Life
For many people, the month of June hold special significance, because it is Pride Month. It's a time to celebrate LGBTQ history and help further the cause for future generations. Once way to do that is by learning about the many LGBTQ organizations to donate to during Pride Month. Believe me when I say there are some truly awesome organizations out there dedicated to the legal, financial, and emotional well-being of LGBTQ persons.
Why does Pride Month fall in June? According to the Library of Congress, June was chosen as a way to honor the Stonewall riots of 1969, in which members of the LGBT community stood up to a police raid. At the time, police raids on gay and lesbian facilities were common, but the patrons of the Stonewall Inn rioted against this injustice. The start of gay rights organizations, as well as marches, soon followed. Stonewall is now a national LGBT monument, as reported by Bustle, and the month of June is an appropriate time to highlight today's hardworking LGBTQ organizations.
From legal council to workforce rights, these organizations help LGBTQ persons feel more welcomed by mainstream society. Each of these organizations deserves more attention for the wonderful services they provide. The brief description given here is only a summary of each org's offerings, and I encourage you to learn more about all of them. The people doing good work at these places deserve all the support in the world.
1
PFLAG
With 400 chapters across the United States and Puerto Rico, Parents and Friends of Lesbians and Gays (PFLAG) has been a source of strength and solidarity for almost 50 years. The organization advocates for inclusive policy-making, as well as the safety of persons in the LGBTQ community. Persons in the community itself, as well as their allies and friends, all have a place at PFLAG.
2
Lambda Legal
With education and impact litigation, Lambda Legal strives to obtain full legal rights for persons in the LGBTQ community, as well as HIV positive people. Healthcare, immigration, and criminal justice are just a few of the arenas covered by Lambda Legal. The org even provides a useful state-by-state analysis of legal protection for LGBT persons.
3
Family Equality Council
The Family Equality Council seeks to provide all families with love and respect, in particular families with LGBTQ parents. It offers programs and events to empower these families and their children with a platform for expression and connection. Issues that affect LGBTQ families at a federal, state, and local level are a top concern, such as adoption and foster care issues.
4
The Trevor Project
Young adulthood is an especially tough time for many LGBTQ people, who may feel isolated in their struggles. To reach these people, The Trevor Project provides crisis counseling and suicide prevention help for LGBTQ people aged 13 to 24. The hotline is available 24/7 for calls, and texting and chat services are also provided.
5
Point Foundation
Who doesn't need some extra help with college? The Point Foundation is a national scholarship fund that addresses the high dropout rate of LGBTQ youth. The organization strives to help LGBTQ students reach their full potential with funding and mentorship.
6
GLAAD
If media literacy is your bag, then you're probably already fond of this organization. Founded in 1985, GLAAD monitors the media's often disparaging representation of the LGBTQ community.
7
Pride At Work
If you read about the state laws on Lambda Legal, then you'll know exactly why this organization needs to exist. Pride At Work is a nonprofit that supports LGBTQ employees. They are working toward a more inclusive environment in workplaces and unions.
8
StartOut
There's definitely a space for persons from the LGBTQ community in the world of startups. Thanks to StartOut, LGBTQ entrepreneurs can get specialized help and advice with new businesses. With a ready community and mentorship program, this org supports business incubation and inclusivity.
9
National Center For Transgender Equality
Since 2003, the National Center for Transgender Equality has worked to achieve policy change and rights for transgender persons. The org provides educational material about the rights of transgender people, as well as helpful information about the process of changing identification documents. With its many resources, NCTE has provided tremendous support for the trans community.
