5 LGBT+ charities to support during pride month

Why do we celebrate Pride Month?

Pride month is held every June to mark the anniversary of the Stonewall Riots that took place in New York in 1969. A response to the NYPD's attempted raid on the Stonewall Inn, a popular gay bar, the confrontation sparked a gay rights protest that grew across the world.

Every year, communities come together in love and friendship, to show how far LGBTQ+ rights have come, and raise awareness for the work that still needs to be done.

To celebrate pride month, we've put together some of our favourite LGBTQ+ charities that you can support during this important time of year.

Mind LGBTIQ+

Mind is a charity that strives to support anyone that is suffering from mental health problems, but recognises that many LGBTQ+ identities face distinct challenges.

This amazing charity offers a roster of support options for those who are struggling, including:

🌟 A specialist LGBTIQ+ mental health services

🌟 Mind's legal line which offers information on mental health related law

🌟 Peer-to-Peer support where you can talk with local LGBTIQ+ group

Stonewall

Stonewall is a vibrant global movement that strives to achieve freedom and equality for LGBTQ+ people everywhere.

Their campaigns aim to achieve sustained change in institutions that have the biggest impact on us, whether we’re learning, working, praying or playing sport.

Here's how they help:

🌟 By ensuring that businesses create an inclusive workspace

🌟 Championing LGBTQ+ friendly education in schools

🌟 Providing legal information and advice

Albert Kennedy Trust (AKT)

The Albert Kennedy Trust supports LGBTQ+ young people aged 16-25 who are facing or experiencing homelessness or living in a hostile environment.

They ensure that vulnerable young people are able to get access to safe homes, education, training and employment with a range of services:

🌟 Giving young people access to their Purple Door accommodation
🌟 Connecting vulnerable persons with peer-to-peer mentoring
🌟 Access to an emergency support pack or tenancy starter pack

Fighting with Pride

Fighting with Pride is a new, military charity aimed at offering support to LGBTQ+ veterans.

Created on the 20th anniversary of the complete lifting of the the 'gay ban', they're supporting the health and wellbeing of our service personnel.

Here's how they help:

🌟 Lobbying the MoD to restore service medals to LGBTQ+ veterans
🌟 Working with OVA to investigate sexual-based discrimination
🌟 Providing mental health support to former veterans

Gallop

Gallop is supporting all LGBTQ+ people who are experiencing hate crime, domestic abuse or sexual violence.

Providing advice, support, research and lobbying around the issues of LGBT+ policing for over 30 years, Gallop is helping to lead the fight against discrimination with a number of services:

🌟 Professional support via their National LGBT+ Domestic Abuse Helpline
🌟 A Domestic Abuse Forum that acts a safe space for victims
🌟 A Trans Advocacy Service that offer confidential advice and support