Where to stand up, show up, and donate this month — and always.
– KEYS SOULCARE
One of the biggest parts of celebrating one another is simply showing up: giving others’ points of view our attention and respect, plus putting our money (and voices and time) where our mouths are.
As we celebrate Pride Month and the rich fabric of identities, experiences, and voices within the queer community, we’re sharing organizations to consider supporting this Pride Month and beyond.
HOW TO BE AN ALLY TO THE LGBTQIA+ COMMUNITY
The definition of allyship can be as varied as the experiences of LGBTQ+ people; there are indeed many ways to be an ally and show up for the LGBTQ+ community.
Being an ally to the LGBTQ+ community is not as simple as a one-time donation or a social media post. It’s an ongoing, active process of devoting time, energy, and resources (financial and otherwise) to learning, understanding, and uplifting the voices of affected communities.
Author Poornima Luthra wrote about allyship for Harvard Business Review and in her book The Art of Active Allyship, saying: “Allyship is about progress, not perfection. Allyship is active, not passive. It requires frequent and consistent behaviors. Allyship is not performative. It’s about lifting others and creating platforms for them so that their voices are heard. Allyship is not about fixing others.”
Explore more resources from the Human Rights Campaign about being an ally to the LGBTQ+ community here.
SUPPORT THESE 8 LGBTQ+ ORGANIZATIONS
Not sure how to support the LGBTQ+ community, or where to start? Get to know eight national and state-level organizations making a difference in the lives of millions of LGBTQ+ people.
1. THE TREVOR PROJECT
Founded in 1998 and inspired by the award-winning short film of the same name, The Trevor Project is the first national crisis and suicide prevention hotline for LGBTQ+ teens and youth. Since then, its landmark services include a global network of community and learning resources, crisis intervention, 24/7 text and phone counseling, and support to anyone who reaches out.
Follow them on Instagram @trevorproject
2. TRANSGENDER LAW CENTER
Policy, perception, and community-level change are Transgender Law Center’s focal points. However, the organization also touches upon fields such as politics, immigration, policing, housing, and so much more. (Fun fact: Lightworker Xoài Pham is part of their game-changing team.)
Follow them on Instagram at @translawcenter
3. IT GETS BETTER
Amplifying on-the-rise and everyday LGBTQ+ voices — and rallying shout-outs from the likes of SNL and allies like President Obama — is all in service of this org’s simple mission to uplift, empower, and connect LGBTQ+ youth around the globe. (Speaking of which, you can view more of their groundbreaking content or share your own story here.)
Follow them on Instagram at @itgetsbetter
4. HUMAN RIGHTS CAMPAIGN
For the last four decades, HRC has worked toward a vision of the world that empowers every member of the LGBTQ+ family with “the freedom to live their truth without fear, and with equality under the law.”
Recent legislative efforts include mobilizing to push for the 2015 Marriage Equality Act and the repeal of the military’s discriminatory “Don’t Ask, Don’t Tell” policy. (Want to see how you can support their efforts on a state or local level? Click “in your area” on their website to choose your state.)
Follow them on Instagram at @humanrightscampaign
5. THE AUDRE LORDE PROJECT
The Audre Lorde Project (ALP) is a New York and Brooklyn-led organization founded in 1994 to support social and economic justice for lesbian, gay, bisexual, two sprit, trans, and gender non-conforming people of color.
Named in honor of writer and activist Audre Lorde’s notable contributions to the LGBTQ+ community, the ALP works to create safe spaces for queer people of color through programming like the TransJustice and 3rd Space programs, which center LGBTQ+ people of color with education, immigration assistance, employment, health care, and much more.
The Audre Lorde project accepts donations, but also launched a membership program in 2010, where people can donate their time, expertise, and come together in working groups to build community.
Follow them on Instagram at @audrelordeproject
6. TRANS LIFELINE
Trans Lifeline is the first-ever peer support hotline for trans people, by trans people. The organization works to “connect trans people to the community support and resources we need to survive and thrive.”
They have answered over 150,000 calls since their establishment in 2014, and the Trans Lifeline project provides valuable education and grants to assist trans people with life-changing gender-affirming care. Recently, their microgrant program was paused indefinitely, making individual contributions more important than ever. Still, there are many ways to get involved, from donating to volunteering as a hotline operator.
Stay connected to their work on Instagram at @translifeline
7. GLAAD
GLAAD (formerly known as the Gay and Lesbian Alliance Against Defamation) works to champion LGBTQ+ representation, protection, and advocacy in U.S. media, policy, and beyond.
They work closely with journalists and news outlets to ensure LGBTQ+ people are being fairly and accurately represented, as well as provide resources to advocate for fair reporting and fighting misinformation.
Keep up with their work at @glaad
8. YOUR LOCAL LGBTQ+ CENTER
One of the biggest ways to make a difference is to volunteer your time, resources, or funds directly to your local LGBTQ+ community center. Google “local LGBTQ+ organizations” or “LGBTQ+ causes near me” to kickstart your search.
Here are a few examples:
• Lambda Legal’s Resources for LGBTQ Youth By State
• Lambda Legal’s Regional LGBTQ+ Organizations By State
• The Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual & Transgender Community Center of New York
RELATED ARTICLES
The Future Encompasses All of Us: Reflecting on the work of LGBTQ+ writer and activist Audre Lorde
What is Ball Culture: Exploring the lasting impact of ballroom culture
4 Quotes on Celebrating Our Kids as They Are: Encouraging kids’ self-expression and acceptance
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