The fight for LGBTQ+ equality is far from over. The community’s rights continue to face debate and scrutiny within both the media and politics, making the work of LGBTQ+ charities all the more important as we fight to hold on to the advances made in society. From improved guidance on sexual health to the abolishment of anti-LGBTQ+ laws in the UK, organisations such as the ones below have played a key role in allowing us to live as freely as we are able to today. They will also be just as vital when it comes to advancing the rights that are yet to be achieved so, this Pride Month, consider donating to the amazing work each one does if you are able to do so.
Galop
As the UK’s leading anti-abuse charity for LGBTQ+ people, Galop works with those who have survived domestic abuse, sexual violence, hate crime, so-called ‘conversion therapies’ and other forms of interpersonal abuse. It is run by LGBTQ+ people for LGBTQ+ people, with its focus on helping people decide what the best thing for them is before supporting them on their journey. Galop runs four national support helplines for LGBTQ+ survivors of rape and sexual abuse, ‘conversion therapy’, domestic abuse and hate crime. In addition to this, Galop does research into LGBTQ+ people’s experience of abuse and frequently pushes for legislative change and improved statutory guidance for victims. You can donate here.
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Gendered Intelligence
Since its establishment in 2008, Gendered Intelligence has been working to increase public understanding of gender diversity and improve the lives of trans+ people. As a trans-led grassroots organisation, its team has a wealth of lived experience and community connections which they use to provide professional and educational services, youth and community services and to drive public engagement. The charity’s work is more vital than ever given the current climate for trans+ people in the UK, with Gendered Intelligence holding regular youth groups in London and Leeds, discussion groups for parents, carers and other family members where they can find advice and support, as well as mentoring for young trans+ people, among many other things. It accepts donations here.
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GiveOut
Through its support of almost 40 organisations around the world, GiveOut has been working to eliminate discriminatory laws, policies and practices, change attitudes and create safe spaces in places where LGBTQ+ identities are not accepted. It does this by pooling donations to provide grants to LGBTQ+ organisations so they have the resources they need to defend the community’s rights and tackle global inequality. One example of this in practice is Amplifund, GAY TIMES’ philanthropic initiative with GiveOut, which currently supports Pink Armenia, The Queer Muslim Project and The Bisi Alimi Foundation through money raised via the magazine and at events. GiveOut accepts donations here.
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Kaleidoscope Trust
More than 60 countries around the world still criminalise LGBTQ+ people simply for being who they are, dozens of which do so as a result of homophobic laws and attitudes introduced under Britain’s colonial rule. Kaleidoscope Trust exists to fight for the human rights of LGBTQ+ people across the Commonwealth by working with governments, changemakers and civil society organisations to bring about meaningful and lasting change. It does this by ensuring that funding goes where it needs to and putting pressure on the UK government to ensure that LGBTQ+ issues remain a priority. The charity also connects grassroots organisations with key policy and decision makers to ensure they are able to advocate for the communities they represent. To donate, click here.
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LGBT Foundation
LGBT Foundation is a national charity rooted in Greater Manchester’s local community. It aims to help LGBTQ+ people increase their skills, knowledge and self confidence and is the UK’s largest health and community charity for LGBTQ+ people. Recently celebrating the 45th anniversary of its helpline, some of LGBT Foundation’s biggest achievements include providing 3,623 hours of counselling to 505 Talking Therapies clients from 2019-20 alone, giving out millions of free condom and lube sachets and working with schools to make them safer for LGBTQ+ students. Initially named The Lesbian & Gay Foundation, it became the LGBT Foundation in 2015 to be inclusive of trans+ people. You can donate to it here.
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Mermaids
Since being formed by a group of parents of gender nonconforming children in 1995, Mermaids has been supporting trans+ youth through local community groups, helplines and web services/resources. It works with trans, non-binary and gender-diverse people until their 20th birthday, as well as their family and those involved with their care. The charity also seeks to educate and inform society on gender identity in a bid to improve the lives of trans+ people and give parents the tools they need to offer their children support. You can donate to Mermaids here.
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Micro Rainbow
Micro Rainbow runs safe houses and socio-economic programmes for LGBTQ+ people fleeing persecution with the end goal of creating a world where the community can live safe lives free from discrimination. It helps LGBTQ+ refugees access employment, training and education, with the charity opening its 18th safe house in November 2022. Shortly after Afghanistan fell to the Taliban in August 2021, Micro Rainbow launched the first-ever helpline for LGBTQ+ Afghans arriving in the UK after fleeing the regime. The charity aims to improve the lives of LGBTQ+ people seeking asylum and is in constant contact with local communities in order to drive lasting change. Donations can be made here.
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Rainbow Migration
The asylum and immigration system is a difficult thing to navigate and Rainbow Migration exists to support LGBTQ+ through it. The charity’s main goals include ensuring that LGBTQ+ people are treated fairly and with dignity and that those who need protection are granted leave to remain in the UK. Rainbow Migration works in three ways, the first of which is providing practical and emotional support to LGBTQ+ people seeking asylum. It also carries out campaign and policy work, as well as strategic litigation to improve the asylum ad immigration system for all. Lastly, it works with lawyers, charities and the Home Office, among others, to bring about necessary changes. You can donate here.
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Stonewall
Established in response to Section 28, Stonewall was founded by a small group of people who knew the LGBTQ+ community needed a professional organisation to fight for their rights. The charity has been instrumental in spearheading initiatives to support the community ever since, from introducing its world-class Diversity Champions programme to its calls for the government to ban so-called ‘conversion therapy’ for all LGBTQ+ people. Despite being a UK-based organisation, it has led global efforts to help queer people – most recently working to hold the Equality and Human Rights Commission to account over its stance on LGBTQ+ issues. Click here to donate.
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Switchboard
Founded in 1974, Switchboard began as an information and support helpline for LGBTQ+ people operating for five hours every evening in a small room above a bookshop near King’s Cross, London. In its first two decades, the helpline was an invaluable source of support for those coming out after the 1967 partial decriminalisation of male homosexuality, as well as one of information during the HIV/AIDS epidemic in the 1980s. Today, it remains an integral resource for the LGBTQ+ community. A 24 hour safe space available over the phone, email, and online for all people to contact, individuals can discuss a range of subjects including sexuality, gender identity, sexual health and emotional well-being. Donate here.
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Terrence Higgins Trust
Founded in the early 1980s, Terrence Higgins Trust was the first charity in the UK set up in response to the HIV/AIDS epidemic and has since become the country’s leading HIV and sexual health charity. It has spent the last 40 years supporting those living with HIV/AIDS by amplifying their voices and helping them achieve good sexual health, while also being a driving force in tackling stigma. Terrence Higgins Trust has worked extensively with the government to bring about the goal of ending new HIV transmissions in England by 2030, as well as being a key responder to the mpox outbreak of 2022/23. You can donate to the charity’s essential work here.
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