By Ryan Walker - June 12, 2021
LGBTQ+ Focused Charities to Donate to for Pride Month and Year Round
Blue heart = trans-focused charity, Black fist = BIPOC-focused charity
Whether it's June or not, there are plenty of opportunities to support nonprofits protecting LGBTQ+ rights and equality. Some charities need gear, some need financial support, and some just need a helping hand with their next project.
And you don’t need to be queer to help ‑ you just need to care about others! Check out these queer-focused charities and see why they need your coins right now 🌈
1. Trans Lifeline
Trans Lifeline is run by and for trans people. They are a grassroots hotline and microgrants 501c3 non‑profit organization offering direct emotional and financial support to trans people in crisis – for the trans community, by the trans community.
Their vision: a world where trans people have the connection, economic security, and care everyone needs and deserves – free of prisons and police.
You can donate to Trans Lifeline HERE.
2. Out and Equal
Out & Equal is the premier organization working exclusively on LGBTQ+ workplace equality.
Through their worldwide programs, Fortune 500 partnerships and annual Workplace Summit conference, they help LGBTQ+ people thrive and support organizations creating a culture of belonging for all. They are in “The Business of Belonging.”
You can support Out and Equal HERE.
3. The Trevor Project
Founded in 1998 by the creators of the Academy Award®‑winning short film TREVOR, The Trevor Project is the leading national organization providing crisis intervention and suicide prevention services to lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, queer & questioning (LGBTQ) young people under 25.
You can support the work of The Trevor Project HERE.
4. G.L.I.T.S.
G.L.I.T.S. (Gays and Lesbians Living in a Transgender Society) approaches the health and rights crises faced by transgender sex workers holistically using harm reduction, human rights principles, economic and social justice, along with a commitment to empowerment and pride in finding solutions from our own community.
You can help G.L.I.T.S. and the transgender community HERE.
5. The Okra Project
The Okra Project is a collective that seeks to address the global crisis faced by Black Trans people by bringing home cooked, healthy, and culturally specific meals and resources to Black Trans People wherever they can be reached.
You can donate to The Okra Project at this link.
6. StartOut
StartOut’s mission is to increase the number, diversity, and impact of LGBTQ+ entrepreneurs and amplify their stories to drive the economic empowerment of the community.
StartOut has become a champion for the LGBTQ+ entrepreneurial community providing the resources entrepreneurs need to succeed, promoting the successes of our community, and researching the economic impacts of LGBTQ+ discrimination.
Support LGBTQ+ entrepreneurs and StartOut's mission here.
7. SAGE
SAGE stands proudly with the LGBTQ+ pioneers across the country who’ve been fighting for decades for their right to live with dignity and respect. They’re a national advocacy and services organization that has been looking out for queer elders since 1978.
Support LGBTQ+ entrepreneurs and StartOut's mission here.
8. National Center for Transgender Equality
The National Center for Transgender Equality advocates to change policies and society to increase understanding and acceptance of transgender people.
In the nation’s capital and throughout the country, NCTE works to replace disrespect, discrimination, and violence with empathy, opportunity, and justice.
Donate to the National Center for Transgender Equality here.
9. Lambda Legal
Lambda Legal is the oldest and largest national legal organization whose mission is to achieve full recognition of the civil rights of lesbians, gay men, bisexuals, transgender people and everyone living with HIV through impact litigation, education and public policy work.
Donate to the National Center for Transgender Equality here.
10. National LGBT Chamber of Commerce
The NGLCC is the business voice of the LGBT community, the largest advocacy organization dedicated to expanding economic opportunities and advancements for LGBT people, and the exclusive certifying body for LGBT‑owned businesses.
Donate to the National Center for Transgender Equality here.
11. It Gets Better Project
The It Gets Better Project is a nonprofit organization with a mission to uplift, empower, and connect lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, and queer youth around the globe.
Growing up isn’t easy, especially when you are trying to affirm and assert your sexual orientation and/or gender identity. It can be a challenging and isolating process – but, the good news is, no one has to do it alone.
Donate to the National Center for Transgender Equality here.
12. Ali Forney Center
The It Gets Better Project is a nonprofit organization with a mission to uplift, empower, and connect lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, and queer youth around the globe.
Growing up isn’t easy, especially when you are trying to affirm and assert your sexual orientation and/or gender identity. It can be a challenging and isolating process – but, the good news is, no one has to do it alone.
Donate to the National Center for Transgender Equality here.
13. Center for Black Equity
The Center for Black Equity promotes a multinational LGBTQ+ network dedicated to improving health and wellness opportunities, economic empowerment, and equal rights while promoting individual and collective work, responsibility, and self‑determination.
Donate to the National Center for Transgender Equality here.
14. OUTFEST
OUTFEST is one of the only global LGBTQIA+ arts, media and entertainment organization whose programs empower artists, communities and filmmakers to transform the world through their stories, while also supporting the entire lifecycle of their career.
Donate to the National Center for Transgender Equality here.
15. Sylvia Rivera Law Project
The Sylvia Rivera Law Project works to guarantee that all people are free to self‑determine gender identity and expression, regardless of income or race, and without facing harassment, discrimination or violence.
Donate to the National Center for Transgender Equality here.
16. IGLTA
IGLTA, the International LGBTQ+ Travel Association was founded in 1983 and is the world's leading network of LGBTQ+‑welcoming tourism businesses. They provide free travel resources and information while continuously working to promote equality and safety within LGBTQ+ tourism worldwide.
IGLTA’s members include LGBTQ+‑friendly accommodations, transport, destinations, service providers, Travel Advisors, tour operators, events and travel media located in over 75 countries.
Donate to the National Center for Transgender Equality here.
17. Solutions Not Punishment Co.
The Solutions Not Punishment Collaborative is a Black, Trans‑led, broad based collaborative to restore an Atlanta where every person has the opportunity to grow and thrive without facing unfair barriers, especially from the criminal legal system.
Donate to the National Center for Transgender Equality here.
18. Mermaids UK
Mermaids has been supporting transgender, nonbinary and gender‑diverse children, young people, and their families since 1995.
Mermaids has evolved into one of the UK’s leading LGBTQ+ charities, empowering thousands of people with its secure online communities, local community groups, helpline services, web resources, events and residential weekends.
Donate to the National Center for Transgender Equality here.
19. Matthew Shepard Foundation
The Matthew Shepard Foundation’s mission is to amplify the story of Matthew Shepard to inspire individuals, organizations, and communities to embrace the dignity and equality of all people.
Through local, regional, and national outreach, they empower individuals to find their voice to create change and challenge communities to identify and address hate that lives within our schools, neighborhoods, and homes.
Donate to the National Center for Transgender Equality here.
20. Pride Portraits
The Matthew Shepard Foundation’s mission is to amplify the story of Matthew Shepard to inspire individuals, organizations, and communities to embrace the dignity and equality of all people.
Through local, regional, and national outreach, they empower individuals to find their voice to create change and challenge communities to identify and address hate that lives within our schools, neighborhoods, and homes.
Donate to the National Center for Transgender Equality here.
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21. Rainbow Railroad
Rainbow Railroad helps LGBTQ+ people escape persecution and violence. Since 2006, Rainbow Railroad has helped more than 800 persecuted LGBTQI+ people from 38 countries travel to safety.
Donate to the National Center for Transgender Equality here.
22. Marsha P. Johnston Institute
The Marsha P. Johnson Institute (MPJI) protects and defends the human rights of Black transgender people. They do this by organizing, advocating, creating an intentional community to heal, developing transformative leadership, and promoting their collective power.
Donate to the National Center for Transgender Equality here.
23. GLSEN
For nearly 30 years, GLSEN has been there every step of the way to ensure the rights of LGBTQ+ youth are protected.
GLSEN believes that every student has the right to a safe, supportive, and LGBTQ‑inclusive K‑12 education. They are a national network of educators, students, and local GLSEN Chapters working to make this right a reality.
Donate to the National Center for Transgender Equality here.
24. Equality Federation
Equality Federation is the movement builder and strategic partner to state‑based organizations advocating for LGBTQ people.
From Equality Florida to Freedom Oklahoma to Basic Rights Oregon, they amplify the power of the state‑based LGBTQ+ movement.
Donate to the National Center for Transgender Equality here.
25. Elton John AIDS Foundation
The Elton John AIDS Foundation was established in 1992 and is one of the leading independent AIDS organisations in the world. The Foundation’s mission is simple: to be a powerful force in the end to the AIDS epidemic.
They are committed to no more discrimination. No more HIV infections. No more AIDS deaths. No matter who or where you are.
Donate to the National Center for Transgender Equality here.
26. GLAAD
GLAAD rewrites the script for LGBTQ acceptance. As a dynamic media force, GLAAD tackles tough issues to shape the narrative and provoke dialogue that leads to cultural change.
GLAAD protects all that has been accomplished and creates a world where everyone can live the life they love.
Donate to the National Center for Transgender Equality here.
27. Transgender Law Center
Transgender Law Center (TLC) is the largest national trans‑led organization advocating for a world in which all people are free to define themselves and their futures.
Grounded in legal expertise and committed to racial justice, TLC employs a variety of community‑driven strategies to keep transgender and gender nonconforming people alive, thriving, and fighting for liberation.
Donate to the National Center for Transgender Equality here.
28. Immigration Equality
Immigration Equality is the nation’s leading LGBTQ and HIV‑positive immigrant rights organization.
Through direct legal services, policy advocacy, and impact litigation, they advocate for immigrants and families facing discrimination based on their sexual orientation, gender identity, or HIV status.
Donate to the National Center for Transgender Equality here.
29. Human Rights Campaign
By inspiring and engaging individuals and communities, the Human Rights Campaign strives to end discrimination against LGBTQ+ people and realize a world that achieves fundamental fairness and equality for all.
HRC envisions a world where lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender and queer people are ensured equality and embraced as full members of society at home, at work and in every community.
Donate to the National Center for Transgender Equality here.
30. Black Trans Travel Fund
By inspiring and engaging individuals and communities, the Human Rights Campaign strives to end discrimination against LGBTQ+ people and realize a world that achieves fundamental fairness and equality for all.
HRC envisions a world where lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender and queer people are ensured equality and embraced as full members of society at home, at work and in every community.
Donate to the National Center for Transgender Equality here.
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