Giving Tuesday
'Tis the season to give -- not only to your loved ones, but to worthy causes. For Giving Tuesday, The Advocate has compiled a list of 16 great organizations working for LGBTQ rights, racial healing, health care, and more. Scroll on down to check them out and choose one or several for your Giving Tuesday donations.
National LGBTQ Task Force
Founded in 1973, the National LGBTQ Task Force is one of the nation's oldest LGBTQ advocacy groups. It is working toward a future in which everyone can be free and open about who they are. It works to break down barriers to equality in employment, housing, and many other areas, mobilizing grassroots activists across the country to join in the effort. You can support the Task Force by donating money once or becoming a Change Agent by donating monthly.
GLAAD, formerly the Gay and Lesbian Alliance Against Defamation, is one of the most active LGBTQ organizations today. GLAAD focuses on media representation of the community, addressing "tough issues to shape the narrative and provoke dialogue that leads to cultural change," as its website states. It reports on LGBTQ representation in news and entertainment media, and comments on a wide variety of topics of interest to our population. Find out how to contribute here.
GLSEN, formerly the Gay, Lesbian, and Straight Education Network, was founded in 1990 with a mission "to create safe and affirming schools for all, regardless of sexual orientation, gender identity, or gender expression." It is fighting a huge battle against the Trump administration right now; go here to help keep LGBTQ students safe in schools.
The Trevor Project
The Trevor Project, founded in 1998, is the leading national organization providing crisis intervention and suicide prevention services to LGBTQ youth, ages 13-24. Donate if you can, but consider helping the Trevor Project in ways that go beyond monetary by volunteering your time and becoming a crisis counselor for its lifelines.
PFLAG
PFLAG, once known as Parents, Families, and Friends of Lesbians and Gays, was started in 1973 by a mother supporting her gay son. It has since grown into the "nation's largest family and ally organization." With over 400 chapters, it has plenty of ways for you to get involved, donating your time as well as your money.
Black Lives Matter
Black Lives Matter was founded in 2013 by three women, Alicia Garza, Patrisse Khan-Cullors, and Opal Tometi, as a response to the killer of 14-year-old Trayvon Martin being acquitted. With queer-inclusive leadership, Black Lives Matter stands up for LGBTQ lives as well. "We foster a queer-affirming network. ... We make space for transgender brothers and sisters to participate and lead," the organization states on its website. Find out about giving here.
Trans Lifeline
The Trans Lifeline is dedicated to preventing suicide among transgender people by providing a free 24/7 hotline for trans and nonbinary callers. The Trans Lifeline needs support now more than ever, given the news that calls quadrupled after the Trump administration's "trans erasure" memo was leaked in October. Donate here and consider donating your time as well.
Human Rights Campaign
Founded in 1980, the Human Rights Campaign describes itself as "America's largest civil rights organization working to achieve lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender and queer equality," with over 3 million people worldwide working to attain HRC's goal of "a world where lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender and queer people are embraced as full members of society at home, at work and in every community." HRC endorses LGBTQ-supportive political candidates and legislation, rates the records of elected officials and businesses, and works for equality in many other ways. You can donate once or set up a monthly donation here.
Planned Parenthood
Planned Parenthood is dedicated to making sure that everyone who enters gets proper, affordable care for a variety of health concerns, both reproductive and otherwise. Planned Parenthood is notable for being able to provide transgender patients with private, affordable hormone therapy. It has been slandered with lies by the Trump administration and various right-wing groups. To counteract this, you can donate your time and money.
Everytown for Gun Safety
In 2014, Moms Demand Action for Gun Sense in America and Mayors Against Illegal Guns were combined and Everytown for Gun Safety was formed. Everytown for Gun Safety boasts more than 5 million Americans working together to end gun violence. With more than 90 Americans dying from gun violence per day and more than 300 mass shootings in 2018 alone, this cause is crucial to this country's future. Donate here.
Transgender Law Center
The Transgender Law Center is "the largest national trans-led organization advocating self-determination for all people," it states on its website. TLC is dedicated to changing laws and policies so that transgender and nonbinary people can live freely. With the Trump administration making numerous attempts to erase trans people, TLC's cause is more important than ever. Its website allows donations from a mere $5 to $1,000, which can be made one time, monthly, or yearly.
Services & Advocacy for Gay, Lesbian, Bisexual & Transgender Elders (SAGE)
Founded in 1979, SAGE is fighting to secure rights for LGBTQ elders on the federal, state, and local levels. LGBTQ elders are at a higher risk of loneliness, which studies have shown is detrimental to health. Consider donating to SAGE here or attending an event.
National Immigration Law Center
Founded in 1979, the National Immigration Law Center is "one of the leading organizations in the U.S. exclusively dedicated to defending and advancing the rights of immigrants with low income," its website states. With the Trump administration's attacks on immigrants, the group's work is vital. Donate here.
Elton John AIDS Foundation
The Elton John AIDS Foundation, founded in 1992, is one of the foremost HIV/AIDS charities in the world. It is dedicated to funding "frontline programmes that help to alleviate the pain -- whether physical, emotional or financial -- of those living with, affected by or at risk of HIV/AIDS." Even though people think the AIDS epidemic has ended, the truth is that it is far from over. HIV and AIDS still affect large portions of the population, and the foundation seeks to help. Make a one-off or monthly donation here.
Everybody Eats Foundation
The Everybody Eats Foundation began in 2016 when teenage internet sensation Kelvin Pena, known online as Brother Nature, decided he wanted to give back. The Everybody Eats Foundation is focused on providing food for single-parent families and after-school snacks for children of single parents. Pena is known for his seriously adorable videos featuring the "Deer Squad," a pack of wild deer that hang around his neighborhood; he has befriended them and often feeds them. Pena's adoration for all things living is infectious. Donate here or look into hosting an event.
Doctors Without Borders
Doctors Without Borders was founded in 1971 in Paris. Its mission is to "deliver emergency medical aid to those who need it most," its website states. "As we carry out this work, we are guided by the rules of medical ethics -- particularly the duty to provide care without causing harm to individuals or groups." With the crisis in Yemen and other dire situations around the world, Doctors Without Borders is needed than ever. Help the group reach its goal of raising $1 million on Giving Tuesday.
