NOVA RAINBOW CONNECTIONS
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A Program of the
Our Mission
To connect families and LGBTQIA+ individuals through peer support and community belonging with facilitated events and groups.
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ABOUT US
We are uniting people who are lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, queer, and beyond in the LGBTQIA+ rainbow in Loudoun County with families, friends, and allies. We are committed to advancing equality through our mission of peer-to-peer support, education, and advocacy.
We utilize experienced and trained facilitators to guide our peer support meeting to help individuals who are part of the queer community and their loved ones to connect with others like them - those who are experiencing similar situations and issues. We believe that providing safe, confidential, and supportive peer-centered spaces can help to advance our personal understanding and handling of difficult situations relating to coming out, transitioning, and navigating life.
We feature a number of different groups based on need and availability at a variety of locations in Northern Virginia - primarily in Ashburn, Leesburg, and Reston.
Our main groups focus on Family and LGBTQ+ Adults. We also offer LGBTQ+ Youth and Spouses of LGBTQ+ Individuals groups at our Ashburn meetings. Each group meets in their own separate space.
MEETINGS
The Power Of Community
ASHBURN MEETINGS
Crossroads United Methodist Church | 7 -8:30 p.m.
4th Tuesday of Each Month
LEESBURG MEETINGS
Leesburg United Methodist Church | 7 -8:30 p.m.
2nd Monday of Each Month
RESTON MEETINGS
Location to be Determined | 7 -8:30 p.m.
3rd Wednesday of Each Month
All meetings are held in person. Please register at the link below. Individual groups average about 10-20 people per month, are overseen by trained facilitators, and are always open to new members.
We will post any changes to our meeting schedule here or on our social media. Please refer to the Community Calendar for our upcoming dates.
OUR GROUPS
LGBTQIA+ Adults
Our LGBTQIA+ Adult Group is for any adult who is a member of the queer community, age 18 and up. Our meetings start off with a check in on how you're doing and then facilitated open conversations. Like to talk? Great! Want to just sit back and listen? That's great too! We are a relaxed group here to support you through your highs and lows.
Parents & Allies
Our Parents and Allies Group is for any friend, loved one, or family member of an LGBTQIA+ individual, ages 18 and up. Our meetings are the perfect place to share what you're going through, hear the stories of others, ask important questions, and get important answers. We check in with how you're doing each month, because how you're feeling matters.
LGBTQIA+ Youth
The LGBTQIA+ Youth Group is for any young person who is a member of the queer community, ages 12 - 17. Each meeting begins with a weather check and round table, low pressure. Then it's time for fun and interaction with each other in the youth recreation room complete with video games, board games, and other fun activities.
Partners of
LGBTQIA+
The Partners of LGBTQIA+ Group is for anyone, age 18 and up, who is in a committed relationship with a member of the queer community. This group helps partners navigate changes in the relationship related to coming out. Based on availability and demand at each meeting. Spouses meet in a separate space from the other LGBTQIA+ adults.
Frequently Asked Questions
Looking for answers? This is the place! If you need additional information, please email us.
What is NOVA Rainbow Connections?
We are a group that facilitates peer-to-peer support group meetings on a regular basis. From 2019-2024, we operated as a member of the Washington D.C.-based Metro DC PFLAG chapter. From 2025-2026, we were a certified chapter of the National PFLAG organization. In June 2026, we realized that we had to go beyond the programming available to us to better serve our community and joined the Virginia Queer Collective. Our group meetings allow people in similar situations to discuss their experiences, successes, hardships, and learn from others to best support themselves and their LGBTQ+ family members. We structure each meeting to optimize your opportunity to talk or listen at your comfort. We require registration, which will get you added to our monthly reminder email list. All information collected is absolutely private and will never be shared.
How are the meetings run?
Each meeting starts off with our "big circle" as we gather in the main room to go over rules, socialize (or not!), get a name and pronouns sticker, and wait for the meeting to start. We begin each meeting with any announcements from the facilitators, reminders, and then we break into separate groups. The groups go into separate areas with facilitators for their support group until the end, when we reconvene in the main area. Each group is run a little differently but generally involve a check-in, updates from participants, and general discussion.
Who runs the groups?
Our team includes a diverse group of parents, professionals, and community members who have had background and security checks, on-the-job training and observation, and specific coordinated trainings to become a Facilitator. We aim to have two facilitators for each adult group and three for the youth group.
How do I join?
There is no joining requirement unless you are a youth member, in which case you need to have a parent register you and be present at meetings. We highly advise that you join the mailing list for reminders in the event any of our meetings change.
What is the benefit of attending?
Our peer-to-peer groups are not therapy, but they offer members of the LGBTQIA+ community and their allies a safe place to discuss what they are experiencing. Sometimes, just letting these feelings out in the world and finding out that others feel or have felt the same can help us find peace, security, and safety. This can also be a great place to make friends, find resources, and learn new information.
What are the rules?
At the beginning of each meeting we reiterate our rules and each group may have their own specific rules that a facilitator will announce. The short version is that we focus on family problems and feeling in regards to coming out and relationships with family and friends. Confidentiality is a top priority, we can share situations but never names or identifying information. We are here to support one another but not to provide therapy. We can share our stories but should also be sensitive to and listen to the stories of others. We are supportive rather than confrontational, we do not judge each other. Everyone is given a chance to speak, no one is permitted to monopolize the conversation. Each person's remarks are important so we do not permit side discussions. Anyone who is uncomfortable should make this known to facilitators as our main concern is to create a safe and affirming atmosphere for all participants.
Can I observe?
We have a very strict policy on attendance that does not allow for observers. Because of the sensitive nature of our meetings and the trust involved in our participants, we will not allow those outside these communities to participate. We regularly receive requests from mental health professionals, researchers, and other well-meaning individuals who wish to learn more about the first-hand perspective of the LGBTQIA+ community for a variety of reasons, but this is not the place for that.
What are your facilities like? Can I come how I feel comfortable?
Absolutely, you can always come as you are! Maybe you're experimenting with your look or a name or even new pronouns - this is your safe space. While we operate in a faith-based facility and know some folks may feel uncomfortable in a religious setting, the operators of the facility are an affirming church. Our Facilitators come from a wide range of backgrounds and never discuss their personal beliefs or push religion. Our meetings take place after-hours when there are no services or faith events that would interfere. Our meetings are completely private and not open to outsiders. We ensure the building is secure at the start of each meeting (so please be on time!). The bathrooms are gender affirming and there is a non-gendered bathroom as well. Many of our attendees are transgender or gender non-conforming, so please know that you'll be safe, no matter who you are or where you are in your journey.
I am experiencing hardship or am in need, what resources do you offer?
We are a peer-to-peer support group and do not offer direct services for individuals. We are lucky to have multiple groups in the area that consolidate and offer services. Casa Brumar offers housing support, SafeSpace NOVA offers therapeutic services, and the Virginia Queer Collective provides referrals for local services.
Can you share my opportunity? Can I come speak with your group? Do you accept donations? Can you come to our rally?
We are centered on the individuals who we serve. We do not prioritize sharing events, opportunities, surveys, or other offerings from outside groups or individuals. We may choose to share opportunities only if they are directly applicable and beneficial to our groups.
The Virginia Queer Collective offers an LGBTQ+ community calendar where events can be submitted. We will not, under any circumstances, share the information of our participants. We do not allow any individuals, groups, or organizations to speak at our events. We accept monetary donations only. We do not accept or facilitate donations of clothes, furniture, medical supplies, or other materials. We are not aware of any organization that accepts used medical supplies or clothes specific to transitioning. We suggest utilizing local groups like Woman Giving Back and LAWS, who serve local LGBTQ+ populations for such donations. We will not advertise political or legislative events to our membership, to include protests, rallies, town halls, or other similar events.