During Pride Month each June, the world’s LGBTQ+ communities and allies celebrate the freedom of being their true selves, honor the achievements made by pillars of the LGBTQ+ community, and bring awareness to issues the community still faces.
Many nonprofit organizations and public sector agencies are dedicated to making an impact on a wide variety of LGBTQ+ matters. Keep reading to learn about seven amazing LGBTQ+ organizations and how you can support their work.
1. Alliance for LGBTQ Youth
The Alliance for Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Transgender, Queer and Questioning Youth supports and advocates for LGBTQ+ youth, their families, and their communities in South Florida. Their purpose is “to unleash the innate, internal power of LGBTQ youth to be leaders in their own lives and in their communities while living an authentic, full, and liberated existence.” This organization’s programming includes:
- Care coordination services
- Individual and group counseling
- Family advocacy and support
- Education and awareness activities
- Leadership development opportunities for LGBTQ youth
Through these services, the Alliance for LGBTQ Youth invests in the mental health, education, and holistic well-being of LGBTQ+ youth.
2. Covenant House International
For more than four decades, Covenant House has helped transform and save the lives of more than a million young people experiencing homelessness, unsafe living conditions, and trafficking—including people who identify as LGBTQ+.
In 2014, Covenant House collaborated with True Colors United to roll out the True Colors Inclusion Assessment. True Colors United designed the assessment to help public sector agencies and nonprofits like Covenant House take stock of their policies, practices, physical spaces, and programs to ensure a welcoming, affirming, and safe environment for LGBTQ+ youth. Today, Covenant House has applied the assessment and its recommendations at all of its houses, assuring best practices to welcome and serve LGBTQ+ youth while actively reviewing and updating policies as necessary.
3. Equitas Health
Equitas Health is a regional nonprofit community healthcare system and federally-designated Community Health Center. Established in 1984, it is now one of the largest LGBTQ+ and HIV/AIDS-serving healthcare organizations in the United States. With 21 offices in 13 cities, Equitas Health serves thousands of patients in Ohio, Kentucky, and West Virginia each year through patient-centered, integrated, and cutting-edge services.
Their services include:
- LGBTQ+ affirming primary and specialized medical care
- Dentistry
- Mental health counseling and psychiatry
- HIV/STI testing, treatment, and prevention
- PrEP/PEP
- HIV case management, care, and advocacy
- Addiction recovery care and support groups
In addition, the Equitas Health Pharmacy is an integral part of the health center’s comprehensive care and business model, reinvesting 100% of profits back into the organization’s programs and services.
4. The Center Orlando
The Center Orlando’s purpose is “to promote and empower the LGBT+ community and its allies through information, education, advocacy, and support.” They offer a number of health services in Central Florida, such as testing and screenings, mental health counseling, and addiction and recovery support. The Center also has programs for LGBT+ seniors, youth, and immigrants, as well as career planning services, peer networking groups, and more.
In 2020, The Center Orlando opened a food pantry known as “The Pride Pantry” to address rising food insecurity among LGBTQ+ communities. Today, the pantry remains a key service that the organization provides and continues to feed over 300 people every month.
5. Oakland LGBTQ Community Center
The Oakland LGBTQ Community Center is the first inclusive LGBTQ community center founded by African Americans in the state of California. This Black-led organization aims to support the well-being of LGBTQ individuals in Oakland by providing educational, social, and health services. The Center provides:
- Case management
- Information and referral services
- Health and wellness workshops
- Peer support groups
- Transportation assistance
- Emergency housing services
- Leadership development and job training
The Center is also committed to supporting Oakland’s youth by providing conflict resolution workshops, employment opportunities and referrals, and nutrition information.
6. RAIN, Inc.
RAIN “empowers persons living with HIV and those at risk to be healthy and stigma-free” by providing medical care and emergency assistance to those affected by or at risk of HIV. This Charlotte-based organization has been working to compassionately support those with HIV since 1992, expanding its services from end-of-life care to medical care and education.
Today, RAIN offers numerous services, including health and wellness-related support, youth empowerment, intervention services, counseling and support groups, and more. RAIN also maintains a “community-based safe space” for men of color called The Drop, which houses a food pantry, clothing closet, and laundry and shower services for those in need.
7. Sacramento LGBT Community Center
For more than 40 years, the Sacramento LGBT Community Center has worked to “create a region where LGBTQ+ people thrive.” Their services center around health and wellness, advocacy, and community-building. The Sacramento LGBT Community Center offers:
- Peer support groups
- Community resource referrals for individuals
- Business training to improve companies’ competencies on LGBTQ+ issues
- Community-building artistic and cultural activities
- Volunteer opportunities
In recent years, the organization has shifted its focus to supporting LGBTQ+ youth experiencing homelessness, suicide prevention, and health outreach.
How you can support these LGBTQ+ organizations
These nonprofit organizations and public sector agencies all rely on community support to make tangible differences in the lives of LGBTQ+ individuals. To donate, volunteer, or get involved with any of these organizations, visit their websites and sign up to learn more.
