Sojourner House is credited with starting the state’s first Lesbian Advocacy Program (1995) and the first Gay Advocacy Program (2003) for victims of abuse.

Did you know that domestic violence occurs at similar (or higher) rates among same-sex relationships? Transgender survivors are more likely to face threats/intimidation, harassment, and police violence as a result of intimate partner violence than any other group of people. At Sojourner House, we understand that people who are additionally marginalized, such as LGBTQ+ individuals, are more likely to experience domestic violence and/or sexual assault, and often have a harder time accessing services due to stigma, discrimination, lack of resources, and societal biases. Our program is designed specifically to address the needs of LGBTQ+/queer survivors and to provide trauma-informed affirming advocacy.

Our services include, but are not limited to: 

  • Housing assistance
    • RISE (Respect, Inclusion, Safety, Empowerment) Shelter: Serving victims regardless of sexual orientation and gender identity who have experienced domestic violence, sexual assault, and human trafficking.
    • Transitional housing
  • Individual counseling
  • Support groups
  • Prevention education
  • Youth services
  • Free HIV & Hepatitis C testing and sexual health advocacy
For more information about the LGBTQ+ Program, please contact Manager of LGBTQ+ Programs, Kassie Hawkins, at khawkins@sojournerri.org or (401) 861-6191.

Local Resources/Agencies:

  • Thundermist – Their vision is that every member of the Thundermist community has the opportunity to lead a happy and productive life, built on a foundation of good health. They recognize that we have a responsibility to act proactively and deliberately to address the discrimination trans individuals face in the health care system, and to address the many health disparities experienced by trans people.
  • Youth Pride Inc. – YPI’s goals are to meet the unique and ongoing needs of youth and young adults impacted by sexual orientation and gender identity/expression through advocacy, support and empowerment to bring about social change. They serve youth from ages 13-23.
  • The Network/La Red [Based in MA] – A survivor-led, social justice organization that works to end partner abuse in lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, BDSM, polyamorous, and queer communities. Rooted in anti-oppression principles, their work aims to create a world where all people are free from oppression. They strengthen their communities through organizing, education, and the provision of support services.
  • TGI Network of RI – Not specifically a DV organization, but one that aims to serve the needs of the transgender, gender-variant, and intersex (TGI) communities in Rhode Island and surrounding areas through support, advocacy, and education. They seek to be a resource for TGI people navigating their life journeys as well as the legal and medical systems through their own programs and through collaboration with other organizations. In addition, they seek to serve as a resource to professionals working with the TGI community and as a liaison between the TGI and LGBT communities as well as the community at large.

Learn More:

  • NCAVP – A program of the NYC Anti-Violence Project, NCAVP is a coalition that works to prevent, respond to and end all forms of violence against and within lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, queer and HIV-affected (LGBTQH) communities. NCAVP is a national coalition of local member programs, affiliate organizations and individuals who create systemic and social change. They strive to increase power, safety and resources through data analysis, policy advocacy, education and technical assistance.
  • Forge – Founded in Wisconsin, Forge is a progressive organization whose mission is to support, educate and advocate for the rights and lives of transgender individuals and SOFFAs (Significant Others, Friends, Family, and Allies). FORGE is dedicated to helping move fragmented communities beyond identity politics and forge a movement that embraces and empowers our diverse complexities.
  • The Northwest Network – The NW Network increases communities’ abilityto support the self-determination and safety of bisexual, trans, lesbian and gay survivors of abuse through education, organizing and advocacy. They work within a broad liberation movement dedicated to social and economic justice, equality and respect for all people and the creation of loving, inclusive and accountable communities.