10 LGBT+ charities worth supporting and donating to
Gay and human rights activists chant slogans during anti-government protests on Istiklal Street, the main shopping corridor on June 23, 2013 in Istanbul, Turkey. (Photo by Burak Kara/Getty Images)
There are hundreds of amazing charities out there including many LGBT+ charities worthy of donations.
Of course, it’s not possible for someone to support every charity out there, and that’s why we’ve listed 10 worthy LGBT+ charities that you should look into.
Kaleidoscope Trust
The Kaleidoscope Trust supports the human rights of lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender people all around the world.
They work with parliamentarians, government ministers, officials and policymakers to make a difference.
However, donations are vital for the international trust to continue helping persecuted LGBT communities.
Stonewall
Stonewall is a LGBT rights charity named after the 1969 Stonewall riots in New York City’s Greenwich Village. Its founders include Sir Ian McKellen and Lisa Power MBE.
The charity’s mission is to “let all lesbian, gay, bi and trans people, here and abroad, know they’re not alone.”
They aim to empower individuals and to change and protect laws.
Just Like Us
Just Like Us is an LGBT+ charity aiming to “empower young people to be role models championing LGBT+ equality at school and work.”
Based in the UK, it’s building a national network of university student volunteers who go into secondary schools to share their LGBT+ stories, eradicate stereotypes, and explain why LGBT+ equality is so important.
ILGA
The International Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Trans and Intersex Association (ILGA) is a worldwide federation which has been campaigning for LGBT+ rights in 152 countries since 1978.
The mission is to “act as a leading organisation and a global voice for the rights of those who face discrimination on the grounds of sexual orientation, gender identity and/or gender expression and sex (intersex).”
You can show your support by becoming a member, donating or volunteering.
Switchboard: LGBT helpline
For over 45 years, Switchboard’s volunteers have been answering millions of UK calls, talking to LGBT+ people who need someone with empathy and insight.
With no statutory support, the charity relies on community funds. You can show your own support through donation so they can continue doing good.
Mind LGBTQ
UK mental health charity Mind has a specific section for LGBTQ people, where you can access information about mental health support.
Mind’s page on mental health and being LGBTQ+ reads: “Those of us who identify as LGBTQ+ are more likely to experience a mental health problem than the wider population.
“This is because LGBTQ+ people experience bullying, rejection, stigma and discrimination which too often lead to low self-esteem, depression, anxiety and isolation.”
LGBT Foundation
Another great charity, which is a mental health resource for LGBT+ people, is LGBT Foundation.
LGBT Foundation is a national UK charity delivering advice, support and information to LGBT+ communities.
Services and activities include a range of support groups, counselling, helpline, email and pop-in service, befriending scheme, sexual health programme, substance-misuse project, organisational training, and a range of guides and resources.
Mermaids
Mermaids is a UK charity that helps transgender children and young people, as well as their families.
They work to raise awareness about gender nonconformity and campaign for the recognition of gender dysphoria.
The trans kids charity was recently awarded a National Lottery grant following a two-month review into the funding.
Human Dignity Trust
The Human Dignity Trust is another excellent LGBT+ charity to support.
This trust uses the law to defend the human rights of LGBT people all around the world.
They work with lawyers and activists to defend human rights in countries where gay sex is criminalised across Europe, Africa, Asia, the Pacific and the Caribbean.
The Albert Kennedy Trust
Why support AKT? “Because no young person should have to choose between a safe home and being who they are.”
According to The Albert Kennedy Trust, 24 percent of homeless young people identify as LGBT. Of those people, 77 percent believe that coming out to their parents was the main factor for their homelessness.
This charity aims to help those people and last year they provided 6,075 nights of accommodation to vulnerable LGBT young people.
Which of these LGBT+ charities will you support?
There are many more LGBT+ charities that do amazing work, too. Whether you choose to donate, volunteer or even share this article to help spread awareness… do whatever you can to help.
