Lancaster County Chooses Love is a mutual aid organization committed to advocating for LGBTQ+ individuals across the larger Lancaster community, creating safe spaces and connecting community members with local resources.
We’re proud to offer a range of programs that reflect our commitment to the LGBTQ+ community! Each program is designed to meet real needs while celebrating queer joy and resilience.
For programs hosted at our Resource Center, please see parking information here.
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Safe Space Events
Support Groups
Clothing Closet
Legal Name Change Assistance
Mutual Aid
Educational Programming
Safe Space Events
We host a variety of events throughout the year, and we’re adding more all the time! This includes art workshops (mug painting, pottery, ornament making, etc.), hiking, rock climbing, roller skating, Dungeons and Dragons nights, and more!
All of our events are free to attend and also free from transphobia, homophobia, sexism, ableism, xenophobia, fatphobia, ageism, hatefulness and discrimination of any kind.
Interested in starting a program? Reach out to Stephanie, our Executive and Community Programs Coordinator: Stephanie@LancasterChoosesLove.org
Support Groups
We offer various supportive spaces for the LGBTQ+ community, including peer spaces and support groups led by therapists. A few examples of our support groups:
- LGBTQIA+ Young Adult Support Group 18+
- Afterschool Alliance
- Queer Peers: Monthly Trans Community Meetup
- A Time & Place for Caregivers
Clothing Closet
Our gender-affirming clothing closet provides a supportive and inclusive space for individuals to access clothing that aligns with their gender identity.
Lancaster County Chooses Love recognizes the diverse ways in which people express their gender and aims to create an environment that is respectful and affirming of everyone’s identity and dignity.
The clothing closet operates on principles of non-discrimination, ensuring that everyone is treated with respect regardless of their gender identity. The current organizer of the closet works to build connections with the folks who come in as she helps them “shop” for things they like, giving them a personal experience that supports them in honoring their authentic selves. She also remembers clients and their clothing preferences and will point out new items she knows they will like!
“I love knowing I’m making a difference in someone’s day. It’s wonderful when I help someone ‘shop’ in our clothing closet and then I see them come back the next week wearing that shirt they picked out, feeling good about themselves. People feel a sense of relief knowing there is a place for them to come and get clothes, without having to worry about money.”
-Shared by a Resource Center Volunteer
Our clothing closet is located inside our Resource Center, alongside our pantry. Learn more about our Resource Center and Pantry here!
Legal Name Change Assistance
We occasionally host legal name change clinics (open to adults aged 18+), with guidance from local attorneys. Outside of the clinics, we have several resources for folks looking to begin the legal name change process.
Eastern PA Trans Equity Project: Download Court Documents, Legal Name Change Steps, etc.
Lawyer Referral Service: LCCL partners with the Lancaster Bar Association/Lancaster Law Foundation to help folks get legal guidance. They are connected with lawyers who are extremely supportive of the LGBTQ+ community. They have a program called the Lawyer Referral Service.
LCCL Support: One step in the name change process is getting fingerprinted at a police station. If you live in Lancaster County, we’d be happy to send an LCCL staff member or volunteer to join you for support.
Mutual Aid: LCCL may be able to help cover the costs associated with the legal name change process.
Questions? Email Laura Sabatini: Laura@LancasterChoosesLove.org
Mutual Aid
In addition to these programs, Lancaster County Chooses Love can help to coordinate mutual aid to LGBTQ+ individuals in times of crisis or need. Mutual aid can play a crucial role in providing immediate support and it emphasizes collective action, solidarity, and shared responsibility. Examples of mutual aid include financial support, neighbors helping each other with childcare, community members sharing resources, and addressing specific needs like housing and healthcare costs. We believe that providing mutual aid is a radical way of supporting the LGBTQ+ community by making sure resources go directly to those in need without an intermediary. For more information, please reach out to Parker@LancasterChoosesLove.org.
Educational Programming
LCCL offers various educational workshops for workplaces, churches, schools, etc. Jessica Purdy, Executive Partner for Culture & Operations can customize trainings that best work for your group!
Reach out to Jessica at HR@LancasterChoosesLove.org to inquire.
We value your feedback!
Have you attended an LCCL program or event? We want to hear from you!
Click the button below to provide feedback! Feel free to share as much or as little as you like- every question is optional. Your insights will help us shape future programs and better serve the community. Thank you!
