25+ Incredible LGBTQ Charities to Support this Pride Month (and beyond!)
Charity work is vital when it comes to raising awareness on any topic. With a regular issue in government funding and attitudes, charities are often the main bodies to push forward new law and legislation. They also work to improve the lives of LGBTQ people. Without LGBTQ+ charities, we wouldn’t be where we are today as a community.
In comparison to a few years ago, there are now dozens of charities that specifically support the LGBT community. We’re now also incredibly lucky to have dedicated charities that support certain intersections within our community. From BIPOC LGBTQ+ charities to those who support Disabled LGBTQ+ people.
Pride is most commonly the time when LGBTQ+ charities receive the most funding. Whether that be from brand campaigns and promotions, where proceeds from sales go to a charity, or from physical bucket donations.
The pandemic over the past two years caused huge issues when it came to charity funding.
Take Brighton Pride as an example. This week, they announced for the second year in a row that Pride will not being going ahead. This means another year that local LGBTQ+ charities (not to mention businesses and organisations!) won’t receive vital funding. I’m confident that something will take place online in replacement of the physical events, however it’s nowhere near comparable.
This is a huge hit and we now run the risk of LGBTQ+ charities not being able to continue their work. This mustn’t happen, which is why I’ve created a list of some of the incredible charities around the world doing amazing work for our community. If you’d like to donate, I’ve included a link to their website or Instagram feeds below. Alternately, if you can’t donate cash, you can always lend them your time or your social platform. Sharing their information and any future events increases the chance of their message getting out there.
If you would like to find other ways you can support Pride during the various global Pride months, then I’ve written a handy guide here.
AKT
AKT support young LGBTQ+ people aged 16-25 in the UK who are facing or experiencing homelessness, or living in a hostile environment. They also work towards providing safer homes for LGBTQ people in the same age range, as well as support through employment, education & training, and creating an environment that celebrates their identity.
Nationally, their service is available online. Alternatively, if you live or have access to the north of the country, Bristol or London, there are service centres offering support and training.
All Out
All Out is a “global movement fighting for a world where NO ONE has to sacrifice their family, freedom, safety, or dignity because of who they are or who they love.“. Following a moment of crisis or an opportunity arises, All Out works closely with partner organisations and charities to organise ways to take action. This ranges from “pressure campaigns” (online petitions and media work) to Crowdfunding.
Deaf Rainbow UK
Deaf Rainbow is a volunteer-led LGBT organisation providing, and advocating for, access for queer deaf and hard of hearing (HOH) people across the UK. They provide information, awareness, support and representation for deaf LGBT people.
Diversity Role Models
Diversity Role Models create safe spaces for young people. Allowing them to explore difference and consider their role in creating a world where everyone can feel accepted.
Their student workshops feature LGBT+ or ally role models who speak openly about their lived experiences. Their work aims to build on young people’s empathy so they can understand the (often unintended) impact of their language and actions. For continuity, they also offer training to school governors and staff, as well as parents/carers.
Exist Loudly
Exist Loudly are a London-based organisation committed to supporting Queer Black youth, aged between 16 and 23, by providing safe spaces of joy, care and community.
Founded by Tanya Compass, they’ve recently introduced “Out of the Box” a new monthly hub bringing Online Workshops, outings and excursions. At Christmas, Queer Black Christmas, which offers a safe space for young, Black LGBTQ+ people to spend time with their chosen family during the Christmas holidays – prioritising those experiencing homelessness or currently living in temporary accommodation.
Gendered Intelligence
Gendered Intelligence aims to increase the understanding of gender diversity and improve the quality of life for trans people. They are a trans-led and trans-involving grassroots organisation with a wealth of lived experience and knowledge.
Their goal is to be the thought leaders in this field, bringing positivity, passion and professionalism to everything they do. Their open and non-judgmental approach, to enable nuanced discussion, works towards everyone being intelligent about gender.
Equality for Children
Based in Ireland, Equality for Children is a volunteer-led organisation fighting for the rights of parents who are denied the right to be legally recognised as their child’s parent.
They are calling on the Government to amend the Children and Family Relationships Act and redraft the Assisted Human Reproduction Bill to adopt all of the recommendations made in Professor Conor O’Mahony’s report with immediate effect.
Fighting with Pride
Created on the 20th anniversary of the complete lifting of the ban on LGBT+ service – the ‘gay ban’ – Fighting with Pride is a new military charity for LGBTQ+ service people. They support LGBT+ Veterans, serving personnel and their families, particularly those who were affected by the ‘gay ban’,
We are working with Veteran supporting organisations to build capacity for LGBT+ Veteran support, to recognise their service and help resolve the challenges they face in their lives beyond military service. FWP is a ‘lived experience’ LGBT+ charity, supporting those seeking help and a resource for those who seek to help them.
Fighting with Pride
Galop
Galop support all LGBT+ people who have experienced LGBT+ violence. Including, but not exclusive to Domestic Abuse, Sexual Violence and Hate Crime. They also work with young people 25 and under, especially those experiencing violence or abuse or homelessness or if they are risk of homelessness.
Referrals can be made online. You can also contact them via their LGBT+ Hate Crime Helpline or their National LGBT+ Domestic Abuse Helpline.
Glaad
Glaad works towards the promotion and visibility of LGBTQ+ people in all forms of media.
Since 1985, the charity has grown to become a strong advocate for LGBTQ+ visibility in TV, film, advertising, and social media. They also offer critical review when it comes to award ceremonies and changes in law and legislation.
Hidayah
Hidayah (meaning ‘guidance’ in Arabic) is a registered charity and entirely volunteer-led. Their projects and activities are developed specifically for the needs of LGBTQI+ Muslims. Their vision is to increase visibility and to ensure the voices of LGBTQI+ Muslims are heard and understood.
They also aim to provide support and welfare for LGBTQI+ Muslims and promote social justice and education about our community to counter discrimination, prejudice and injustice.
Human Dignity Trust
The Human Dignity Trust is the only organisation working globally to support strategic litigation to challenge laws that persecute LGBTQ+ people. They provide technical legal, communications and security assistance to lawyers and activists. Especially those who are defending human rights in countries where private, same-sex, consensual sexual activity is criminalised.
Read the Facts:
35 out of 54 Commonwealth jurisdictions criminalise consensual same-sex intimacy, with sentences ranging from two years in prison to the death penalty.
15 jurisdictions worldwide maintain discriminatory age of consent laws between opposite-sex and same-sex acts.
In at least 26 countries, authorities use public order, vagrancy and misdemeanour offences to harass, arrest and prosecute transgender people. Blackmail, extortion, and physical and sexual violence is commonplace.
Read more
ILGA
The IGLA (International Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Trans and Intersex Association) is a worldwide federation of more than 1,600 organisations from over 150 countries and territories campaigning for lesbian, gay, bisexual, trans and intersex human rights.
Since 1978, they have been there through several legal, political and social changes across the globe. Their goal is global justice, and that equity is assured and established regardless of people’s sexual orientations, gender identities, gender expressions and sex characteristics.
Imaan LGBTQI Muslim Support
Imaan LGBTQ+ are the leading charity led by and for LGBTQI Muslims based in the UK.
Since 1999, they’ve supported LGBTQI Muslims and raised awareness of the issues that affect the community.
Just Like Us
Just Like Us is a young people’s charity, founded 5 years ago for a simple reason: growing up LGBT+ is still unacceptably tough.
Running three different programs across the UK; their Ambassador Programme, School Diversity Week and Pride Groups, as well as talks and workshops. Their aim is to let all young people to know that being LGBT+ is something to be celebrated.
Kaleidoscope Trust
Kaleidoscope Trust works to “uphold the human rights of lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender (LGBT+) people in countries around the world where they are discriminated against or marginalised due to their sexual orientation, gender identity and/or gender expression.“
Working with international institutions and partners, to fund and support the work of LGBT+ activists. Bringing about positive legislative, policy and social change for LGBT+ people everywhere.
LGBTQ Disabled Queer and Hear
Founded in June 2019, Disabled Queer and Hear provide a platform for people with disabilities who wouldn’t normally get an opportunity to show off their skills and talents in the public arena, giving them a chance to work alongside others and be a part of the community.
The LGBTQ Freedom Fund
LGBTQ Freedom Fund pays bail to secure the safety and liberty of individuals in U.S. jails and immigration facilities. They also work to build a critical mass against the mass detention of LGBTQ people.
Each day, tens of thousands of LGBTQ+ people are held in jail or immigration detention because they cannot afford bail—for immigration status or charges like sleeping in public. The LGBTQ Freedom Fund is there to help.
LGBT Foundation
The LGBT Foundation are a national charity firmly rooted in Greater Manchester. They provide a wide range of evidence-based and cost effective services. As a result, they serve more LGBT people than any other charity of its kind in the UK.
Their primary goal is to support LGBT people to increase their skills, knowledge and self-confidence to improve and maintain their health and wellbeing. They also work in partnership with others to build strong, cohesive and influential LGBT communities.
LGBT Switchboard
For over 40+ years, the folks at LGBT Switchboard have created a safe space for anyone wanting to talk. Discuss anything, from sexuality and gender identity, to sexual health and emotional well-being.
In the 1980s they were the leading source of information on the then new and unknown disease of HIV/AIDS. As the effect on our community became apparent, they collated and maintained a detailed manual of the latest and most up-to-date information. Today, they continue to provide support on the phone (and through email and instant messaging services) to people from across the UK.
Mermaids
Mermaids support transgender, nonbinary and gender-diverse children and young people until their 20th birthday. This includes their family and professionals involved in their care. They also currently offer web chat support to students up to the age of 25.
Following worldwide coverage and media attention, Mermaids has quickly become one of the UK’s leading LGBTQ+ charities. Their goal is to empower people with their secure online communities, local community groups, helpline services, web resources. They also provide events and residential weekends.
Naz and Matt Foundation
Naz and Matt Foundation was set up in 2014 following the sad loss of Matt’s fiancé, Naz, who took his own life two days after his deeply religious family confronted him about his sexuality.
Naz and Matt Foundation exists to empower and support LGBTQI+ individuals, their friends and family to work towards resolving challenges linked to sexuality or gender identity, particularly where religion is heavily influencing the situation.
The Okra Project
The Okra Project prepare and deliver home-cooked meals for homeless Black trans people in places where it’s needed the most. It aims to make food accessible and not an “exclusive luxury”.
Their chefs, who also happen to be Black & Trans, provide this service to areas that truly require assistance. They also provide employment to Black Trans chefs, based on the fact that Black trans workers are less likely to be employed due to discrimination.
Opening Doors London
ODL is the largest UK charity providing activities, events, information & support services specifically for LGBTQ+ people over 50. They also provide regular social opportunities and events to help develop networks, communities and create friendships.
Outside of the community, ODL also offer specialist training for statutory and voluntary organisations. For example, care homes, housing associations and hospitals, to help them understand the needs of older LGBTQ+ people.
OutRight Action International
OutRight is the ONLY LGBTQ+ organisation that has a presence in the United Nations. Why? Because it fights for rights of LGBTQ+ members around the world.
This follows the knowledge that in many countries across the world, including states within the USA, LGBTQ+ people are still treated unfairly. In some countries, LGBTQ+ people are even killed or tortured for being who they are because it is illegal to be LGBTQ+.
Parapride
ParaPride is a registered charity working with social venues, public spaces and online platforms to create inclusive events and social opportunities that cater specifically to the needs of all those living with disabilities, mental health and chronic health conditions and impairments.
They also provide training and workshops to help venues and public spaces become more aware of the unique needs of the LGBTQ disabled community.
Positive East
Positive East are London’s largest community-based HIV charity, offering advice, support, counselling, volunteering & free HIV tests.
For three decades they have been at the forefront of HIV service and care; supporting people from point of HIV diagnosis to longer term care, whilst also tackling the stigma of HIV.
The Proud Trust
The Proud Trust is a life saving and life enhancing organisation that helps LGBT+ young people empower themselves. Allowing them to make a positive change for themselves, and their communities.
The Proud Trust do this through a range of avenues. From youth groups and regional LGBT+ youth networks, to the delivery of training, events and campaigns, as well as undertaking research and creating resources.
Regard
Regard is a national organisation of lesbians, gay men, bisexuals, transgender and queer people (LGBTQ) who self-identify as disabled. We follow the Social Model of Disability. This is a way of thinking about disability that says it is society that needs to change by removing the barriers that deny us inclusion and equal rights.
Regard has the following aims:
- To provide information, advice and support to LGBT disabled people;
- To raise awareness and campaign on issues affecting disabled LGBT people;
- And to combat social isolation among LGBT disabled people.
Stonewall
Starting as a “professional lobbying group” that would prevent attacks such as Section 28 on lesbian, gay and bi people from ever occurring again, Stonewall has subsequently put the case for equality on the mainstream political agenda. Winning support within all the main political parties, the charity now has offices in England, Scotland and Wales.
Successes include helping achieve the equalisation of the age of consent, lifting the ban on LGB people serving in the military, securing legislation which allowed same-sex couples to adopt and the repeal of Section 28. More recently, Stonewall has helped secure civil partnerships and then same-sex marriage and ensured that the recent Equality Act protected lesbian, gay and bi people in terms of goods and services.
Terrence Higgins
THT (Terrence Higgins Trust) is the UK’s leading HIV and sexual health charity. They support people living with HIV and amplify their voices, and help the people using their services to achieve good sexual health.
Named after Terry Higgins, who was one of the first people in the UK to die of an AIDS-related illness. By naming the trust after Terry, the founding members – his partner and friends – hoped to personalise and humanise AIDS in a very public way. It focused on raising funds for research and awareness of the illness that was then called ‘Gay-Related Immune Deficiency’.
The Trevor Project
The Trevor Project is the leading national organisation providing 24 hour crisis intervention and suicide prevention services to LGBTQ+ young people under 25. They’re also committed to producing innovative research that brings new knowledge and clinical implications to the field of suicidology.
Whoever you choose to support, make sure you do your research beforehand!
By this, I mean find out what the charity actually needs from you. Some LGBTQ+ charities need extra or specific equipment, some need financial support, some need extra hands answering phones or at their next event, and some just need you to sign a petition or raise awareness.
Support can come in many different forms, and LGBTQ+ charities understand that not everyone can afford donating physical cash. But, if you can do something that’ll mean that their name is out there it’ll mean the world to them.
Image Credits:
Banner: Nadine Shaabana on Unsplash
Yannis Papanastasopoulos on Unsplash
Tim Bieler on Unsplash
LGBTQ+ charities
