The LGBT stands for a community of lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender people. D.C., as an accepting capital and host of same-sex marriages, has an abundance of resources for the LGBT community. There are a plethora of support groups and organizations, centers and online sources. Below are some ways for you to get involved in the large D.C. LGBT community that is ready and willing to welcome anyone with open arms.

AGLCA: Alexandria Gay and Lesbian Community Association
P.O. Box 320262
Alexandria, VA 22320
www.aglca.org

This non-profit organization focuses on providing awareness and involvement to the LGBT community of Northern Virginia. A year membership is $25 for a single person and $35 for a couple. Members can participate in social activities and annual events, as well as interact with other AGLCA members. On AGLCA’s website, you can find an extensive list of D.C. businesses that have supported the association through donations and allowed members to receive discounts. Also, check out the AGLCA book club that meets monthly.

PFLAG: Parents, Families and Friends of Lesbians and Gays
1701 14th St NW
Washington, DC 20009
(202) 638-3852
www.pflagdc.org

The PFLAG has over 200,000 members and 350 affiliates across the nation. The members of PFLAG are not all part of the LGBT community, rather they help to educate and support issues such as gender identity and sexual orientation. Families and friends can turn to the PFLAG for group meetings and local resources. The heart of downtown D.C. is home to PFLAG’s national office. Click here to find the chapter nearest you.

Related: NAACP Head To Give Keynote At LGBT Conference

Rainbow Families DC
5505 Connecticut Ave NW, Suite 309
Washington, DC 20015
(202) 747-0407
www.rainbowfamiliesdc.org

Rainbow Families DC was created to connect LGBT parents and prospective parents. Members are supported and encouraged through every step of the same-sex parenting process. There are educational workshops, events, gatherings and discussion boards made available for those involved with Rainbow Families. This non-profit organization provides extensive information about adoption and fertility programs as well.

The DC Center
1318 U St NW
Washignton, DC 20009
(202) 682-2245
www.thedccenter.org

The DC Center, run by volunteers, is home for the LGBT community in the D.C. metropolitan area with groups, programs, communities and services made accessible for all needs. Support groups are divided by topic, such as business or faith. Communities are divided by gender and race and also generations. The Center has free internet access and extensive software available in its cyber center. There is also a library and conference room for community groups. The DC Center often has a full calendar or events, which can be outlined here.

Washington Blade
1712 14th St NW
Washington, DC 20009
(202) 747-2077
www.washingtonblade.com

The Washington Blade is America’s leading gay news source, a community newsletter and an online platform for LGBT news. The newsletter can be found in libraries, restaurants, bars and other retail locations around D.C. The Blade covers the metro area, but also reports on national and international news. Its areas of expertise include politics, arts and entertainment, living, media and opinions. You can follow Washington Blade on its website, Facebook page or Twitter.

Related: Best Gay and Lesbian Bars in Washington, D.C.

Check out CBS Local’s Guide to Celebrating DC Pride

Kelly Johnston is a freelance writer living in D.C. She is a soon-to-be University of Alabama graduate who hopes to have a successful career in fashion journalism. Her major is Apparel and Textiles with a Concentration in Fashion Retail and Merchandising and her minor is Journalism. Her work can be found at Examiner.com.