It is essential to support the LGBTQ+ community and small charities at all times of the year. However, Pride Month was a significant turning point in not only LGBTQ+ rights, but human rights as a whole. Many non-profit organisations may hold fundraising events, both virtual and in person. And Givey provides a wide range of fundraising pages for different charities to donate to! It has never been easier to support those in need, so why not aid the LGBTQ+ community during Pride Month?
What is Pride Month?
To explain what Pride Month is, first we must explore its origins and why it’s an essential part of human history.
Pride Month is a commemoration of the 1969 Stonewall uprising, an event instigated by members of the LGBTQ+ community, due to their frustration with police brutality aimed towards safe spaces such as gay bars. One example being the Stonewall Inn. Five days of violent confrontations between police and the community waxed and waned, some notable names fighting for justice being Marsha P. Johnson and Sylvia Rivera.
This rebellion spurred the founding of several gay rights organisations such as GLAAD (formerly known as the Gay & Lesbian Alliance Against Defamation), the Human Rights Campaign, and Queer Nation. It is an incredibly significant part of LGBTQ+ history and why Pride is such an important event, as it allows the community to celebrate their identities. Plus, how far LGBTQ+ rights have come, even if there is still progress to be made.
Current LGBTQ+ Hardships
We have come a long way in terms of advocacy and considering the LGBTQ+ community when enforcing new policies.. Unfortunately, this acceptance is not something that has been normalised in every community, or household. Individuals trapped in these situations typically struggle to find help and people to support them in their identity. Homelessness amongst the LGBTQ+ community is reported to be high. As attested by Homeless Link, 24% of the youth homeless population in the UK identifies as a member of the LGBTQ+ community.
LGBTQ Youth SOS
A small charity with goals of protecting LGBTQ+ individuals, LGBTQ Youth SOS supports the community in a range of areas:
- HIV prevention.
- HIV education.
- Education on the risk of alcohol and drug misuse.
- Suicide prevention.
- Prevention of exploitation of LGBTQ+ use.
- LGBTQ+ homeless awareness.
- Support for anti-homophobic laws.
Having created a free fundraising page on Givey, LGBTQ Youth SOS makes it easy to support!
LGBT Foundation
This team strives to empower those within the LGBTQ+ community. The LGBT Foundation create safe spaces and give advice, as well as ongoing support on several topics. These subjects include, but are not limited to talking therapies, sexual health, and community safety.
Holding activities such as community cafés, this non-profit’s main mission is to bring people together. They want to help everyone find their place under their amazing rainbow umbrella.
You can contribute to their mission by making a free donation via their website. Or, you could apply for volunteer opportunities available, or take part in their ‘Stream For Good’ fundraising strategy.
Galop
The goal of this organisation is to support LGBTQ+ people who are victims of the following:
- So called conversion therapies.
- Domestic abuse.
- Sexual violence.
- Hate crime.
- Honour-based abuse.
- Forced marriage.
- Other forms of abuse.
Galop provides several services to help victims, one example being a helpline. Open to any LGBTQ+ member, their loved ones, or a professional connected to said member who may be concerned for their safety.
Other services include a chatbot available right on the front page of their site to offer access to resources and information. If one were looking for a less urgent option of communication, Galop also has a referral form to be filled out. Once sent, their team will be in touch as soon as possible.
Mind Out
Led by members of the LGBTQ+ community, Mind Out is a small charity with a big heart! They provide mental health support to queer individuals, or their partners over the age of eighteen. Although they do have various resources, accessible on their official website, for those under the age of eighteen.
This group commits to ensuring the mental safety of those in the LGBTQ+ community, offering peer groups and online support. There are many small charities who aim to destigmatise mental health generally, but to have a safe space where LGBTQ+ individuals can speak freely of their struggles is especially important. Considering the amount of stress placed upon them on a daily basis, whether by the people surrounding them or the government themselves, mental health issues are reportedly common among LGBTQ+ youth.
Pride Month is a time of celebration, of remembrance, and of learning. Supporting the community this June is especially meaningful, so take the time this month to educate yourself on LGBTQ+ history. The community appreciates your allyship and support!
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