🟥LGBTQ+ Rights & Gender Equality
A ranked guide to groups supporting LGBTQ+ rights and gender-inclusive policies.
These organizations play a crucial role in advancing the rights and well-being of LGBTQ+ individuals across various aspects of life. Their websites provide a wealth of advocacy tools, resources, and information for activists looking to get involved and make a difference.
A leading national organization advocating for LGBTQ+ rights and equality, HRC engages in political action and mobilizes supporters through extensive volunteer programs and campaigns for activism. Also see HRC Seattle. 🌲
This organization focuses on promoting LGBTQ+ representation in media and public awareness, influencing societal perceptions and policies while engaging supporters through social media campaigns and partnerships.
Dedicated to crisis intervention and suicide prevention for LGBTQ+ youth, The Trevor Project makes a direct impact on mental health. It offers opportunities for volunteers to support their helpline and outreach initiatives.
Lambda Legal engages in legal advocacy and litigation for LGBTQ+ rights, setting important precedents in the court system while providing internships and volunteer opportunities for legal professionals and advocates.
National Center for Transgender Equality (NCTE)
The nation’s most influential transgender-specific policy organization. NCTE advances legal protections, health care access, and administrative reforms for trans people.
National Center for Lesbian Rights (NCLR)
NCLR advocates for the rights of lesbians, gay men, and their families, focusing on legal advocacy, education, and public policy while encouraging activism through various community programs and initiatives.
This global organization works to advocate for LGBTQ+ rights and support marginalized communities facing persecution, encouraging activism through global campaigns and awareness initiatives.
A leading legal and policy organization grounded in racial and economic justice. TLC supports grassroots organizing, community defense, and leadership development for trans communities.
The largest organization for LGBTQ+ people, their families, and allies. Find multiple chapters in Washington. 🌲
Transgender Legal Defense & Education Fund (TLDEF)
Focuses on legal advocacy, name-change support, and public education to combat discrimination against transgender people.
Top Issues
Transgender Rights & Health Care Access: Fighting back against bans on gender-affirming care and ensuring legal recognition, protection, and support for trans people.
Anti-Discrimination Laws: Strengthening and enforcing civil rights protections in housing, jobs, education, health care, and public spaces.
Youth Safety & Mental Health: Preventing suicide and bullying among LGBTQ+ youth, with support systems in schools, homes, and communities.
Reproductive Freedom & Bodily Autonomy: Defending access to reproductive care—including for trans, nonbinary, and intersex people—alongside gender justice.
LGBTQ+ Representation in Government & Policy: Supporting openly LGBTQ+ candidates and ensuring fair laws and representation at every level of government.
Freedom of Expression & Inclusive Education: Opposing censorship in schools and libraries and defending inclusive sex ed, history, and gender identity curriculum.
Marriage & Family Equality: Defending same-sex marriage, parental rights, adoption access, and family-building options.
Global LGBTQ+ Rights: Supporting asylum seekers, refugees, and LGBTQ+ activists in countries with discriminatory or violent regimes.
Anti-Violence & Hate Crime Prevention: Preventing hate crimes, increasing accountability, and improving support systems for survivors.
Intersectional Justice: Centering racial, economic, disability, and immigrant justice in LGBTQ+ advocacy—especially for those most at risk.
I am planning to host Inclusion Events in the coming year. We will mark:
International Day Against Homophobia, Biphobia, and Transphobia (May 17)
A global event raising awareness about violence and discrimination faced by LGBTQ+ people.
Transgender Day of Visibility (March 31)
Celebrates and recognizes the achievements and contributions of transgender people worldwide.
International Asexuality Day (April 6)
Highlights asexual identities and issues, promoting asexual visibility across countries.
Day of Silence (April, varies)
A student-led event where participants remain silent to protest the silencing of LGBTQ+ people due to bullying and harassment.
Lesbian Visibility Day (April 26)
Celebrates lesbian identity and raises awareness about challenges and achievements in lesbian communities globally.
Transgender Day of Remembrance (November 20)
Memorializes victims of transphobic violence and raises awareness about the continued risks faced by transgender individuals.
International Pronouns Day (third Wednesday in October)
Promotes respectful sharing and use of personal pronouns to foster inclusivity and address misgendering.
Intersex Awareness Day (October 26)
Raises public awareness of intersex people and the issues they face internationally.
Bisexual Awareness Week (September 16–22)
Highlights bisexual visibility, challenges, and cultural contributions.
Aromantic Spectrum Awareness Week (February, post-Valentine's)