee Name Change Guide

Medical Support: connecting to affirming doctors and communicating with medical providers and insurance to receive proper care.

Gender-Affirming Surgery Support: If you want to schedule an appointment with a mental health or substance abuse counselor to obtain a letter for gender-affirming surgery, complete our referral form and click “submit” at the bottom of the form (REFERRAL FORM). (Please note: There is currently a waitlist for surgery letters due to the high volume of requests. If you are still interested and want to get on the waitlist, please fill out the form).

Gender-Affirming Products: we can provide folks with binders

TGNC Social Events: See our calendar of events for the most up-to-date information.

TGNC Support Group, Every Thursday: In Person 6:00-8:00 pm. Open peer support groups for any adult (18+) identifying as transgender or Gender Non-Conforming. A welcoming space to build community and talk about experiences as a TGNC individual.

Parents of TGNC Littles Support Group, 3rd Monday of the Month: In Person 5:30 - 6:30 pm. This is a support group for parents of TGNC Littles (ages 4-12). While the parents meet to gain support from other families in a similar situation, the littles will meet in the Project Q space under the supervision of Center staff to interact with kids like them. The parents and kids are just down the hall from each other for everyone's comfort level.

Gemini Gender Support Group, 2nd Saturday of the Month 6:00 pm - 8:00 pm. A group for those who identify as two-gendered or Gemini gender. A welcoming space to build community and talk about experiences as a TGNC individual.

Recovery and Victim Services

For more information, contact: admin@mkelgbt.org

Services

LGBTQ + Re-Entry
For those returning to the community after incarceration and seeing assistance.

Recovery Coaching

The Art and Science of Recovery Coaching are now provided at Milwaukee LGBT Community Center. You will have the opportunity to have a vetted and trained staff walk alongside you to explore many dimensions of recovery and recovery coaching. The uniqueness of a Recovery Coach Professional (RCP) through the Community Connecticut Addiction Recovery (CCAR) and the International Association of Recovery Professionals (IARCP) brings an addiction approach that promotes recovery and is a personal guide and mentor for others while helping them remove barriers and obstacles to recovery from an addiction to alcohol and or other drugs.

WHAT IS A RECOVERY COACH?

A Recovery Coach promotes recovery and removes barriers and obstacles to recovery, serving as a personal guide and mentor for people seeking or already in recovery from an addiction to alcohol and or other drugs.

Learn More Here:
https://addictionrecoverytraining.org/recovery-coach-academy/

ANTI-VIOLENCE COUNSELING SERVICES

The Center assists LGBTQ+ individuals who have experienced or otherwise been impacted by intimate partner violence, sexual assault and abuse, stalking, physical assault, harassment, bullying, bias-related incidents, hate crimes, and other forms of violence by advocating on their behalf, assisting with crime reporting and accompanying crime victims to medical exams or court appearances if requested.  Below is a list of programs offered:

VICTIMS AND SURVIVORS

We provide crisis accompaniment to court or medical exams and advocacy, including criminal justice and personal advocacy. The Center staff liaisons law enforcement, legal proceedings, and related survivor support services.

CRISIS COUNSELING AND STABILIZATION

Counseling is offered, by appointment, during regular business hours, Monday through Friday. A trained mental health professional is available by appointment to assist victims and survivors in stabilization following a sexual assault, an incident of partner violence, a hate crime, or another traumatic event, whether recent or resurfacing.

50 + Better (Older Adult) Services

For more information, contact Brook Stanley (he/they).

Weekly FAB Discussion Group

A discussion group designed to build community through our combined strengths. Organized in a “week's highs and lows” format.

Tuesdays @ 1 - 2:30pm in the Adult Space at the Center.

The MCDA offers many services and links to other Milwaukee area resources for older adults. Please be sure to check out their website by clicking here. If you need more information about Milwaukee area older adult resources, call (262) 409-8434

Resources

Caregiver support groups for those with Alzheimer’s disease and related forms of dementia or 24/7 Helpline: 800.272.3800

Anti-Violence Counseling Services

The Center provides assistance to LGBTQ+ individuals who have experienced or otherwise been impacted by intimate partner violence, sexual assault and abuse, stalking, physical assault, harassment, bullying, bias-related incidents, hate crimes and other forms of violence by advocating on their behalf, assisting with crime reporting and accompanying crime victims to medical exams or court appearances if requested.  Below is a list of programs offered:

Advocacy for Victims and Survivors

Our Counseling & Anti-Violence Program (CAVP) provides crisis, accompaniment to court or medical exams and advocacy, including criminal justice and personal advocacy. Center staff serve as a liaison to law enforcement, legal proceedings, and related survivor support services.

Crisis Counseling and Stabilization (English and Spanish)

Counseling is offered, by appointment, during normal business hours Monday through Friday. A trained mental health professional is available by appointment to assist victims and survivors in stabilization following a sexual assault, an incident of partner violence, hate crime, or another traumatic event, whether recent or resurfacing.

Individual Counseling (available in English and Spanish)

Couples Counseling (available in English and Spanish)

Family Counseling (available in English and Spanish)

Report Violence

If you’ve been a victim of violence, we can help. A confidential and voluntary form is available below. If you have further questions or would like services you can also connect with an advocate by calling (414) 271-2656.

Report Violence

Every day, across the state of Wisconsin, LGBT+ people face bias and discrimination. Unfortunately, they also are often victims of violent crime. These incidents of violence often go unreported. By reporting the incident(s), you are helping AVP staff to track hate crimes, intimate partner violence, sexual violence, bias-related incidents, and other forms of violence occurring within our community. This information will only be used to collect data in order to find out what is going on in the community.

Please complete this voluntary form if you have ever been a victim, or have personal knowledge of other LGBT hate-related harassment, property damage, or violence. You may choose to remain anonymous and do not have to provide us with information that would reveal your identity. All information you provide is STRICTLY CONFIDENTIAL and will not be shared with anyone else including law enforcement.

Collaboration & Support

The Anti-Violence Projects works collaboratively with these local organizations:

• Alliance School – Milwaukee Public Schools

• Aurora Health Care – The Healing Center

• Aurora Health Care – The Sexual Assault Treatment Center

• Hmong American Friendship & Women’s Association, Inc.

• Independence First

• Marquette University

• Milwaukee Commission on Domestic Violence and Sexual Assault

• Milwaukee County District Attorney’s Office

• Milwaukee Police Department

• Pathfinders, Inc.

• Sojourner Family Peace Center

• UMOS Latina Resource Center

• UWM:LGBT Resource Center, Norris Health Center, Women’s Resource Center

• Wisconsin Coalition Against Domestic Violence

• Wisconsin Department of Justice

Our programs are supported by the Wisconsin Department of Justice Victims of Crime Act (VOCA) and the Wisconsin Department of Child and Families (DCF).