Happy 50th Pride: Here's how to give back to the LGBTQ+ community this month
Every year, I get excited to take part in NYC Pride celebrations. Not just because it’s an opportunity to have fun with my friends, but because it’s a chance to celebrate the forward movement of the LGBTQ+ community and show my commitment to their equality.
This year, though, I’ve thought a lot more about it and set intentions for how I want to take part. It’s easy to go out to a parade and knock back some margarita’s with friends, but how are we really taking steps to move society forward to make our country (and the world) a more positive place the community?
This year, rather than focus on how to celebrate and where to go, I wanted to highlight five organizations we can partner with that truly help the LGBTQ+ community. Don’t buy your rainbow shirts at stores that don’t give back year round. Don’t simply throw on some sparkly eye shadow and call it a day. This year, lets all take steps towards supporting the movement and giving back in a real, quantifiable way.
Whether you have a dollar or a thousand, some time to spare or materials donate, this Pride month look around you and see what you can give back. Then give it.
These are five organizations in New York (and nationwide) to consider.
Housing Works
Taken from their website: “Housing Works fights for funding and legislation to ensure that all people living with HIV/AIDS have access to quality housing, healthcare, HIV prevention, and treatment, among other lifesaving services.:
How can I help?
Volunteer at one of their stores
Donate your furniture or gently used clothing
Donate money, whether on behalf of yourself or a business
Participate in one of their many events throughout the community
To see how your donations impact the organization and help the community, check out their financials here.
Sylvia Rivera Law Project
From their website: “The Sylvia Rivera Law Project (SRLP) works to guarantee that all people are free to self-determine their gender identity and expression, regardless of income or race, and without facing harassment, discrimination, or violence. SRLP is a collective organization founded on the understanding that gender self-determination is inextricably intertwined with racial, social and economic justice. Therefore, we seek to increase the political voice and visibility of low-income people and people of color who are transgender, intersex, or gender non-conforming. SRLP works to improve access to respectful and affirming social, health, and legal services for our communities. “
How can you help?
You can donate an amount of your choosing via check or online at this link. To see how your money will be used, you can view their annual report here.
ASOS x GLAAD
If you want to get dressed up for pride and show your support through fashion, ASOS has partnered with GLAAD this year. Why buy from them? 100% of the proceeds from your purchase go to GLAAD. That means you get to make a purchase knowing all your money is going back to the community rather than the usual 10-15%.
For those that don’t know what GLAAD is, here’s a little info from their website: “GLAAD rewrites the script for LGBTQ acceptance. As a dynamic media force, GLAAD tackles tough issues to shape the narrative and provoke dialogue that leads to cultural change. GLAAD protects all that has been accomplished and creates a world where everyone can live the life they love. “
You can buy the ASOS line here.
The Ali Forney Center
From their website: “Our mission is to provide LGBTQ young people housing and a continuum of supportive services to help them thrive and prepare them for independent living. “
How you can help:
New Yorkers can help by donating their time to one of the organizations volunteer opportunities
To donate money you can find more information here
Purchase something from their Amazon wish list
Or donate some gently used clothing
The Trevor Project
From their website: “Founded in 1998 by the creators of the Academy Award®-winning short film TREVOR, The Trevor Project is the leading national organization providing crisis intervention and suicide prevention services to lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, queer & questioning (LGBTQ) young people under 25.”
This month The Trevor Project is partnering with a number of major brands to celebrate Pride. You can find all their partnerships listed on their website and make purchases directly from them.
Or for other ways to help out:
Get involved in one of their volunteer opportunities
Attend one of their nationwide events
Set-up a one time or monthly donation to keep their counseling services up and running
This year, I pledge to take Pride seriously. I’ll be donating, purchasing, or giving my time to one of these five organizations throughout the month. Follow me on Instagram, @autumnhaile, to see how I’m taking part and giving back, and share your Pride goals and experiences with me, too!
Let’s make this, the 50th anniversary of Stonewall, the best, and most supportive, Pride celebration yet.
