Peer Navigator

About the Peer Navigator Program 

Sometimes, navigating the legal system isn't just about paperwork and procedure- it's about feeling seen, heard, and supported every step along the way.  That's where the Peer Navigator Program at QLaw Foundation comes in, to walk alongside individuals facing complex legal and social challenges, offering more than just guidance, they offer care.   

Our Peer Navigators and what they do: 

Our Peer Navigator works alongside the QLaw Foundation's Legal Services and Community Advocacy & Outreach teams, to provide compassionate, culturally grounded support rooted in lived experience and deep community connections. They help you access resources, understand your options, and feel empowered throughout your journey. 

At QLaw Foundation, we believe support should feel like support. Our Peer Navigator is committed to serving 2SLGBTQIA+ and BIPOC communities with respect, dignity, and compassion everyone deserves. You don't have to go through this alone. We're right here-right beside you. 

2SLGBTQIA+ Legal Support Program Request Form

We are currently at capacity and will be pausing our legal request form to ensure we can serve those who have already reached out.

FAQ

  • One-on-one, confidential support for individuals facing social, emotional, or legal challenges. 
  • Support that’s trauma-informed and person-centered, to focus on what matters most to you. 
  • Help completing legal intake forms and understanding legal processes in clear, accessible language. 
  • Proactive communication and coordination between agencies and service providers- so you don’t have to do it alone. 
  • Accompaniment and advocacy during court proceedings, appointments, and other necessary meetings- because no one should have to face those moments alone. 
  • Guidance connecting community services and resources across Washington. 

You will be able to communicate with the Peer Navigator through email, phone calls, text messages, virtual meetings, and needs based in person meetings.   

This program offers flexible scheduling options for appointments, and can offer support outside of regular business hours,  

  • Discrimination: Can offer a safe space to process the emotional impact of discrimination in various settings (e.g., workplace, housing, public spaces). We can discuss strategies for self-advocacy, explore options for escalation when needed, and access resources to better understand your rights. 
  • Employment: Can help you explore your rights in the workplace, address wage/pay issues, and navigate where and how to escalate concerns. 
  • Landlord/Tenant: Can assist with emotional support, tenant rights education, and connecting to housing advocacy groups and legal aid. We can also work with you on safety planning or navigating shelter systems when necessary. 
  • Family: Can provide nonjudgmental emotional support for individuals facing child welfare involvement (CPS), family separation, or domestic violence. Peer navigator can help you understand your rights, support your emotional well-being, and refer you to trusted community resources, legal aid, or family support programs tailored to your unique situation. 
  • Immigration: Can help you manage the emotional stress, understand your rights, and connect with culturally competent legal, housing, and mental health resources specifically focused on LGBTQIA+ immigrants and asylum seekers. 
  • Healthcare Access: Discuss your healthcare experiences, build self-advocacy skills, and identify affirming providers. We can also help you navigate healthcare systems, insurance issues, or access to gender-affirming care, mental health services, or chronic illness support. 
  • Benefits: Provides emotional support, helps gather information and understand your options when applying or facing denial of benefits. 
  • Disability (Visible or Invisible): Can help connect to disability rights organizations, support services, and advocacy tools. Peer navigator also offers emotional support and assistance with navigating accessibility, accommodations, and workplace or housing discrimination. 
  • Education: can support understanding rights, build advocacy strategies, and connect to student support services or legal resources. This may include advocacy around discrimination, IEP/504 processes, bullying, or institutional bias. 

If you are experiencing an issue that doesn't fall under any of these categories, we may still be able to offer support or referrals to a resource that is a better fit.  

Yes! Our Peer Navigator is a native Spanish speaker, and we offer interpretation services for most languages, including ASL. 

While we are deeply committed to walking alongside our community members, our program is not designed to provide emergency or crisis-level support. 

 

Our Peer Navigators offer strengths-based, compassionate, and culturally grounded support informed by lived experience and community knowledge. We help participants navigate systems, explore available resources, and support self-advocacy. This is a voluntary, short-term, collaborative program, and we do not provide crisis intervention.  

 

If you are currently experiencing any of the following, we encourage you to connect with specialized services that are equipped to provide immediate or specialized crisis support. 

  • Suicidal thoughts or mental health crisis 
  • Active substance use requiring immediate medical or therapeutic care 
  • Immediate need for emergency housing 
  • Urgent advocacy related to domestic violence, intimate partner violence, or other acute harm 

Below are some resources that offer 24/7 or immediate crisis support: 

  • 988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline: Call or text 988 
  • National Domestic Violence Hotline: Call 800-799-7233 or 800-787-3224 
  • Washington Recovery Help Line: Call 866-789-1511 
  • Trans Lifeline: Call 877-565-8860 

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