Explore LGBTQ businesses and organizations in Sarasota, FL serving your community. Find law firms, medical practices, restaurants, retail stores, nonprofits, cultural organizations, and community services owned by or dedicated to serving the LGBTQ community. Connect with establishments that understand your cultural values and provide services in your language.
ALSO Youth emerged from a powerful community response to alarming statistics about suicide rates among gay and lesbian teenagers. Founded in 1992 by concerned individuals in Sarasota, Florida, the organization began with volunteers conducting support groups for local youth, recognizing that comprehensive services were essential for the community's most vulnerable members. What started as a grassroots peer support initiative has evolved into a multifaceted nonprofit charity serving LGBTQ+ youth ages 13 to 24 throughout the Sarasota and Manatee Counties area. The organization's founders proactively engaged with school officials to implement educator training programs, understanding that systemic change required institutional partnerships. Today, ALSO Youth represents decades of community commitment to supporting sexual minority youth through peer connections, professional counseling, educational advocacy, and resource referrals. The organization serves not only young people navigating their identities but also their families and friends, creating a supportive ecosystem rooted in acceptance and understanding. ALSO Youth's mission centers on enhancing self-esteem, promoting healthy dialogue about sexual diversity, and increasing community awareness of LGBTQ+ youth issues. Operating in the Sarasota region, ALSO Youth embodies the principle that when communities come together with compassion and purpose, they can create meaningful, lasting change for their most vulnerable young people.
Since 1972, PFLAG has been standing as a beacon of support for the LGBTQ community and those who love them, and PFLAG Sarasota continues this proud tradition in the heart of Florida's Gulf Coast. Founded on the principle of leading with love, PFLAG Sarasota represents a community-centered approach to acceptance and inclusion, bringing together parents, families, friends, and allies who are committed to supporting their loved ones. The organization's vision is clear and powerful: to create a world where difference is celebrated and all people are valued for who they are. With over 400 chapters and 200,000 members nationwide, PFLAG Sarasota is part of a movement that has transformed countless lives through compassionate support and advocacy. The chapter serves as more than just an organization—it is a means to provide knowledge, share experiences, and offer unwavering support to the people we love. Under the compassionate leadership of founding members like President Sheila Weiss, PFLAG Sarasota demonstrates a deep commitment to the LGBTQ+ community and those who care about them. Rooted in respect, fellowship, and genuine human connection, PFLAG Sarasota in Sarasota, FL, welcomes all who seek community, understanding, and affirmation as they navigate their journeys of love and acceptance.
