Demi McLaren, LICSW

Massachusetts Queer Therapist

 LGBTQIA+ & Gender-Affirming Therapy | Virtual Telehealth Appointments Available

Licensed Independent Clinical Social Worker | Services Based in Massachusetts

Safe Spaces for LGBTQIA+ Folks

in Worcester & Beyond

Upcoming Pride Events

September 6 - Worcester Pride (Downtown Worcester)

More dates to be added as they are announced!

Gender Affirming Care Providers

Affirming providers who have been recommended by former or current clients:

  • Abigail M. Garneau, CCC-SLP, MA

    Brenda Lovette, MS, CCC-SLP, CHHC, RYT

    Nadine Smith, MS, CCC-SLP, MBA

  • Aguirre Center for Inclusive Psychotherapy

    Edward Kennedy Community Health Center

    Fenway Health Center

    Prism Therapy Collective

    SAYFTEE Providers

    South Shore Sexual Health Center

    UMass Urology Department

  • Transgender Care Listings

    Therapy Den - LGBTQ+ Providers

    Psychology Today - LGBTQ+ Providers

Food, Drinks & Activities

Client & clinician favorites, where we've always felt safe enjoying ourselves:

  • All Systems Go - gaming space, events, food/drink

    Blooming Hearts Coffee - in Milford, queer owned coffee shop

    Canal District Wines - queer owned wine shop, events

    Creative Hub Worcester - lesbian owned craft spot for queer young people

    Electric Haze - hookah lounge, karaoke, drag shows, trivia, events, live entertainment

    Femme Bar - lesbian owned, karaoke, book clubs, trivia, events, live music

    Free Play - arcade bar, karaoke, live entertainment

    Love Your Labels - high school fashion club for queer and trans young people

    MB Lounge - oldest gay bar, karaoke, events, live music

    New England Botanic Garden at Tower Hill - membership required, pride events in September

    Polar Park - minor league baseball, pride events throughout the year

    Pride Bowling - Bowlero Shrewsbury, 1st/3rd Thursdays, $16 for 3 games, no commitment

    Rascal's - line dancing event space, food/drink

    Ralph's Diner - drag shows monthly, goth/grunge space, dive bar

    Redemption Rock Brewing - events, beer/coffee, drag shows and story hours - Sadly closed on 12/29/24!

    Safe Homes - Worcester-based drop-in events, 14-23yo, Thursdays

    Transpire - Worcester-based Trans support group 18yo+, Thursdays 6-8pm

    WooPride OutLoud Kickball League - outdoor league, 20yo+for 8 weeks

    Wormtown Brewery - beer/food, events, live music

    The Woo Bar & Grill - gay-owned, food/drink, events

    Volleyball Village People - Casual, drop-in, starting mid-2024

Social Media Accounts to Follow

Recommended accounts to follow across platforms:

  • @queersextherapy

    @emilynagoski

    @prideworcester

    @queerkidstuff

    @queerty

    @queerthescene

    @them

    @transpainter

    @transresistancema

    @transstudent

    @cruisingpod

    @danisqueerbarboston

    @queerworcester

    @pridesportsworcester

    @bostonsapphicsocial

    @lezapalooza

    @gender.specialist

    @everywhereisqueer

    @cm_pride

    @woosta_queers

    @love.your.labels

Important Phone Numbers

For crises and for everyday supports:

  • 988 – National Suicide Hotline

    911 – National Emergency Services

    Crisis Text Line - Text HOME to 741741

    Abortion Support: Exhale
    Call 1-866-439-4253 Text HELPLINE to 313131

    Bullying Reporting Solution - Call 1-800-420-1479

    Domestic Violence Hotline - Call 1-800-799-7233

    Eating Disorder Association - Call 1-800-931-2237

    Grief Recovery Helpline
    Call 1-800-445-4808 Text CARE to 839863

    Human Trafficking Hotline - (888) 373-7888

    LGBTQ Youth: Trevor Project
    Call 1-866-488-7386 Text START to 678678

    LGBTQ Youth: Peer Listening Line: 25 and under
    Call 1-800-399-PEER Monday – Saturday, 5:00 – 10:00 pm

    LGBTQ Adults: Adult Helpline: 25+
    Call 888.340.4528 Monday – Saturday, 6:00 – 11:00 pm

    LGBT Elders Hotline - Call 1-888-234-7849

    The LGBT National Hotline - Call 1-800-843-4564

    Mobile Crisis Intervention (24/7, Local Dispatch) - 1-877-382-1609

    NAMI Help Line - Call 1-800-950-6264

    Parental Stress Line - Call 1-800-632-8188

    Postpartum Support - Call 1-800-944-4773

    S.A.F.E. From Self-Injury - Call 1-800-366-8288

    RAINN Sexual Assault - Call 1-800-656-4673

    National Suicide Prevention Hotline - Call 1-800-273-8255

    Teen Dating Abuse Hotline - Call (866) 331-9474 

    Trans Lifeline: Transgender Individuals - Call 1-877-565-8860

    The Trevor Project - Call (866) 488-7386