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Below is a listing of some of the most well-known, U.S.-based organizations.

create accordion-style or jump-to links for each section. 

Political

Equality Federation

The Equality Federation is an advocacy accelerator that focuses on social justice by building power in its network of state-based LGBTQ+ advocacy organizations. Working collaboratively, they address critical non-partisan issues such as advancing workplace fairness, family recognition, defeating anti-transgender bills, and HIV criminalization laws that affect the LGBTQ+ community's experiences from birth to death.

Human Rights Campaign (HRC)

The Human Rights Campaign is committed to achieving fundamental fairness and equality for all LGBTQ+ individuals. Their vision is a world where every member of the LGBTQ+ family is free to live their truth without fear and is treated equally under the law. With a membership of 3 million, they empower their members and supporters to mobilize against attacks on the most marginalized members of the community, and inspire and engage individuals and communities to end discrimination against LGBTQ+ people. HRC envisions a world where all members of the community, including those who use different language to describe their identity, are embraced as full members of society at home, at work, and in every community.

National LGBTQ Task Force

The National LGBTQ Task Force is dedicated to advancing full freedom, justice, equality, and equity for LGBTQ people, and building a future where everyone can be free to be their entire selves in every aspect of their lives. Despite progress, millions of LGBTQ people still face discrimination in areas such as housing, employment, healthcare, retirement, and basic human rights. The Task Force is training and mobilizing millions of activists to eliminate these barriers and support reproductive health, rights, and justice movements. The organization is also working to ensure accurate representation of marginalized communities in the Census and advocating for non-discrimination protections at the state and federal level. Additionally, the Institute for Welcoming Resources, a program of the Task Force, provides resources to facilitate a paradigm shift in multiple denominations, creating truly welcoming and affirming church homes for all congregants regardless of sexual orientation and gender identity.

Victory Fund

The LGBTQ Victory Fund is a national organization that works to elect to public office pro-choice, pro-equality candidates who are openly LGBTQ. The organization reviews applications from across the country and only endorses and supports candidates they know can win. They provide campaign, fundraising, and communications support to increase the number of openly LGBTQ elected officials, recognizing that representation is power. LGBTQ elected officials humanize LGBTQ lives, impact policy and legislative debates, and influence their colleagues to vote in favor of equality, making them the best defense against anti-LGBTQ efforts at all levels of government, and putting them in the best position to advance equality for the community.

Legal

American Civil Liberties Union (ACLU)

The American Civil Liberties Union (ACLU) has a long history of defending the LGBTQ community, and now brings more LGBTQ rights cases and advocacy initiatives than any other national organization. The Jon L. Stryker and Slobodan Randjelović LGBTQ & HIV Project was founded by the ACLU in 1986 and renamed in 2021. With a record of making progress in the courts and the court of public opinion, the ACLU's current priorities include ending discrimination, harassment, and violence against transgender people, closing gaps in civil rights laws, preventing discrimination protections from being undermined, and protecting LGBTQ people in and from the criminal legal system. The organization has been counsel in seven of the nine LGBTQ rights cases decided by the U.S. Supreme Court, the most of any organization.

Lambda Legal

 Lambda Legal, founded in 1973, is the oldest and largest national legal organization dedicated to achieving full recognition of civil rights for 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, Lambda Legal does not charge clients for legal representation or advocacy and receives no government funding, relying on contributions from supporters nationwide. The organization selects cases that will have the greatest impact in protecting and advancing the rights of LGBTQ+ people and those living with HIV, leads public education campaigns, and advocates for public policy at the local, state, and federal levels to improve the lives of LGBTQ+ people, those affected by HIV, and their families and allies.

National Center for Lesbian Rights

The National Center for Lesbian Rights (NCLR) is a non-profit legal organization founded by women that is committed to advancing the civil and human rights of the LGBTQ community and their families. NCLR achieves its mission through litigation, legislation, policy, and public education. As a public interest law firm, NCLR provides free legal assistance to LGBTQ individuals and advocates, litigates precedent-setting cases, and advocates for equitable public policies that affect the LGBTQ community. NCLR's legal victories have set important precedents that improve the lives of LGBTQ people and their families, while their community and public education work broadens public support for LGBTQ equality. The organization's commitment to racial and economic justice and the most vulnerable members of the community sets them apart as a leading voice for LGBTQ rights.

The National LGBTQ+ Bar Association

The National LGBTQ+ Bar Association is a national organization that includes lawyers, judges, law students, activists, and affiliated legal organizations who promote justice in and through the legal profession for the LGBTQ+ community. Founded over thirty years ago by a small group of family law practitioners at the height of the HIV/AIDS crisis, the LGBTQ+ Bar was officially established in 1989 with a nonprofit board of directors and a campaign to add sexual orientation protections to the Model Code of Judicial Conduct for Judges. The organization now works closely with the American Bar Association and its committees to advocate for LGBTQ+ rights in the legal profession and beyond. The annual Lavender Law® Conference was introduced in 1988, and the organization has since grown to represent the diverse community of LGBTQ+ legal professionals. 

Youth

The Attic Youth Center (Philadelphia, PA)

The Attic Youth Center is dedicated to providing a safe and supportive community for Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Transgender, Queer, and Questioning (LGBTQ) youth to help them develop into healthy, independent, civic-minded adults. The Attic offers a range of programs and services to empower and support youth as they transition into adulthood and to help them find their voice. The center strives to positively impact all aspects of youth’s lives and promote acceptance of LGBTQ youth in society.

Campus Pride Index

Since 2007, the Campus Pride Index has been the leading benchmarking tool for colleges and universities to create more inclusive and safer campus communities for LGBTQ individuals. This free online tool allows prospective students, families, and anyone interested in higher education to search a database of LGBTQ-friendly campuses. The Campus Pride Index sets high standards for LGBTQ-inclusive policies, programs, and practices, and is owned and operated by Campus Pride, a national nonprofit organization for student leaders and campus groups working to create LGBTQ-friendly learning environments.

Consortium of Higher Education LGBT Resource Professionals

The Consortium of Higher Education LGBT Resource Professionals is a member-based organization that supports individuals who work on college and university campuses to educate and advocate for LGBTQ individuals. The organization works towards the liberation of LGBTQ individuals in higher education and supports inclusive policies and practices through an intersectional and racial justice framework. The Consortium holds an annual meeting at the National Gay & Lesbian Task Force's Creating Change Conference and hosts gatherings at other conferences. The organization encourages staff, faculty, and graduate students working with LGBTQ issues to become members and gain access to members-only web resources, mentoring and internship programs, and a community of over 300 people on their Listserv.

Gay, Lesbian & Straight Education Network (GLSEN)

GLSEN is a national network of educators, students, and local chapters dedicated to ensuring every student has access to a safe, supportive, and LGBTQ-inclusive K-12 education. The organization's programs empower students and educators to lead initiatives for change, including national Days of Action and resources for forming and sustaining clubs and GSAs. GLSEN partners with supportive educators by providing lesson plans, professional development, trainings, and more. With 20 years of expertise, the GLSEN Research Institute offers guidance on how to support LGBTQ youth in schools and extracurricular activities. Additionally, GLSEN advocates for laws and policies that improve the lives of LGBTQ students and engages local school stakeholders as partners in this work. 

Gender and Sexuality Action Committee (part of the American Medical Student Association)

The Gender and Sexuality Action Committee is an AMSA subcommittee that works to combat sexism and heterosexism and promote equality within medical education and healthcare. The committee advocates for patients by improving curricula, increasing physician education, conducting research, and providing health-related resources. They also support physicians-in-training by offering leadership development opportunities and advocating for their rights.

GSA Network

The Gender and Sexualities Alliance (GSA) Network is an LGBTQ+ 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. Founded in San Francisco in 1998, GSA Network connects LGBTQ+ youth and school-based GSA clubs through peer support, leadership development, and community organizing and advocacy. They support youth in starting, strengthening, and sustaining GSA clubs to create school communities where all students can be safe from discrimination, harassment, and violence based on their sexual orientation or gender identity. GSA organizing rapidly expanded into a national youth organizing movement that now works at the intersection of racial and gender justice. They work with a network of 40 statewide organizations representing more than 4,000 GSA clubs across the country.

International Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Transgender, and Queer Youth and Student Organization (IGLYO)

IGLYO is the largest LGBTQI youth and student network in the world, with over 100 member organizations in more than 40 countries across the Council of Europe Region. The organization's mission is to strengthen LGBTQI youth rights, promote equality and inclusion, and empower their voices. IGLYO is committed to representing the diverse needs of LGBTQI youth and advocating for their bright futures.

It Gets Better Project

The It Gets Better Project is a global non-profit organization with a mission to uplift, empower, and connect lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, and queer (LGBTQ+) youth worldwide. The project started as a social media campaign in 2010 with over 70,000 people sharing their stories of hope and encouragement for young LGBTQ+ people. Today, the It Gets Better Project reaches millions of young people annually through inspiring media programming, educational resources, and community-based service providers in 19 countries worldwide.

LGBTQ Student Resources and Support

This online guide offers a wealth of resources and information to support LGBTQ students, as well as their allies, in navigating both high school and college environments. The guide includes a list of well-known LGBTQ advocacy organizations geared toward youth advocacy and support, and a listing of college scholarship funds dedicated to supporting LGBTQ students.

Point Foundation - The LGBTQ Scholarship Fund

Point Foundation is the largest scholarship-granting nonprofit for LGBTQ students. The Point Flagship Scholarship provides financial support and access to multiple leadership development programs, mentorship or coaching, and a community of scholars and alumni. The scholarship supports LGBTQ students pursuing undergraduate, graduate, and doctoral degrees at accredited institutions in the United States.

Reaching Out (for the MBA community)

Reaching Out MBA is the largest and most well-known organization dedicated to supporting the LGBTQ+ MBA Community. Their mission is to educate, inspire and connect MBA students and alumni to increase the influence of the LGBTQ+ community in business.

The Trevor Project

The Trevor Project has a clear mission: to end suicide among LGBTQ young people. They accomplish this goal through a variety of programs, including crisis services such as suicide prevention and crisis intervention via phone, text, and chat; peer support through the world's largest safe-space social networking community; research to improve their services and field; public education around LGBTQ youth and allies; and advocacy for policies and laws that protect LGBTQ youth.

Transgender

National Center for Transgender Equality 

The National Center for Transgender Equality (NCTE) is an organization founded in 2003 by transgender activists, working at the local, state, and federal levels to advocate for policy change and increase understanding and acceptance of transgender people. NCTE's Racial and Economic Justice Initiative ensures the perspectives and priorities of transgender people of color and those living in poverty are part of the national policy and advocacy agenda. They also help ensure every transgender person can navigate the complicated name and gender change process and address legal issues they may face through the Trans Legal Services Network. Voices for Transgender Equality (VTE) and Families for Transgender Equality (FTE) are two networks that empower transgender people, allies, and families with trans youth to advocate for transgender rights and improve trans people's lives.

Sylvia Rivera Law Project

 The Sylvia Rivera Law Project (SRLP) is a collective organization committed to ensuring that people can self-determine their gender identity and expression without facing discrimination or violence. Founded on the belief that gender self-determination is linked with racial, social, and economic justice, SRLP works to increase the visibility and political voice of transgender, intersex, and gender non-conforming people of color and low-income individuals. The organization strives to improve access to respectful and affirming social, health, and legal services for these communities, recognizing that basic means of survival and safety from violence are necessary for meaningful political participation and leadership.

Transgender Law Center

Transgender Law Center (TLC) is the largest trans-led organization in the United States, dedicated to advocating for a world where all people can live safely and free from discrimination, regardless of their gender identity or expression. With a focus on racial justice, TLC employs legal expertise and community-driven strategies to ensure transgender and gender nonconforming people can thrive and fight for liberation. Through advocacy, litigation victories, organizing, and movement-building programs, TLC protects and advances the rights of trans and gender nonconforming individuals across the country, empowering thousands of community members and building towards a long-term, trans-led movement for liberation.

Transgender Legal Defense & Education Fund

Transgender Legal Defense & Education Fund is a nonprofit organization that is committed to achieving equality for transgender people by ending discrimination based on gender identity and expression. Founded in 2003, the organization uses public education, test-case litigation, direct legal services, and public policy efforts to achieve its mission. Transgender Legal Defense & Education Fund's strategies include trans rights cases and "friend of the court" briefs on key issues such as employment, healthcare, education, and public accommodations. The organization also provides public education on transgender rights and operates a Name Change Project, which provides pro bono legal name change services to community members through partnerships with law firms and corporate law departments.

Bisexual

American Institute of Bisexuality (AIB)

The American Institute of Bisexuality, founded by Dr. Fritz Klein in 1998, is a nonprofit organization that encourages, supports, and funds research and education about bisexuality. Its goals include educating the general public and professional organizations about the needs and concerns of bi people, promoting and funding research on bisexuality, and organizing public events that increase understanding about bisexuality.

Bi.org

Bi.org was created in 1996 with the simple goal of letting bisexual individuals know that they are not alone. As a result, bi.org has grown into a huge global community providing scientifically-sound information about bisexuality. Today, the site is a valuable resource for anyone seeking to better understand (bi)sexuality or themselves, a loved one, or simply to learn. Bi.org is a project of the Bi Foundation, also known as The American Institute of Bisexuality (AIB), which supports and sponsors projects aimed at promoting bi visibility and understanding through education, research, training, and outreach.

Bisexual Resource Center (BRC)

The Bisexual Resource Center aims to support and celebrate the bi+ community by connecting its members and providing resources for them to thrive. Their vision is to create an inclusive global community where bi+ individuals are empowered and visible.

Journal of Bisexuality

The Journal of Bisexuality, sponsored by the American Institute of Bisexuality (AIB), is a professional quarterly publication that features both professional articles and essays on bisexuality and its significance for individuals, communities, and society. The journal offers peer-reviewed articles from interdisciplinary perspectives on various topics related to bisexuality such as new research, issues in therapy, differences from other communities, the growth of the bisexual movement, media representation, history, and diverse lifestyles. It is an excellent resource for both academic and public libraries seeking to provide their patrons with up-to-date research on bisexuality.

Military

American Veterans for Equal Rights

American Veterans for Equal Rights (AVER) is a non-profit, non-partisan organization of active, reserve, and veteran service members who are dedicated to equal rights and fair treatment for all present and former members of the U.S. Armed Forces, particularly the Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, and Transgender (LGBT) current and former military personnel. AVER is the oldest and largest chapter-based, all-volunteer national LGBT Veterans Service Organization in the United States, and the only LGBT VSO recognized by the Veterans Administration. AVER works to ensure equality for LGBT service members and veterans in all aspects of the armed forces, including recruitment, training, promotions, honors, and benefits. The organization is dedicated to fighting for the inclusion of LGB service members as a protected class in the Military Equal Opportunity (MEO) Program and working for full equality and open service for transgender Americans. Additionally, AVER is focused on ensuring that LGBT veterans receive the full benefits and respect to which they are entitled as just compensation for their honorable service to our country.

Modern Military Association of America

The Modern Military Association of America, formed through the merger of the American Military Partner Association and OutServe-SLDN, is the largest non-profit organization in the US committed to advancing fairness and equality for the LGBTQ+ military and veteran community. With a focus on education, advocacy, and support, the organization aims to make a positive impact on the lives of LGBTQ+ servicemembers, military spouses, veterans, family members, survivors, and caregivers.

Aging

Services and Advocacy for Gay, Lesbian, Bisexual & Transgender Elders (SAGE)

SAGE, the country's largest and oldest organization for LGBTQ+ older adults, has been advocating for their needs and providing supportive services since 1978. With an estimated 7 million LGBTQ+ seniors in the US by 2030, SAGE aims to ensure that this population is supported through training, technical assistance, and educational resources. They offer a National Resource Center on LGBTQ+ Aging, which provides information on nearly a thousand relevant topics through publications, fact sheets, and guides. SAGE's ultimate goal is to build welcoming communities and keep LGBTQ+ elders' issues in the national conversation to ensure a fulfilling future for all.

General

Anti-Violence Project

The Anti-Violence Project (AVP) is the largest anti-LGBTQ violence organization in the United States. Established in 1980 in response to a series of brutal attacks against gay men, AVP works to empower the LGBTQ and HIV-affected communities and their allies to end all forms of violence through organizing, education, counseling, and advocacy. In addition to providing free, confidential counseling to LGBTQ survivors of violence, AVP coordinates the National Coalition of Anti-Violence Programs, offers community-based direct service and outreach programs, and provides free legal services and economic empowerment programs for survivors. AVP envisions a world in which all LGBTQ and HIV-affected people are safe, respected, and free from violence.

Bienestar

Bienestar is a community-based social services organization in Greater Los Angeles that focuses on identifying and addressing emerging health issues faced by Latinx and LGBTQ+ populations. They use innovative and culturally relevant peer-to-peer modeling to reach these unique populations, building trust and fostering a sense of community. Their education and support programs include HIV/AIDS prevention, STI testing and treatment, mental health services, substance use, and harm reduction, all of which are offered to the community for free. Bienestar operates community centers across Los Angeles County and also provides free HIV testing at nightclubs, presentations at local colleges, and shares resources at health fairs and events.

CenterLink

CenterLink is an international non-profit organization that supports and connects LGBTQ community centers and organizations worldwide. With over 325 member centers in 48 states, Puerto Rico, Canada, China, and Australia, CenterLink assists both newly-forming and established community centers by providing networking opportunities, peer-based technical assistance and training, and a variety of capacity building services. The organization believes that these centers are primary change agents in the international movement towards the liberation and empowerment of LGBTQ people. CenterLink plays a vital role in addressing the challenges these community centers and organizations face by helping to improve their organizational and service delivery capacity, access public resources, and engage their regional communities in grassroots social justice movements. CenterLink's mission is to strengthen, support, and connect these centers to better serve the social, cultural, health, and political advocacy needs of the LGBTQ community.

Colage

COLAGE, founded in 1990, supports and empowers individuals with one or more LGBTQIA+ parents through a network of peers. Initially created as Children of Lesbians and Gays Everywhere, the organization expanded its mission to work with children of bisexual and transgender parents in 1996. COLAGE's work includes an anti-racist, social justice platform and programming that supports LGBTQ+ families during marriage equality fights. As the only national organization dedicated to youth in LGBTQ+ families, COLAGE looks forward to continuing its work as a hub of community and activism.

Gay Men's Health Crisis (GMHC) (New York City, NY)

Gay Men's Health Crisis (GMHC) was founded in 1981 to address the HIV/AIDS epidemic that was affecting the gay community. Today, GMHC is the world's first HIV/AIDS service organization and serves New Yorkers throughout the five boroughs, with a focus on communities that are disproportionately affected by both the HIV and COVID-19 pandemics. GMHC provides a range of services, including HIV and STI testing, food and nutrition programs, housing support, workforce development, legal assistance, advocacy for benefits and health insurance, mental health and emotional support, substance use counseling, and more. All of GMHC's programs are driven by its clients and aim to address the social determinants of health that continue to fuel HIV infection rates and prevent people from accessing care and treatment. GMHC also advocates for fair and effective HIV/AIDS policies at the local, state, and federal levels, and believes that ending AIDS at epidemic levels requires addressing the underlying causes of new HIV infections, shifting cultural beliefs, and promoting healthy behaviors.

Gay and Lesbian International Sports Association (GLISA)

The Gay and Lesbian International Sports Association (GLISA) is a global organization of LGBT sports and human rights groups. Its members include international sporting federations, human rights organizations, continental associations, host cities of GLISA’s World OutGames, and other organizations that support the mandate of GLISA. GLISA works to grow LGBT sports by facilitating partnerships for the successful delivery of World and Continental OutGames, sharing expertise and best practices with member organizations, and building bridges with a broad range of organizations to further their activities and visibility while celebrating their culture through sports. GLISA is democratically governed and modeled after existing multi-sport organizations.

GLAAD (formerly Gay and Lesbian Alliance Against Defamation)

GLAAD is the world's largest LGBTQ media advocacy organization, dedicated to ensuring fair, accurate, and inclusive representation of LGBTQ people in media. Founded in 1985 to combat discrimination and misinformation during the AIDS crisis, GLAAD now focuses on increasing media accountability and community engagement to create a world of 100% LGBTQ acceptance. Through its work, GLAAD shapes cultural narratives, inspires positive representation, and holds social media platforms accountable for spreading misinformation.

Matthew Shepard Foundation

The Matthew Shepard Foundation was created by Judy and Dennis Shepard in honor of their son, Matthew, who was brutally attacked and left to die in 1998 because of his sexuality. The Foundation's mission is to inspire people to embrace equality and dignity for all through local, regional, and national outreach. They empower individuals and communities to challenge hate and create change. The Foundation has helped pioneer the country's first federal hate crimes legislation, provided hate crimes training to law enforcement officers and prosecutors, created dialogue about hate and acceptance, and built a collection of resources to support works inspired by Matt's story. Their hope is to close their doors one day, but they will continue working tirelessly until safety, visibility, and inclusiveness are achieved for the entire LGBTQ+ community.

Movement Advancement Project (MAP)

The Movement Advancement Project (MAP) is an independent, nonprofit think tank that aims to speed equality and opportunity for all. MAP works to create a thriving, inclusive, and equitable America where all people have a fair chance to pursue health and happiness, earn a living, take care of the ones they love, be safe in their communities, and participate in civic life. To transform America, MAP believes that it's necessary to change hearts and minds, and that we're stronger when we work together. MAP conducts groundbreaking research to deeply understand their audiences and then develops transformative messages and communications based on that understanding, frames problems and policy solutions for maximum impact, and engages hundreds of organizations to work together for change. MAP's resources are persuasive, easy to understand, and actionable, which empowers their partner organizations and advocates with the tools they need.

Out & Equal

Out & Equal is a global nonprofit organization focused on LGBTQ+ workplace equality. They partner with organizations and government agencies to provide comprehensive D&I training, executive leadership development, and professional networking opportunities. Out & Equal's goal is to transform workplaces and create cultures of belonging for all, by working with executives, HR and D&I professionals, and LGBTQ+ employee resource group leaders. They believe in creating spaces that celebrate and foster growth for every employee, where leadership is diverse, and everyone can thrive.

Parents, Families and Friends of Lesbians and Gays (PFLAG)

PFLAG is the nation's largest and first organization working to support, educate, and advocate for LGBTQ+ individuals and their families. Founded in 1973, PFLAG continues to be fueled by a powerful network of LGBTQ+ people and their loved ones, who are helping to create a caring, just, and affirming world for LGBTQ+ people. With hundreds of chapters and over 325,000 members and supporters, PFLAG is dedicated to creating a world where every LGBTQ+ person is safe, celebrated, empowered, and loved.

Straight for Equality

Straight for Equality, a national outreach and education program created by PFLAG National in 2007, provides interactive and engaging learning sessions, resources, programs, and more for allies committed to creating diverse, equitable, inclusive, and accessible workplaces and communities. They offer easy to navigate Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI) workplace training and educational materials to individuals and teams committed to creating safe and inspiring workplaces for the LGBTQ+ community. Straight for Equality empowers new allies who don’t necessarily have a family connection to the LGBTQ+ community, and provides information and resources that help allies understand their role in supporting and advocating for LGBTQ+ people. The program aims to help allies move from just feeling supportive to actively being supportive, and encourages everyday changes and conversations that raise awareness and challenge assumptions and stereotypes about LGBTQ+ people.

The Williams Institute

The Williams Institute, founded in 2001, is a leading research center dedicated to rigorous, independent research on sexual orientation and gender identity law and public policy. Their interdisciplinary research, disseminated to policymakers, judges, and the media, ensures that decisions impacting the lives of millions of LGBT people and families are based on data and facts. Over the past two decades, Williams Institute scholars have consulted with government agencies, provided testimony to Congress, and had their research cited in landmark cases like Obergefell v. Hodges. With an annual budget of over $4.5 million and a staff of 25 with expertise in various fields, the Williams Institute is committed to ensuring that facts, rather than stereotypes, inform laws, policies, and judicial decisions affecting the LGBT community.