This list of resources includes (a) basics of understanding LGBTQ+ children and youth, (b) child welfare and foster care, (c) culture, ethnicity, and identity, (d) family support, (e) schools, school climate, bullying, and bias, (f) and community resources on Hawai’i Island, Kauai, Maui, and O’ahu. 

Compiled by Jo Chang, ocsjosie@hotmail.com – Updated December 2019                                                                                                                

 Basics – Understanding LGBTQ+ children and youth

 

Child Welfare & Foster Care

 

Culture, Ethnicity and Identity

 

Family Support

 

Schools, School Climate, Bullying and Bias

 

HAWAII RESOURCES

 HAWAI’I ISLAND – The Big Island

  • Alu Like. Hana Lima Scholarship Program, Native Hawaiian Summer School Assistance Program, Ho’omanea ‘Oiwi Employment & Training Program.  Contact (808) 961-2625.
  • Bay Clinic, Inc. Network of health care clinics serving East Hawaii.  Contact Cyd Hoffeld, Health Promotions Manager, (808) 965-3037, choffeld@bayclinic.org., and also for other therapists/social workers for children.
  • Boys and Girls Club. Offers children after school programs.  Contact (808) 961-5536.
  • Child and Family Service. Supports LGBT youth.  Contact Jacqueline Economy, at jeconomy@cfs-hawaii.org or (808) 935-2188.
  • Friends of the Children’s Justice Center East Hawaii. Support for abused children and children in foster care.  Contact Robin Benedict, Program Coordinator, at (808) 935-8755 or fcjceh@hawaii.rr.com.
  • GLSEN Hawaii (Chapter of Gay, Lesbian, Straight Education Network) for Hawaii County. Contact Yolisa Duley, Hawaii Island Coordinator at hduley@hawaii.edu.
  • Hawaii Family Guidance Center, Child and Adolescent Mental Health Division, Hawaii Department of Health. Contact (808) 933-0610.
  • Hawai’i Island HIV/AIDs Foundation. Contact Jewel Castro, Women and Youth Prevention Specialist, at jcastro@hihaf.org or (808) 982-8800.
  • Konawaena High School Gay Straight Alliance (GSA). Contact John Lee, Advisor, at jlee@konawaenahigh.k12.hi.us
  • Neighborhood Place of Puna. Prevention of child abuse and neglect and family strengthening program; Kamalama Parenting Program.  Contact Paul Normann at (808) 965-5550.
  • PFLAG Kona/Big Island. Provides support for parents, friends, and family of LGBT.  Contact  Jeff Gourley, President, at pflagkonabigisland@gmail.com or (808) 895-2803.
  • Pride Hilo. LGBT student support group at UH-Hilo.  Contact Ashley Magallanes, Advisor, at ashleylm@hawaii.edu or (808) 932-7642.
  • University of Hawaii at Hilo, LGBTQ+ Center. Contact Destiny Rodriguez, Coordinator, at destinyr@hawaii.edu or (808) 932-7958, and see https://hilo.hawaii.edu/studentaffairs/lgbt/
  • University of Hawaii at Hilo, Office of Equal Opportunity/Affirmative Action. Contact Jennifer Stotter, Title IX Coordinator, at jstotter@hawaii.edu or (808) 932-7641, and Jenna Waipa, Title IX Lead Deputy Coordinator, at waipajk@hawaii.edu or (808) 932-7818.
  • University of Hawaii at Hilo, Student Health and Wellness Program. Contact Yolisa Duley, Health Education Program Specialist, at hduley@hawaii.edu.
  • YWCA Hawai’i Island. Inclusive youth and family and sex abuse support, teen court.  Contact Kathleen McGilvray, CEO, at kmcgilvray@ywcahawaiiisland.org. or Lorraine Davis at ldavis@ywcahawaiiisland.org.

KAUAI

  • GLSEN Hawaii (Chapter of Gay, Lesbian, Straight Education Network). Contact Matthew Houck, co-chair, at (808) 245-5959 and matthew@ywcakauai.org.
  • Kapaa High School’s Diversity Club. LGBTQ student support.  Contact Mr. Martin Antonio at Antonio@kapaahs.k12.hi.us.
  • Kauai Family Guidance Center, Child and Adolescent Mental Health Division, Hawaii Department of Health. Contact Madeleine Hiraga-Nuccio, Branch Chief, at (808) 274-3883.
  • Kauai High School, GSA/Diversity Club. Contact Nikki Hurtado at Nicole_Hurtado/KAUAIH/HIDEO@notes.k12.hi.us.
  • PFLAG Kauai. Provides education, support, advocacy for LGBT persons, their families, and the community.  Contact pflagkauai@gmail.com or (808) 634-0127.
  • Waimea High. LGBTQ student support.  Contact Kristina Kutchner at Kristina_Kutcher@notes.k12.hi.us
  • YWCA of Kaua’i. Girl Camps (any female identified children and youth), family and youth support services, LGBT training for service providers.  Contact Renae Hamilton, Executive Director, (808) 245-5959 or Matthew Houck, LGBTQ Services Specialist, (808) 245-5959, matthew@ywcakauai.org.  See ywcakauai.org.

MAUI

  • Al and Jane Nakatani, Honor Thy Children, Inc.. Support for parents, the LGBT community, training and educational materials for professionals and the larger community.  Contact  alnakatani@gmail.com, or  (808)495-1550.
  • Alu Like. Prevention Programs on Molokai.  Contact Jana Sasada at jacaria@alulike.org.
  • Boys and Girls Club. Contact Kelly Pearson at (808) 242-4363.
  • Friends of Children’s Justice Center on Maui. Support for abused children in Maui county.  Contact Paul Tonnessen, Executive Director, (808) 986-8634.
  • GLSEN Hawai (Chapter of Gay, Lesbian, Straight Education Network) for Maui County. Contact Robin Lee at 243-1251.
  • Kamehameha Schools Maui Gay Straight Alliance (GSA). Support for LGBTQ students.  Contact Waianuhea Getgen, Outreach Counselor and GSA advisor, at wagetgen@ksbe.edu.
  • Malama I Ke Ola Health Center. Services for transgender and gender nonconforming children and youth, and their families.  Contact Dr. Casandra Simonson, M.D., pediatrician, at ph. (808) 872-4089.
  • Maui Aids Foundation’s Empower’d Support Group. Serves LGBTQI and allies of adolescent s and young adults ages 13 to 26.  Contact Tiare Sua at (808) 242-4900 ext. 229 or Tiare@mauiaids.org.
  • Maui Economic Opportunity (MEO). Youth Services Prevention Program:  cyberbullying, suicide prevention, underage drinking; Underage Drinking Program (Up-Country).  Contact Shayna-Marie Maniapao at (808) 243-4304.
  • Maui Family Guidance Center, Child and Adolescent Mental Health Division, Hawaii Department of Health. Contact Robin Lee, Branch Chief, at lee@doh.hawaii.gov or (808) 243-1251.
  • Maui Youth and Family Services (MYFS). Intensive outpatient and outpatient substance abuse services.  Contact Susan Pirsch, Clinical Director, at (808) 280-1150, or Heather Long, School based Substance Abuse Counselor at Baldwin High School, at (808) 264-6696.
  • Meghan Walles, LCSW. Walles Wellness (counseling services), at (808) 371-9517.
  • Mental Health America – Hawaii. Community support.  Contact Danielle Bergan, Community Coordinator at bergan@mentalhealthhawaii.org .
  • Parents and Children Together (PACT). Ulupono Family Strengthening Program, contact Mele Andradeat (808) 847-3285; Maui Family Peace Centers, contact Connie Meekhof at (808) 565-9191.
  • PFLAG Maui. Information and support for parents of LGBT children.  Contact PFLAGMaui@gmail.com.
  • Tina Boteilho, LMFT. Ahupuaa Counseling Services, at (808) 283-8640.

OAHU

  • Adolescent Medicine Clinic, Kapi’olani Medical Specialist Clinics at Hale Pawa’a, Hawaii Pacific Health. Contact Dr. Robert Bidwell at (808) 373-7588.
  • Robert Bidwell, Associate Clinical Professor of Pediatrics at the John A. Burns School of Medicine, and in practice at the Adolescent Medicine Clinic, Hawai’i Pacific Health. Contact at robertb@kapiolani.org, and (808) 428-4545.
  • Jo Chang provides support for parents of LGBT children, LGBT resources for families and professionals, LGBT training and consultation for agencies and organizations. Contact at ocsjosie@hotmail.com and (808) 383-2111.
  • Child and Adolescent Mental Health Division (CAMHD), Hawaii Department of Health. Provides mental health services to youth with severe emotional and behavioral disturbances.  CAMHD Safe Spaces Committee works to make the CAMHD workplace and services more inclusive of LGBTQ.  Contact Dana Abdinoor at:  Abdinoor@doh.hawaii.gov.
  • Civil Rights Compliance Office (CRCO), Hawaii Department of Education. Contact at (808) 586-3322.
  • Farrington High School Gay Straight Alliance (GSA). Contact Alison Colby, MSW, and Gwen Murakami, MSW, co-advisors, at (808) 305-5178 or (808) 305-5179 and alison_colby/farrington/hidoe@notes.k12.hi.us and gwen_murakami/farrington/hidoe@notes.k12.hi.us
  • Pia Francisco-Natanauan, M.D. Assistant Professor of Pediatrics at the John A. Burns School of Medicine, and in practice at the Adolescent Medicine Clinic, Hawaii Pacific Health, ph. (808) 373-7588.
  • GLSEN Hawaii (Chapter of Gay, Lesbian, & Straight Education Network). Contact Valor Grimm, M.S., MFTI, Co-chair (for Oahu), at  healingpug@gmail.com.
  • Hale Kipa, Inc. Provides wide range of services for at-risk/high-risk youth, see halekipa.org.
  • Dean Hamer and Joe Wilson, film-makers with community outreach and education campaigns and resources at KUMUHINA.COM  and www.wpsu.org/outinthesilence,  Contact Joe Wilson at QwavesJoe@yahoo.com , or (808) 629-9864.
  • Samuel Hawk (See Lavender Clinic).
  • Hinaleimoana (Hina) Wong-Kalu, cultural consultant, educator. Contact Kumu Hina for youth support and training at hina@gmail.com .
  • Public Library LGBT resources: Contact Jan Kamiya, Young Adult Librarian at McCully-Mo’ili’ili Public Library, for recommended library collections for LGBT children and youth at Kamiya@librarieshawaii.org or ph. (808) 973-1099.
  • Lavender Clinic. A transgender and LGBQ health clinic that provides health care, leadership, programs, education and services for the transgender community and lesbian, gay, bisexual community.  At  lavenderclinichawaii.com and ph. (808) 445-5392.
  • Lili’uokalani Trust in Waianae, Oahu. Contact Ka’ohu’onapua (Pua) Kaninau-Santos, Ohana Services Team Lead at (808) 851-7817 or kkaninausantos@onipaa.org.
  • Mental Health America-Hawaii. Contact Mestisa Gass, PSYD, Program Director or Amanda Martinez, MPH, Training Program Manager at (808) 521-1846, http://mentalhealthhawaii.org/youth/
  • Pacific Center for Sex and Society at the University of Hawaii. Contact Dr. Milton Diamond, Director, at diamond@hawaii.edu, or Dr. Connie Brinton-Diamond, PhD, at (808) 341-4346.
  • Planned Parenthood of Hawaii. Provides sexual and reproductive health care and education, and LGBT services through advocacy and compassionate, affordable services.  (808) 589-1149,  https://www.plannedparenthood.org/learn/sexual-orientation-gender
  • Ryse Hawaii. Provides shelter and support services for homeless youth 18-24 yrs.  Contact Carla Houser, E.D., by email at info@rysehawaii.org or ph. (808) 498-5180.
  • Suicide Prevention Program of the EMSIPS Branch of the Department of Health. Nancy Deeley, Suicide Prevention Coordinator at (808) 733-9320 or deeley@doh.hawaii.gov.
  • Susannah Wesley Community Center, Trafficking Victims Assistance Program. Provides case management services to survivors of human trafficking to minors and adults.  Contact at info@susannahwesley.org and ph. (808) 847-1535 and go to tvaphawaii.org.
  • Teen Alert Program (TAP 808), Domestic Violence Action Center (DVAC). Teen dating violence prevention, education, and intervention program.  Helpline at (808) 531-3771 or email  the Teen Advocate, at teen@stoptheviolence.org.  See also  http://www.tap808.org/
  • TransSpectrum Hawai’i. Provides education, support, and visibility for Hawaii’s FTM transgender community.  Contact transspectrum808@gmail.com .
  • University of Hawaii at Manoa, Commission on Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Transgender and Queer+ (LGBTQ+) Equality.Student rights and system-wide representation with Commissioners on each of 10 campuses.   http://www.hawaii.edu/offices/president/lgbtq/ and contact lgbtq@hawaii.edu, (808) 956-9250.
  • University of Hawaii at Manoa, Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Transgender and Intersex Student Services. Camaron Miyamoto, Coordinator, email at Camaronm@hawaii.edu or ph. (808) 956-9250,  http://manoa.hawaii.edu/lgbt/contact.html
  • Waianae Coast Comprehensive Health Center. Contact Lisa Garcia,PSYD, school based health clinics and GSA at Waianae High, (808) 450-1222; behavioral health services for families and health at (808) 697-3469; teen clinic, medical and hormone therapy at (808) 697-3300.
  • Waikiki Health. Provides medical and social services that are accessible for everyone regardless of ability to pay, range of medical care, and homeless and youth outreach, see waikikihc.org, (808) 922-4787, information@waikikikhc.org.
  • YO (Youth Outreach) Program. Provides medical and social services to homeless youth in Waikiki.  Carla Houser, co-coordinator at (808) 791-9366 chouser@waikikihealth.org and http://waikikihc.org/locations/youth-outreach-drop-in-center-and-teen-clinic/

FAITH AND SPIRITUAL SUPPORT in Hawaii

  • Calvary by the Sea Lutheran Church & Montessori School in East Oahu welcomes all. Contact Pastor Tim Mason at http://www.calvarybythesea.org/ or (808) 377-5477.
  • Center for Spiritual Living Kauai is an open and affirming congregation in Kapa’a, Kaua’i. Contact Rev. Diane Decker, Staff Minister, at http://www.cslkauai.org/center-team or (808) 755-9177.
  • Christ Church Uniting Disciples and Presbyterians is an open and affirming congregation in Kailua, Oahu. Contact Rev. Elizabeth “Liz” Leavitt, Pastor, at http://www.ccukailua.org/open-and-affirming/ or (808) 262-6911.
  • Christ Lutheran Church in Mililani, Oahu, is a vibrant caring community that welcomes all. Contact Pastor Keith Wolter at http://www.clcmililani.org/ or   (808) 623-9229.
  • Church of the Crossroads United Church of Christ is an open and affirming church in Honolulu. Contact Pastor David Kieffer at http://churchofthecrossroadshawaii.org/ or (808) 949-2220.
  • Church of the Holy Apostles is an Open, Loving, and Affirming congregation in Hilo, Hawaii. Contact Rev. Katlin McCallister at http://www.episcopalchurchhilo.org/ or (808) 935-5545.
  • Community Church of Honolulu is a congregation-based, inclusive community. Contact Pastor Ron Williams at http://www.cchonolulu.org/ or (808) 595-7541.
  • Dignity/Honolulu provides outreach ministry for Gay, Lesbian, Bisexual, and Transgender Catholics, and their families and friends, in Honolulu. Contact Chapter President Gene Corpuz at https://honolulu.dignityusa.org/ or (808) 779-1965.
  • Emmanuel Episcopal Church in Kailua, Oahu, where all are welcome. Contact The Rev. Christopher Golding at http://www.emmanuelkailua.com/?view=mobile or (808) 262-4548.
  • Epiphany Episcopal Church in Honolulu is a diverse community. Contact The Rev. Irene Tanabe, Rector, at http://epiphanychurchhi.weebly.com/ or (808) 734-5706.
  • First Christian Church of Honolulu in Honolulu that is open to all. Contact Pastor Jimmy Hutcherson at http://firstchristianchurchhonolulu.org/welcome or (808) 521-3500.
  • First Unitarian Church of Honolulu is a Unitarian Universalist welcoming Congregation. Contact T.J. Fitzgerald, Minister at http://www.unitariansofhi.org/contactus or (808) 595-4047.
  • Hanapepe United Church of Christ is an open and affirming congregation in Hanapepe, Kauai. Contact Rev. Michael Christensen at http://www.hanapepeucc.org/index.html or (808) 335-5135.
  • Harris United Methodist Church in downtown Honolulu is an open and reconciling congregation where ALL are welcome. Contact Rev. Dr. Cheol Kwak, Senior Pastor and Rev. Rona Mangayayam, Associate Pastor at  http://www.harrisumc.org/index.html or (808) 536-9602.
  • Holy Innocents Episcopal Church in Lahaina, Maui, where ALL are welcome. Contact Rev. Amy Crowe, Vicar at  http://www.holyimaui.org/ or (808)  661-4202.
  • Honolulu Friends Meeting in Honolulu is an open and affirming Quaker congregation where all are welcome. Contact Resident Couple at http://www.hawaiiquaker.org/ or (808) 988-2714.
  • Iao United Church of Christ in Wailuku, Maui, is an open and affirming congregation where all are welcome. Contact Pastor Tino Cordova at http://www.iaoucc.org/ or (808) 244-7353.
  • Jewish Community of Kauai, a reform Judaism congregation led by Rabbi Rob Kvidt. Contact at Kauaijewishcommunity.com.
  • Joy of Christ Lutheran Church in Pearl City, Oahu, is affirming and caring for all. Contact Pastor Keith Wolter at http://joyofchristhawaii.org/index.htm or (808) 455-1138.
  • Keawala’I Congregational Church in Kihei, Maui, welcomes ALL. Contact Kahu Alika at http://www.keawalai.org/ or (808) 879-5557.
  • Konko Mission of Honolulu is supportive and welcoming of all people. Contact Rev. Koichi Konko, Head Minister, at http://konkomissionshawaii.org/honolulu.htm or (808) 533-7173.
  • Konko Mission of Wahiawa is supportive and welcoming of all people. Contact Rev. Yasuhiro Yano and Associate ministers at http://konkomissionshawaii.org/WahiawaMain.htm or (808) 621-6667.
  • Lutheran Church of Honolulu is welcoming to ALL. Contact The Rev. Jeff Lilley at http://www.lchwelcome.org/site/ or (808) 941-2566.
  • Makawao Union Church in Paia, Maui, is the spiritual home for diverse people and welcomes all. Contact Rev. Dave Schlicher at http://makawaounionchurch.org/ or (808) 579-9261.
  • Mo’ili’ili Hongwanji in Honolulu welcomes all people. Contact Rev. Bert Sumikawa at http://www.moiliilihongwanji.org/ or (808) 949-1659.
  • Nuuanu Congregational Church in Honolulu values and embraces diversity. Contact Rev. Neal MacPherson, Supply Pastor, or Paula Yamamoto, Administrative Coordinator, at http://nuuanu.org/  or (808) 595-3935.
  • Open Arms MCC is a Metropolitan Community Church in Pahoa, Hawaii Island, an open and affirming church where everyone is loved with open arms. See http://www.openarmspuna.org/ and contact at mcc@gmail.com or (808) 339-7560.
  • Palolo Kwannon Temple in Honolulu welcomes all. Contact Rev. Irene Matsumoto at http://www.tendai.or.jp/english/temple.php or (808) 737-5177.
  • Andrew’s Cathedral is an Episcopal church in Honolulu that respects the dignity of all. See:  http://www.thecathedralofstandrew.org/clergy-staff/ or (808) 524-2822.
  • Clement’s Episcopal Church in Honolulu is a caring and inclusive Christian community. Contact at http://www.stclem.org/ or (808) 955-7745.
  • John’s Church in Kula, Maui, is a Caring and Inclusive Christian Community. Contact The Rev. Keridith Harding at http://stjohnsmaui.org/staff/ or (808) 878-1485.
  • Mark’s Episcopal Church in Kapahulu, Oahu is an inclusive and welcoming ohana that rejoices in its diversity. Contact The Rev. Paul Lilley, Rector at https://www.stmarkshonolulu.org/ or (808) 732-2333.
  • Peter’s Episcopal Church in Honolulu welcomes all. Contact The Rev. Diane Martinson, Rector, at http://www.stpetershonolulu.org/or (808) 533-1943.
  • Temple Emanu-El is a member congregation of the Union for Reform Judaism in Honolulu. Per Rabbi Ken Aronowitz, “We live the spirit of ‘shaloha’ as a house of prayer for all peoples including LGBT children, youth, families, and adults who may participate fully as who they are.”  See:                 http://shaloha.com/contact-us or (808) 595-7421.
  • Trinity by-the-sea is an Episcopal congregation in Kihei, Maui, that welcomes all. Contact The Rev. Austin Murray at http://www.episcopalchurch.org/parish/trinity-sea-kihei-maui-hi or (808) 879-0161.
  • United Church of Christ – Judd St. is a safe and welcoming congregation with an LGBTQ spiritual life group. Contact Pastor Darren Galindo at http://uccjudd.org/ or (808) 536-8418.
  • Unitarian Universalists of Puna is a welcoming community on Hawaii Island. Contact Bob Jacobson, President at http://www.uupuna.com/UU_Puna/Aloha.html or at uupuna@gmail.com.
  • Unity Church of Hawaii in Honolulu is an open and welcoming congregation. Contact Rev. Tim Lytle, Senior Minister, at https://www.unityhawaii.org/contact-us or (808) 735-4436.
  • Windward Unity Church in Kailua, Honolulu is an open and welcoming congregation. Contact Rev. Geo Downer at http://www.unitywindward.org/ or (808) 262-6731.