Peer Support Groups

Social and support opportunities for our community.

Transgender Peer Support Group (Bay City)

Our transgender group is for all transgender, intersex and gender non-conforming people, our partners and allies residing in and around the Great Lakes Bay Region. We strive to create a safe place for transgender people and their allies to meet for open dialogue, educational opportunities, and socializing. This is a vibrant community group that enjoys getting together to learn, grow, and have fun together. This group is for adults 18+ at this time.

When: First Thursday of each month 

Where: Great Lakes Bay Pride Center (909 Washington Ave, Bay City, MI 48708)

Time: 6:00 p.m. – 8:00 p.m.

Snacks are provided. No RSVP is required.

If you have any questions, contact our Program Manager, Kt Mandoka, at kt@greatlakesbaypride.org.

Find Us On Facebook

This is a closed Facebook group. Please click the join button and we will open the door and welcome you in. We protect our group and anyone posting hateful things will be removed. Soliciting sexual favors is strictly prohibited; you will be removed from the group. Our goal is to keep everyone safe.

LGBTQ+ Social & Game Night (Bay City)

Join us for a casual social and game night each month at the Great Lakes Bay Pride Center! Light snacks are provided and there is no cost to attend. This group is for adults 18+ at this time.

When: Third Tuesday of each month

Where: Great Lakes Bay Pride Center (909 Washington Ave, Suite 5, Bay City, MI 48708 – Lower level of United Way building)

Time: 6:00 p.m. – 8:00 p.m.

If you have any questions, contact our Program Manager, Kt Mandoka, at kt@greatlakesbaypride.org.

LGBTQ+ Peer Support Group (Saginaw)

Great Lakes Bay Pride’s LGBTQ+ Peer Support Group is a casual networking opportunity to connect with other members of our community. All LGBTQ+ and allies are welcome to attend.This group is for adults 18+ at the time. 

When: Second Thursday of each month

Where: Hoyt Library (505 Janes Ave, Saginaw, MI 48607)

Time: 5:30 p.m. – 7:30 p.m.

Snacks are provided. No RSVP is required.
If you need help with STARS bus tokens, please contact us.

If you have any questions, contact our Program Manager, Kt Mandoka, at kt@greatlakesbaypride.org.

2SLGBTQ+ Peer Support Group (Mount Pleasant)

Our Mount Pleasant peer support group has ended for the time being. We encourage folks in the area to check out the many programs offered at the Mount Pleasant Pride Center!

2SLGBTQ+ Youth Peer Support Group (Virtual)

Great Lakes Bay Pride’s 2SLGBTQ+ Youth Peer Support Group is a casual networking and peer support opportunity for young people to connect in our community. Ages 13-17 youth who identify as 2SLGBTQ+ and their youth allies are welcome to attend. This group is facilitated by a LMSW and advance registration is required.

When: Every other Wednesday starting October 2, 2024

Where: Virtual (Zoom)

Time: 7:00 p.m. – 8:00 p.m.

Advance registration is required.

If you have any questions, contact our Program Manager, Kt Mandoka, at kt@greatlakesbaypride.org.

Community Code of Conduct

All participants will follow Great Lakes Bay Pride’s Community Code of Conduct found here.

Advocacy & Support

Equality Michigan’s Department of Victim Services provides dedicated support and advocacy to the LGBTQ and HIV+ community.

Services include but are not limited to:

Trans specific specialized services and resources
Anti-violence support and assistance in filing discrimination complaints
Intimate partner violence & sexual assault support
Safety planning Community referrals & education
Legal systems navigation and advocacy

Crisis Intervention & Suicide Intervention

National Resources

Gay, Lesbian, Bisexual and Transgender National Hotline
National hotline, youth talkline, senior hotline, peer chat

(888) 843-4564
www.glbthotline.org

Trans Lifeline
Trans Lifeline is a peer-support crisis hotline. It is the only service in the country in which all
operators are transgender.

(877) 565-8860
www.translifeline.org

National Suicide Prevention Lifeline
The National Suicide Prevention Lifeline is a national network of local crisis centers that provides free and confidential emotional support to people in suicidal crisis or emotional distress 24/7.

Dial: 988

For LGBTQI+ people under 25, you can access LGBTQI+-trained crisis counselors by dialing 988+3.

For Veterans & Service Members, you can access specialized crisis counselors by dialing 988+1 to reach the Veterans Crisis Line (VCL). 

www.suicidepreventionlifeline.org (online chat available)

Crisis Text Line
Crisis Text Line is free, 24/7 support for those in crisis. Text from anywhere in the USA to text with
a trained Crisis Counselor.

Text START to 741-741

Local Resources

Shelterhouse Midland 24-Hour Help Line

(877) 216-6383

Bay-Arenac Behavioral Health 24-Hour Crisis Hotline

(800) 327-4693

Community Mental Health for Central Michigan 24-Hour Crisis Hotline

(800) 317-0708

Saginaw County Community Mental Health 24-Hour Crisis Hotline

(800) 233-0022

Family & Children’s Services of Mid-Michigan

(989) 631-5390