Making RESCQU.NET's LGBT+ Resource Database easier
for LGBT+ people who need valuable resources fast, to navigate.
So we created a super handy video for you to learn how to use the database, and this blog will outline step-by-step how to find the resources you need!
NOTE: If you're on mobile this bar doesn't show. We're still working on a way to make this searchable, but if you put your phone in landscape mode it may show depending on the size of your device.
Part 1: The Easy Part - Searching
Of all the parts of the database this one is the easiest to use, but knowing how it searches can help you use it quicker.
To access this feature, on a computer, either press Control and F (Ctrl+F) while your Curser is focused on the database, or select the magnifier glass in the top-right-hand corner of the database. Then type in your query. The search feature uses Boolean Operators like AND, OR, NOT, and *'s to improve your search results. AND lets you search two terms. "Surgery AND Transition" will return all results that each would alone. NOT does the opposite and returns all surgery results that do not mention Transition. *s such as in Trans* return all words starting with trans such as transgender, transsexual, transgression, translucent - etc. |
Part 2: What to Do When You Don't Know What You Need
Your issues are complex, involve a ton of catch-22s, and when you're in the thick of it, things can feel like you don't know where to start.
You may need to know how to change your name in a specific state, but that state won't accept your federal identity information. Finding a therapist that is trans* friendly is a gargantuan task, and there aren't a lot of resources if you're a lesbian going home to your conservative family for the holidays.
So, we've created the "relevant tag" system.
This is a list of different tags that we've asked our organizations to state they have a "specialty" in solving.
First, Use the "filter" feature [1] and sort by the "relevant to...[keywords[" column [2], to pull up a list of those tags. Then simply turn on the tags relevant to your issue [3] and the database narrows down all of our resources to the export organizations that will help solve your problem!
So what do you do when you have the resource up and in your hand?
Part 3: What to Do with the Resource When You Have it
One closet-friendly person you can contact either via phone or email to help you find the best person in that organization to handle your issue, anonymously, quickly, and quietly [3].
You can use a private and separate email account to message her directly, or call the RAINN hotline (800-656-HOPE [4673]) about potential sexual assault issues, legal paths to getting out of the situation, and what to do if you're in a domestic violence situation right this moment.
If you know an organization that isn't on the list feel free to shoot them a link to ourPartner page here, and keep a look out for our next database indestructible: how to use the relevant to features!
About the Author: Ricki Palmisano
