June is LGBTQ Pride Month. While many of the traditional marches have been cancelled due to COVID-19, the LGBTQ community and its allies around the world will continue to call for equality, dignity and inclusion – while also celebrating how far the movement has come in achieving those goals.

In no small part, that progress has been thanks to the tireless work of non-profit organisations. This month we’d like to introduce you to some of the amazing charities working with LGBTQ issues globally.

We’d also like to share a great Pride Month event that you can take part in right now! Our friends over at virtual race platform Zwift are holding Pride-themed races every Tuesday and Saturday this month as part of their Pride On 2020 celebration. Cyclists and runners taking part can use the event to fundraise for featured charity Athlete Ally – and so far they’ve raised more than $25,000! Check out the Pride On 2020 page on GivenGain to get involved.

Triangle Project – South Africa

Triangle Project is a Cape Town-based non-profit human rights organisation that offers a range of professional services to LGBTQ people and their families. These include public education, healthcare, community outreach and support groups. In the midst of the COVID-19 pandemic, the Triangle Project has launched a new campaign providing food parcels and medical care to some of the most vulnerable members of South Africa’s LGBTQ community – many of whom have been kicked out of their homes and have nowhere to safely self-isolate.

Educate Together – Ireland

School can be a challenge for LGBTQ kids – as well as kids from other minority backgrounds. Educate Together is a network of over 100 primary and secondary schools across Ireland that has pioneered a teaching programme based on equality, diversity and global citizenship since the 1970s. Although Educate Together schools benefit from some state funding, they also rely on donations – particularly as they don’t charge student fees.

Athlete Ally – United States

The world of professional sports hasn’t always been the most welcoming place for those identifying as LGBTQ. Athlete Ally works to change that by building more inclusive sporting communities and educating individuals and institutions on the barriers that LGBTQ people face. This month, the charity is bringing back their Playing for Pride campaign for the fourth year running. Originally launched by former Major League Soccer player Austin da Luz, it celebrates and promotes LGBTQ inclusion in pro and grassroots soccer.

Pride Shelter Trust – South Africa

The Pride Shelter is a safe haven for LGBTQ people fleeing crisis or trauma – South Africans and refugees alike. The organisation claims to be the only one in Africa that offers both short-term accommodation and psycho-social support. Since the Cape Town-based shelter first opened its doors in 2011, it has taken in more than 700 temporary residents, up to 21 at a time. The charity also networks with state and civil society organisations to fight discrimination and campaign for LGBTQ rights.

Inclusive and Affirming Ministries – South Africa

Since 1995, Inclusive and Affirming Ministries has worked across Africa to encourage religious leaders and communities to be more accepting of LGBTQ people. Their day-to-day work consists of three main programmes – teaching church leaders more inclusive positions on LGBTQ issues, supporting LGBTQ people and their friends and family members, and partnering with like-minded organisations across the continent.

Whatever your orientation, being supportive of LGBTQ issues is really a stance for human rights. So why not celebrate humanity in all its diversity this Pride Month by supporting a charity that works for LGBTQ people? If you’re looking for fundraising ideas that you can do from home, we’ve got you covered.

We also know that charities are under a lot of pressure at the moment. If your favourite charity isn’t on GivenGain yet, why not ask them to get in touch with us at fundraising@givengain.com? Charities around the world are using online fundraising to keep raising money even when events are cancelled, and we’d love to help them to get started.