While equal rights for LGBTQ+ people have made significant progress in the 21st century, there is still a long way to go until the world recognises the importance of sexual orientation and gender identity. Unfortunately, many countries around the world continue to enforce laws which discriminate LGBTQ+ individuals.
While there have been improvements in the UK when it comes to gender and sexual equality, from the Equality Act 2010 to the legalising of marriage for same-sex couples in 2013, many individuals still face additional discrimination, isolation, and struggle to access the services they need to provide them safety and support in everyday life.
The charities listed below are actively tackling these problems and providing essential services and support to LGBTQ+ people.
Many of these charities are small organisations which rely on donations for campaigns, research, and to keep their important services running in order to provide LGBTQI+ people with a safe space to connect, share their stories, and to thrive.
Show your support this Pride Month and forever by giving back to the LGBTQ+ community with the help of these charities:
1) Stonewall
Stonewall was founded in 1989, one year after Section 28 of the Local Government Act was made law. Section 28 is a clause which banned the ‘promotion of homosexuality’ by local councils and British schools. The charity was founded by a group of activists who were campaigning against Section 28 and fighting for the rights of LGBTQ+ people in politics, media, and wider society.
Stonewall’s most notable campaigns include the Education for All campaign and the ‘Some People are Gay. Get Over it!’ campaign, both of which tackle homophobic bullying in schools. Stonewall’s mission is to transform communities into inclusive and safe spaces where LGBTQ+ people can thrive. One way Stonewall achieves this is through working with employers to implement workplace diversity and empowerment programmes.
2) Galop
The Gay London Police Monitoring group, Galop, was established in 1982 in response to police violence experienced by LGBTQ+ people. The charity has a long history of bringing awareness to LGB youth issues through hosting public forms and publishing research on hate crime.
Galop has also played an important role in policymaking and helped to establish the LGBT Advisory Group to the Metropolitan Police. They now offer services to all LGBTQ+ people who are victims of hate crime, domestic abuse, or sexual violence. Donations help Galop to provide casework support and to run the LGBTQ+ domestic abuse helpline which are invaluable to supporting the safety and wellbeing of LGBTQ+ people.
3) MindOut
MindOut provides mental health services run by and for LGBTQ+ people. It was created out of a need for a space where the mental health of LGTBQ+ people is prioritised, respected, and recognised. It is important for LGBTQ+ people to have access to dedicated services, as they often do not receive the support they need and can experience isolation and increased levels of discrimination and victimisation.
MindOut’s work is crucial to destigmatising mental health and empowering LGBTQ+ people. The charity offers a range of services including counselling services, peer support groups and peer mentoring projects. MindOut’s services are perhaps more important now than ever before, as COVID-19 has exacerbated mental health challenges.
4) Black Trans Alliance
Founded just last year, the Black Trans Alliance supports Black trans and non-binary people in London and the wider area through advocacy, education, and empowerment. Their Hardship Fund gives funds directly to people who need financial support for housing, utilities, food, and medication. The Black Trans Alliance supports people who have been marginalised by society and disproportionately affected by the pandemic emotionally and financially.
5) Metro
Metro is a charity which initially focused on providing services exclusively for LGBTQ+ people and communities, however they now support anybody experiencing issues related to sexuality, gender, identity, and equality. The charity offers sexual and reproductive health services, which evolved from the Metro HIV outreach program established in 1998.
Metro currently offers services such as STD testing, HIV support services, LGBTQ+ counselling, LGBTQ+ youth group activities, and free condom distribution in London and various other parts of UK.
6) Hidayah
Hidayah’s mission is to amplify and support the voices of LGBTQ+ Muslims, as well as to promote social justice, provide educational resources, and access to welfare services. The charity offers workshops and social events where LGBTQ+ Muslims can connect with others and learn more about gender, sexuality, and Islam.
7) AKT
AKT was founded in 1989 by Cath Hall who recognised that many LGBTQ+ young people were not receiving the right support they needed. AKT provides services which are vital to ensuring the safety and wellbeing of LGBTQ+ youth who are either at risk of homelessness, homeless, or living in a hostile or violent environment. The charity offers emergency accommodation, specialist support, peer support, life skills, and training.
8) Mermaids
Mermaids supports transgender, non-binary, and gender-diverse children and youth in the UK. The charity also offers educational resources to parents and diversity awareness training programmes for professionals. Mermaids hosts community events offers helpline support services which are important for reducing isolation and loneliness which trans young people can experience.
9) Human Dignity Trust
The Human Dignity Trust are a team of lawyers, researchers, activists and communications specialists who work with lawyers around the world to defend LGBTQ+ human rights. It is currently the only organisation operating globally which offers legal assistance for challenging discriminatory laws.
There are still 71 regions across the world in which same-sex sexual activity is considered a criminal offence. The work carried out by the Human Dignity Trust plays a pivotal role in defending the rights of LGBTQ+ people across the globe.
10) Center for Black Equity
Founded in 1999, The Center for Black Equity provides a platform and multinational network for the Black LGBTQ+ community. The Centre fights for equality and justice and works to create health, economic, and social opportunities. Your donations will support the development of this much needed global network which empowers and supports Black LGBTQ+ leaders everywhere.
11) Families Together London
Families Together is a London-based charity which works with parents and other family members of LGBTQ+ people, helping them to foster an accepting and understanding family environment. LGBTQ+ people can struggle with acceptance from family members. Families Together recognises this and tackles the root of the problem by offering support to parents and connecting them with each other. The work Families Together does gives parents and other family members the understanding and courage to do better.
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