How You Can Support

Straight Allies
Contrary to the opinions of many, straight allies are very prominent in the LGBTQ+ community. Allies are people who do not identify with any LGBT identities, but fully support everyone in the community and contribute by spreading acceptance and awareness.

Combating homophobia is the most important role of allies. They help educate people on the acceptance of LGBTQ+ individuals and to stop homophobic actions of others. Other ways to help are:

• using neutral terms when referring to a "significant other"
• avoiding the assumption of a person's identity
• stepping in when an LGBTQ+ individual is being attacked
• interrupting any homophobic jokes or comments
• joining/creating a GSA at your school or workplace
• promoting LGBTQ+ acceptance through pins, t-shirts, etc.
• respecting the identities of others at all times

Gay-Straight Alliances

A gay-straight alliance, or GSA, is a club most common in middle and high schools that supports the LGBTQ+ community and provides a safe place to talk to other LGBT people in your community provide a platform for debate on issues with equality and rights for LGBTQ individuals. GSAs often strive to build leadership skills through community service and other activities. Some clubs have changed their name to include identities beyond binary terminology such as Genders and Sexualities Alliance, Queer Students Alliance, Pride Club, etc.

Community Events

A great way to introduce yourself to the LGBTQ+ community is through community events. These are a great way to meet new people who identify similarly to you, spread awareness, and have fun!

One very popular event is a pride parade. A pride parade is a fun and colorful way to how your identity pride and spread awareness to others. Many people participate in these parades and they are often an eye-opening and joyful experience.

Pride days provide a spotlight on each specific identity in order to educate others on the diversity of each unique part of the LGBTQ+ community. The dates for each pride day vary, but can be found on many LGBT organization websites.

Group meetings and discussion are often held for the LGBTQ+ community, and cover many topics, from battling homophobia to support groups and workshops. These meetings are organized by local clubs and organizations and can be found online or on local event calendars.

Donations
Perhaps the most simple way to show your support for the community is to donate to an organization that supports LGBTQ+. Although there are hundreds to choose from, we've listed a few prominent ones here:

• GSA Network: Helps kids to start a GSA in their school and train student leaders
• Human Rights Campaign: fighting for equality for LGBT individuals in the community
• LGBT Asylum Task Force: Helping LGBT refugees from homophobic countries settle in the United States
• National Center for Lesbian Rights: law firm representing all LGBT individuals free of charge in any legal issues regarding LGBTQ rights
• SAGE: offering support and advocacy for LGBT seniors
• Sylvia Rivera Law Project: providing free legal representation for trans and gender nonconforming individuals of any minority
• Trans Lifeline: 24 hour suicide lifeline for trans and gender nonconforming individuals
• Trans United Fund First transgender political advocacy organization in the United States
• Trans Women of Color Collective: trains trans women of color in leadership and arts/wellness while battling against the high levels of violence against transgender women of color
• The Trevor Project: Crisis intervention and suicide prevention services for LGBTQ youth