LGBTQ Organizations
Use the filters below to find organizations that support and serve the LGBTQ community.
Category: Advocacy
Bisexual Resource Center
The Bisexual Resource Center envisions a world where love is celebrated, regardless of sexual orientation or gender expression. Because bisexuals today are still misunderstood, marginalized and discriminated against, the BRC is committed to providing support to the bisexual community and raising public awareness about bisexuality and bisexual people.
Campaign for Southern Equality
The Campaign for Southern Equality is working to build a South where LGBTQ people are equal in every part of life. Founded in 2011, they launched their work from a church basement in the mountains of North Carolina. Based in Asheville, NC, in the first chapter of their work, CSE was on the frontlines of efforts to win marriage equality in the South. They led the WE DO Campaign, which involved LGBTQ couples requesting – and being denied – marriage licenses in their Southern hometowns. More than 200 couples took action, with thousands of friends, family members and neighbors standing in support of them.
Today, CSE’s work includes the Legal Equality Project, focused on achieving legal equality by striking down anti-LGBTQ laws, passing pro-LGBTQ policies across the South; the Southern Equality Fund, which empowers local LGBTQ leaders across the South; and their Community Health Program, which responds to the acute and widespread need for direct services and resources for LGBTQ Southerners.
Campus Pride
Campus Pride serves LGBTQ and ally student leaders and campus organizations in the areas of leadership development, support programs and services to create safer, more inclusive LGBTQ-friendly colleges and universities. It exists to develop, support and give “voice and action” in building future LGBTQ and ally student leaders.
CenterLink – The Community of LGBT Centers
CenterLink, The Community of LGBT Centers – CenterLink develops strong, sustainable LGBT community centers and builds a thriving center network that creates healthy, vibrant communities. Serving over 250 LGBTQ community centers across the country in 45 states, Puerto Rico and the District of Columbia, as well as centers in Canada, China, and Australia, CenterLink assists newly forming community centers and helps strengthen existing LGBT centers, through networking opportunities for center leaders, peer-based technical assistance and training, and a variety of capacity building services. Their efforts are based on the belief that LGBT community centers are primary change agents in the national movement working toward the liberation and empowerment of LGBT people.
Equality Federation
Equality Federation is the movement builder and strategic partner to state-based organizations advocating for LGBTQ people. From Equality Florida to Freedom Oklahoma to Basic Rights Oregon, they amplify the power of the state-based LGBTQ movement. They work collaboratively on critical issues—from advancing workplace fairness and family recognition to defeating anti-transgender bathroom bans and HIV criminalization laws—that affect how LGBTQ people experience the world from cradle to grave. Together with their partners, they work on cross-cutting issues impacting our community such as racial equity, reproductive justice, and immigration.
Family Equality Council
Family Equality’s mission is to advance legal and lived equality for LGBTQ families, and for those who wish to form them, through building community, changing hearts and minds, and driving policy change.
Gamma Mu Foundation
The Gamma Mu Foundation was established to provide financial grants to organizations that serve clients and communities primarily in the rural and/or under-served United States. The Foundation makes available direct assistance through HIV/AIDS services, community services, or research and public education. The Foundation also awards financial support to members of the LGBT community who demonstrate financial need and the desire to pursue additional training through academic or vocational education. The Foundation’s mission is to make a positive difference in the lives of the LGBT community, primarily in rural and other under-served populations of the United States. The Foundation’s vision is the creation of an environment that promotes health, acceptance, and pride in the LGBT community and a more accepting and inclusive environment for people regardless of their sexual orientation or gender identity.
Gay and Lesbian Medical Association
GLMA is a national organization committed to ensuring health equity for lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, queer (LGBTQ) and all sexual and gender minority (SGM) individuals, and equality for LGBTQ/SGM health professionals in their work and learning environments. To achieve this mission, GLMA utilizes the scientific expertise of its diverse multidisciplinary membership to inform and drive advocacy, education, and research.
GLSEN – Gay, Lesbian, and Straight Education Network
Championing LGBTQ issues in K-12 education since 1990, GLSEN works to ensure that LGBTQ students are able to learn and grow in a school environment free from bullying and harassment. Together they want to transform our nation’s schools into the safe and affirming environment all youth deserve.
Gender Benders
Gender Benders is a grassroots organization for transgender and gender diverse folks in the Southeastern US. They are based in Upstate, SC and we have chapters and partner organizations in Hattiesburg, MS, Clemson, SC, and Hendersonville, NC. Gender Benders started as a group of 3 folks talking about what needs they had as trans and gender diverse people living in an area with no existing resources or support networks – and what they could realistically do to meet those needs with no money. Today, Gender Benders serves over 550 people from across the Southeast.
GLAAD
GLAAD is an American non-governmental media monitoring organization founded by LGBTQ people in the media.
Grand Strand Pride
Myrtle Beach, South Carolina area Pride Festival, business guild and educational programming.
GSA Network
GSA Network is a next-generation LGBTQ racial and gender justice organization that empowers and trains queer, trans, and allied youth leaders to advocate, organize, and mobilize an intersectional movement for safer schools and healthier communities.
Harriet Hancock LGBTQ Center
The Harriet Hancock LGBT Center is a safe and inclusive home that supports, educates, and empowers the LGBT community, our allies, and our neighbors. They have a vision for South Carolina where all people are accepted and affirmed, regardless of sexual orientation or gender identity, and LGBT people are able to live happy and healthy lives. The Harriet Hancock LGBT Center works to realize this vision in South Carolina, starting in the Greater Columbia community and Midlands region.
Human Rights Campaign (HRC)
The Human Rights Campaign and the Human Rights Campaign Foundation together serve as America’s largest civil rights organization working to achieve LGBTQ equality. By inspiring and engaging individuals and communities, HRC strives to end discrimination against LGBTQ people and realize a world that achieves fundamental fairness and equality for all. The Human Rights Campaign envisions a world where lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender and queer people are ensured equality and embraced as full members of society at home, at work and in every community.
Immigration Equality
Immigration Equality is the nation’s leading LGBTQ and HIV-positive immigrant rights organization. Through direct legal services, policy advocacy, and impact litigation, we advocate for immigrants and families facing discrimination based on their sexual orientation, gender identity, or HIV status.
Keshet
Keshet works for the full equality of all LGBTQ Jews and our families in Jewish life. They strengthen Jewish communities. Their organization equip Jewish organizations with the skills and knowledge to build LGBTQ-affirming communities; create spaces in which all queer Jewish youth feel seen and valued; and advance LGBTQ rights nationwide.
Lambda Legal
Founded in 1973, Lambda Legal is the oldest and largest national legal organization whose mission is to achieve full recognition of the civil rights of lesbians, gay men, bisexuals, transgender people, and everyone living with HIV through impact litigation, education and public policy work. As a 501(c)3 nonprofit organization, they do not charge their clients for legal representation or advocacy. Lambda Legal receives no government funding and depends on contributions from supporters around the country.
Modern Military Association of America
The Modern Military Association of America (MMAA) is the nation’s largest organization of LGBTQ service members, military spouses, veterans, their families, and allies. Formed through the merger of the American Military Partner Association and OutServe-SLDN, they are a united voice for the LBGTQ military and veteran community.
As a non-partisan, non-profit organization, MMAA is working to make a real difference in the lives of our modern military families through education, advocacy, and support. They also provide free, direct legal services for the LGBTQ and HIV+ military and veteran community.
MUSC Alliance for Equality
The MUSC Alliance for Equality (formerly the MUSC Gay Straight Alliance) is an organization of students of all orientations and identities at MUSC designed to provide a sense of community, support, and advocacy for anyone whose real or perceived sexual orientation, gender identity, or alliance may put them in an at risk minority group.
National Black Justice Coalition
The National Black Justice Coalition (NBJC) is a civil rights organization dedicated to the empowerment of Black lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, queer and same gender loving (LGBTQ/SGL) people, including people living with HIV/AIDS. NBJC’s mission is to end racism, homophobia, and LGBTQ/SGL bias and stigma. As America’s leading national Black LGBTQ/SGL civil rights organization focused on federal public policy, NBJC has accepted the charge to lead Black families in strengthening the bonds and bridging the gaps between the movements for racial justice and LGBTQ/SGL equality.
National Center for Lesbian Rights
The National Center for Lesbian Rights (NCLR) was the first national LGBTQ legal organization founded by women and brings a fierce, longstanding commitment to racial and economic justice and our community’s most vulnerable.
Since 1977, NCLR has been at the forefront of advancing the civil and human rights of our full LGBTQ community and their families through impact litigation, public policy, and public education. Decades ago, NCLR led the way by establishing the first LGBTQ Immigration Project, Transgender Rights Project, Youth Project, Elder Law Project, and began working to end conversion therapy through what is now the Born Perfect campaign.
National Center for Transgender Equality
The National Center for Transgender Equality advocates changing policies and society to increase understanding and acceptance of transgender people. In the nation’s capital and throughout the country, NCTE works to replace disrespect, discrimination, and violence with empathy, opportunity, and justice.
National Coalition of Anti-Violence Programs (NCAVP)
NCAVP works to prevent, respond to, and end all forms of violence against and within LGBTQ communities. They’re a national coalition of local member programs, affiliate organizations and individual affiliates who create systemic and social change. They strive to increase power, safety and resources through data analysis, policy advocacy, education and technical assistance.
National LGBT Cancer Network
The National LGBT Cancer Network works to improve the lives of LGBT cancer survivors and those at risk by:
- EDUCATING the LGBT community about our increased cancer risks and the importance of screening and early detection;
- TRAINING health care providers to offer more culturally-competent, safe and welcoming care; and
- ADVOCATING for LGBT survivors in mainstream cancer organizations, the media, and research.
National LGBT Chamber of Commerce
The NGLCC is the business voice of the LGBT community, the largest advocacy organization dedicated to expanding economic opportunities and advancements for LGBT people, and the exclusive certifying body for LGBT-owned businesses.
National LGBTQ Task Force
The National LGBTQ Task Force advances full freedom, justice, and equality for LGBTQ people. They are building a future where everyone can be free to be their entire selves in every aspect of their lives. Today, despite all the progress we’ve made to end discrimination, millions of LGBTQ people face barriers in every aspect of their lives: in housing, employment, healthcare, retirement, and basic human rights. These barriers must go. That’s why the Task Force is training and mobilizing millions of activists across our nation to deliver a world where you can be you.
NQAPIA – A Federation of LGBTQ Asian American, South Asian, Southeast Asian and Pacific Islander Organizations
The National Queer Asian Pacific Islander Alliance (NQAPIA) is a federation of lesbian, gay, bisexual, and transgender (LGBT) Asian American, South Asian, Southeast Asian, and Pacific Islander (AAPI) organizations. They seek to build the organizational capacity of local LGBT AAPI groups, develop leadership, promote visibility, educate our community, enhance grassroots organizing, expand collaborations, and challenge anti-LGBTQ bias and racism.
Pride at Work
Pride at Work seeks full equality without restrictions or barriers for LGBTQIA+ individuals in our workplaces, unions, and communities, creating a Labor Movement that cherishes diversity, promotes inclusion, encourages openness, and ensures safety & dignity. They do this through education, alliances, and building solidarity across our large and diverse communities.
Rainbow Support Group
To be a positive resource for support within the LGBTQ+ community, to promote tolerance and empowerment for LGBTQ+ individuals, and to aid in the fight to stop LGBTQ+ Bullying
South Carolina Equality
SC Equality was incorporated in 2002 in Columbia, South Carolina as South Carolina Equality Coalition (SCEC). Its goal was to improve the conditions of LGBTQ people in South Carolina through promoting tolerance, politically organizing LGBTQ people and allies and changing discriminatory laws.
Southern Poverty Law Center (SPLC)
The SPLC is dedicated to fighting hate and bigotry and to seeking justice for the most vulnerable members of our society. Using litigation, education, and other forms of advocacy, the SPLC works toward the day when the ideals of equal justice and equal opportunity will be a reality. We’re dedicated to protecting and advancing the rights, dignity, and freedom of the LGBTQ community in the Deep South and to removing barriers to equality.
Southerners On New Ground (SONG)
SONG is a home for LGBTQ liberation across all lines of race, class, abilities, age, culture, gender, and sexuality in the South. They build, sustain, and connect a southern regional base of LBGTQ people in order to transform the region through strategic projects and campaigns developed in response to the current conditions in our communities. SONG builds this movement through leadership development, intersectional analysis, and organizing.
Transgender Awareness Alliance (TAA)
1830 S Lake Drive, 84383
Lexington, SC 29073
TAA exists to supply emergency assistance to the transgender community of SC and partners with other organizations to create an affirming network of legal, health and consumer resources.
Transgender Law Center
Transgender Law Center changes law, policy, and attitudes so that all people can live safely, authentically, and free from discrimination regardless of their gender identity or expression. Transgender Law Center (TLC) is the largest national trans-led organization advocating for a world in which all people are free to define themselves and their futures. Grounded in legal expertise and committed to racial justice, TLC employs a variety of community-driven strategies to keep transgender and gender-nonconforming people alive, thriving, and fighting for liberation.
Collect line for people in prison and detention: (510) 380-8229
Victory Fund
LGBTQ Victory Fund works to change the face and voice of America’s politics and achieve equality for LGBTQ Americans by increasing the number of openly LGBTQ officials at all levels of government.