Pride encompasses more than just parades, celebrations, and looking stunning in attire with rainbow accents (though we are ALL ABOUT those things). It’s about supporting equality, standing up for what’s right, and accepting individuals for who they truly are. It’s about honoring the LGBTQ+ community.
Fortunately, there are many ways to participate and acknowledge love in all of its manifestations. Additionally, there are other organizations that are working hard to improve life for LGBTQ+ people and could use your help. In order for you to browse them all in one location, we’ve compiled some great ones below.
Pro tip: Before you begin, conduct research and determine how an organization or organizations could benefit most from your assistance. Some charitable organizations want equipment, others funding, and others simply need assistance with their upcoming event. There is no better time to get involved than during Pride, whether it be with your time, money, or a social media shout-out for reach.
Here are 10 amazing LGBTQ+ nonprofits you should give your time and/or money to. Scroll on up and share the love.
Out & Equal
Why you should give: Sadly, a large portion of the LGBTQ+ population does not experience the fairness and equality that should exist in the workplace. In order for employees to feel safe, respected, and as valuable as they are while at work, Out & Equal, a nonprofit organization, works to ensure that all workplaces—across all industries—have a culture of belonging. Your gift will assist the Out & Equal team as they train executives, HR and D&I professionals, and leaders of LGBTQ+ employee resource groups on how to improve their workplaces from the inside out.
Center for Black Equity
Why you should give: Now more than ever, it is essential to acknowledge and accept our Black LGBTQ+ individuals. Recognizing this, the Center for Black Equity markets itself as the premier source for Black LGBTQ+ equality. The best thing about this agency is how deeply it engages with locals and integrates their problems with its own.
Increasing awareness is the best approach to assist. Black LGBTQ+ brands must also be elevated in addition to Black-owned businesses. Contribute money, whenever you can.
OutRight Action International
Why you ought to give money: If you didn’t know, only 29 countries, including the United States, have LGBTQ+ laws in place. OutRight Action International fills this gap in the rest of the world’s lack of protections for LGBTQ+ people. It is the only LGBTQ+ organization with representation at the UN, where it campaigns for the rights of LGBTQ+ people everywhere.
What makes giving important? In certain nations, it is even illegal to identify as LGBTQ+. OutRight campaigns to secure rights in those nations. Imagine being imprisoned merely for your own birth.
The Trevor Project
The Trevor Project is one of the only organizations with an emphasis on in-the-moment crisis solutions, which is why you should donate. The Trevor Project, which was started as a lifeline for any LGBTQ+ adolescents under the age of 25, employs lifelines, chats, and texts to make sure the person who is calling, chatting, or texting is okay. You can guarantee the continuation of this 24-hour service by making a donation.
Audre Lorde Project
Why you should donate: The Audre Lorde Project is a New York City-based community center that offers services to anyone in the LGBTQ+ community. The Audre Lorde Center is dedicated to helping persons of color who identify as homosexual, gay, bisexual, two-spirit, transgender, and/or gender nonconforming with education, job, and immigration support. Programs like 3rd Space are a key component of the project.
While contributions are always welcome, joining the organization and helping out with anything from outreach to office work is extra appreciated.
LGBTQ Freedom Fund
Why you should give: According to the LGBTQ Freedom Fund, “Tens of thousands of LGBTQ people are held in jail or immigration detention every day because they cannot afford bail—for crimes like sleeping in public or for immigration status.” The Fund genuinely gives bail money to LGBTQ+ people who have been arrested in order to support them financially. Donations are virtually always welcomed because of the importance of what it accomplishes.
The Okra Project
Why you should give: The Okra Project is unique in that it employs Black and trans cooks to make and distribute food to homeless Black trans individuals in need. This not only offers assistance to communities that actually need it, but it also gives Black trans chefs a job. Due to discrimination, black transgender people are less likely to be hired for jobs.
Ali Forney Center
The Ali Forney Center is the largest LGBTQ+ homeless adolescent shelter in the United States, which is why you should donate. Assisting “approximately 1,400 children per year through a 24-hour drop-in facility, which provides over 70,000 meals yearly, medical and mental health assistance through an on-site clinic, and a scattered-site housing program,” according to AFC.
Apart from monetary contributions, volunteering and clothing drives are very popular. AFC is the ideal charity to get involved with because it hosts more than four events each year.
Human Rights Campaign
Why you ought to give money: The Human Rights Campaign, one of the bigger advocacy organizations in the LGBTQ+ community, works on issues ranging from adoption to HIV and AIDS and beyond. Since HRC is a sizable organization, the best approach to give back is to raise awareness of and support HRC’s various programs.
Hetrick-Martin Institute
Why you ought to give money: The Hetrick-Martin Institute, which focuses on LGBTQ+ youth education and safety, played a role in helping to establish the Harvey Milk School. In 1985, HMI and the New York City Department of Education founded The Harvey Milk School, the first institution of higher learning to serve LGBTQ+ students.
Today, it is in charge of providing support to the LGBTQ+ youth community in a variety of ways, including education and health care. Being a donor is the best way to assist. You can make an impact in the life of an LGBTQ+ kid for just $25.