In the United States, Pride Month is celebrated annually in June to honor and advocate for the rights of the LGBT+ community. The LGBT+ community comprises of anyone who deviates from the cis-gendered or heterosexual “norm.” Unfortunately, many people discriminate against people in the community and do their best to revoke their rights; as a result, they face many challenges that make them especially vulnerable as hateful people do their best to harm them. LGBT+ folk come from diverse walks of life and deserve the same equal rights as everybody else. Therefore, it is highly important that we show support in any way we can, whether it be through spreading love, donating, organizing, or voting people into our offices that are not homophobic, transphobic, or hold any other prejudices towards the community.
According to a survey conducted by the U.S. Census Bureau in 2021, it was estimated that at least 20 million adults in the U.S. are LGBT+. That’s at least 20 million people—nearly 8% of the adult population—who are susceptible to discrimination based on their sexual orientation. Not to mention, the survey does not include LGBT+ youth who may face additional challenges such as homelessness. Unfortunately, despite the large LGBT+ population in the U.S., there are still 27 states that offer no statewide laws protecting LGBT+ folk from discrimination in employment, housing, and public accommodations. These states are:
Alabama, Alaska, Arizona, Arkansas, Florida, Georgia, Idaho, Indiana, Kansas, Kentucky, Louisiana, Michigan, Mississippi, Missouri, Montana, Nebraska, North Carolina, North Dakota, Ohio, Oklahoma, Pennsylvania, South Carolina, South Dakota, Tennessee, Texa, West Virginia, and Wyoming.
This list is entirely too long and can make life in these states extra difficult for LGBT+ folk. Additionally, two states, Utah and Wisconsin, have laws without complete protection for LGBT+ folk. LGBT+ folk also may face violence from prejudiced individuals– especially in the listed states but also others. This violence can take many forms including threats, attacks against people, and attacks against property. In 2020, the Hate Crime 2020 report revealed 1,287 anti-LGBT crimes took place. To make matters worse, the number of anti-trans hate crimes increased by 20% for the SECOND YEAR IN A ROW! Openly sharing or visibly displaying one’s LGBT+ status can still be very dangerous in the U.S. (not to mention the dangers it holds in other countries where homosexuality is outlawed).
This makes it extremely important that we support LGBT+ folk in every possible way and one of the most effective ways to show support is to donate to organizations that focus on care for LGBT+ folk. So, here are some great places to donate to during pride 2022 (and all year long)!
“Black & Pink National is a prison abolitionist organization dedicated to abolishing the criminal punishment system and liberating LGBTQIA2S+ people and people living with HIV/AIDS who are affected by that system through advocacy, support, and organizing.
Black & Pink National, founded in 2005, now has a strong grassroots network of 11 volunteer-led chapters and more than 20,000 current and formerly incarcerated LGBTQIAS2+ and people living with HIV/AIDS (PLWHA) members located across the country” (Black and Pink).
“Trans Lifeline is run by and for trans people. Trans Lifeline is a grassroots hotline and microgrants 501(c)(3) non-profit organization offering direct emotional and financial support to trans people in crisis – for the trans community, by the trans community. We envision a world where trans people have the connection, economic security, and care everyone needs and deserves – free of prisons and police” (Trans Lifeline).
“We are a Black, trans-led collective that curates parties to fundraise money to help Black transgender people pay for their rent, gender-affirming surgeries, smaller co-pays for medicines/doctor’s visits, and travel assistance” (For The Gworls)
“Committed to saving the lives of LGBTQ+ young people, in 2002 Carl Siciliano founded the Ali Forney Center (AFC) in memory of Ali Forney. Since AFC’s launch with just six beds in a church basement, the organization has grown to become the largest agency dedicated to LGBTQ+ homeless youths in the country — assisting over 2,000 youths per year through a 24-hour Drop-In Center which provides over 70,000 meals annually, medical and mental health services through an on-site clinic, and a scattered-site housing program” (AFC).
“We envision a Texas where lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, and queer Texans and their families have full equality in the hearts and minds of our fellow Texans and in all areas of the law. Equality Texas works to secure full equality for lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, and queer Texans through political action, education, community organizing, and collaboration” (Equality Texas).
“Traveling the South for years, we met thousands of incredible people who were ready to organize in their hometowns. Over the years our work has grown and our team has too – we now work from Asheville and Durham, NC, and Piedmont, SC. We use a range of tools in including direct services, direct action, litigation, grant-making, and long-term organizing strategies to respond to immediate community needs, support a new generation of LGBTQ leaders and build political power over the long term.” (Campaign for Southern Equality).
“We believe in a world where Black trans women have material resources that positively impact their sense of safety and wellness. Our vision is to create a world where Black trans women are valued and no longer face harassment and violence. We do this by offsetting the economic impact of travel and travel related materials, and encouraging allies to commit long-term to leveraging their resources in a multitude of ways to improve the lives of Black trans women. Launched in New York City on June 18th, 2019 by a Black trans man - BTTF was created out of direct response to the relentless and unacceptable transphobic violence Black transgender women across the country have been continuously experiencing” (Black Trans Travel Fund).
“Founded and led by Trans and gender nonconforming people and our allies, we create safe and transformative spaces where members of our community can heal—physically, mentally, emotionally, and spiritually—from the trauma arising from generations of transphobia, racism, sexism, poverty, ableism and violence, and nurture them into tomorrow’s leaders. We currently primarily focus on supporting and nurturing the leadership of Transgender women of color living in the U.S. South” (House of GG).
“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 we can reach them.
During the Middle Passage, our African ancestors snuck okra onto captive ships to sustain themselves and plant in the new world. Black Diasporic cooking traditions often use the okra plant for its versatility and it is often associated with health, prosperity, and community. In this spirit, The Okra Project hopes to extend free, delicious, and nutritious meals to Black Trans people experiencing food insecurity” (Okra Project).
These are only some of the many LGBT+ organizations you can support. Remember to do personal research and even search locally, especially if you live in a state without laws protecting LGBT+ folk. In addition to donating, researching legendary LGBT+ folk and learning more about queer history is always a great way to support and connect with the community. We have some great resources here at Lemon-Aid including:
