How You Can Make A Difference
I approach almost every issue I care about in multiple ways, and sometimes one of the best ways I can show support is to donate to people doing the work, people who, most often, have been doing the work for a long time.
NOTE: Have an organization you think should be listed here? Let me know.
Legal Aid + Justice: People Getting People Help
ACLU: Chase Strangio, Deputy Director for Transgender Justice, ACLU LGBTQ & HIV Project, is instrumental in fighting for justice for trans people. He models strength for me every time I read or listen to him. Donate.
Lambda Legal: Advocacy, education and legal work across almost every aspect of LGBTQ life, from health care to criminal justice to immigration. Also, they have a tool that lets you check your state’s protections. Donate.
Transgender Law Center: The largest national trans-led organization advocating for a world where people are free to define themselves. Donate.
TGI Justice: TGI is focused on providing resources for trans, gender-nonconforming and intersex people both inside and outside prison, including a Black trans leadership program and a Re-entry Program. Donate.
Transformative Justice Law Project of Illinois: This group works in three project areas: legal services, support community survival and educational resources. (They helped with my own kid’s legal name change!) Donate.
National Center for Transgender Equality: Founded in 2003, NCTE focuses on advancing transgender equity through policy change. They’re goal: provide a powerful transgender advocacy presence in Washington, D.C. Donate.
Social + Educational Resources
Marsha P. Johnson Institute: This organization protects and defends the rights of Black trans people. (Black trans women experience violence and discrimination at some of the highest rates among LGBTQ people). Donate.
Don’t know who Marsha P. Johnson is? Learn more.
The Trevor Project: Described as the world’s largest suicide prevention and crisis prevention organization for LGBTQ youth, the Trevor Project also does research and studies on LGBTQ youth mental health and provides a variety of educational resources for parents and allies. Donate.