Google Just Donated Millions to LGBTQ+ People

Google.org, the charitable arm of the company, announced on June 2 it is providing several million dollars to support LGBTQ+ communities around the world. This includes donating a total of $3 million to OutRight Action International.

"This past year, the need for belonging has become more important than ever," said Juan Rajlin, treasurer and global executive sponsor of Pride at Google. "The pandemic has separated us from loved ones and communities and caused significant loss for many. It is abundantly clear that we need an inclusive and equitable recovery."

Google will donate $2 million toward OutRight's COVID-19 Global LGBTIQ Emergency Fund. OutRight launched the fund due to the disproportionate effects of the pandemic on LGBTIQ+ populations, according to the organization.

OutRight said since the fund began in April 2020 it had already provided $1 million in grants from the fund to more than 120 groups across more than 60 countries. The group said it had received more than 2,500 applications for funding from communities in need -- a total of $38 million in requests.

"Google.org's support for OutRight's Covid-19 Global LGBTIQ Emergency Fund is truly transformative, doubling its reach and impact," said Jessica Stern, OutRight Action International's executive director. "Thanks to the contribution from Google.org, OutRight will be able to serve tens of thousands of LGBTIQ people in need around the globe, providing a lifeline at an incredibly challenging time."

The funding for OutRight's COVID-19 fund will go toward supporting 100 LGBTQ+ organizations in more than 60 countries. Google.org will provide an additional $1 million in Google Ad Grants that will go toward OutRight's global advocacy.

Google.org also announced it will provide $1 million each to the Transgender Law Center and the Transgender Legal Defense & Education Fund.

"There is still a lot of work to do, especially as we continue to fight for the rights of our trans community, but I remain optimistic about our community's future given how far we've come," Rajlin said.