Charities you can support during LGBT History Month
February may not be the most glamourous of months – that prize probably goes to July or December – but it is a very important one for many people around the world.
February is LGBT History Month, which is all about remembering and celebrating those who have played an integral part in bringing awareness and rights to the queer community, such as writer James Baldwin and performer Marsha P. Johnson. It also focuses on the current issues faced by LGBTQ+ individuals and how they can be combatted to create a brighter future for everyone, regardless of sexual orientation or gender identity.
The theme of this year’s LGBT History Month is ‘The Arc is Long’, which is inspired by the Martin Luther King quote: “The arc of the moral universe is long, but it bends towards justice.” This theme provides us all with the opportunity to explore the idea of social justice and changing attitudes towards LGBTQ+ people.
With that in mind, we have compiled a list of just some of the many brilliant charities that support the LGBTQ+ community that you can donate to via Toucan this month.
Stonewall
Stonewall is a charity that stands for lesbian, gay, bi, trans, queer, questioning and LGBTQ+ people everywhere, and strives to forge a world in which all people are free to be themselves and can live their lives to the full.
For over 30 years Stonewall has helped create transformative change in the lives of LGBTQ+ people across UK though its campaigning and programmes. By driving a positive shift in the public attitude and policies of the LGBTQ+ community, the charity is helping to bring freedom and equity for all.
Learn more at www.stonewall.org.uk
LGBT Foundation
LGBT Foundation is a national charity delivering advice, support and information services to lesbian, gay, bisexual and trans communities in the UK. As an organisation, it believes in a fair and equal society where all people can achieve their full potential.
The charity has three core strategic goals that all of its work is centred around: achieving equality, encouraging wellbeing and promoting safety. These principles are at the heart of the 500 hours of lifesaving support and services LGBT Foundation provides every day.
Learn more at lgbt.foundation
MindOut
MindOut is a mental health service run by and for lesbians, gay, bisexual, trans, and queer people. Based in Brighton, it works to improve the mental health and wellbeing of all LGBTQ+ communities and make mental health a community concern.
MindOut’s services are also available to those who may not identify under the LGBTQ+ umbrella, including straight people who have relationships with LGBTQ people and those who previously identified as LGBTQ+ and are questioning their sexual or gender identities.
Learn more at mindout.org.uk
METRO
METRO’s vision is for a world where diversity is celebrated, difference respected and valued, and where optimum health and wellbeing for all is a collective goal. As a charity, it promotes health and wellbeing through transformative services to anyone experiencing issues relating to sexuality, gender, equality, diversity and identity.
Established in 1984 in response to the development of the Greater London Council's Lesbian & Gay Charter, METRO has been influencing decision key makers and creating a positive change for the LGBTQ+ community for nearly 40 years.
Learn more at metrocharity.org.uk
Akt
Akt is a charity that supports LGBTQ+ young people aged 16-25 in the UK who are either facing or experiencing homelessness or living in a hostile environment.
Coming out, or being outed as LGBTQ+, can lead to many young people being made homeless; 24% of homeless youth in the UK identify as LGBTQ+. Akt provides a variety of services to help those in the community that are suffering homelessness. These services include access to advice from housing specialists, connections to mentors, accommodation and skill training.
Learn more at www.akt.org.uk
Mermaids
Since 1995, Mermaids has been dedicated to helping non-binary, transgender and gender-diverse young people and their families. The charity believes gender-diverse children and teens need support and understanding, as well as the freedom to explore their gender identity.
The support Mermaids provides helps to reduce the isolation that can be felt by non-binary and transgender young people. Additionally, it helps young people to cope better with mental and emotional distress, and equips their parents with what they need to offer individual support.
Learn more at mermaidsuk.org.uk
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