Virtue
May 27 min
Updated: May 8
Through awareness, activism and education, LGBTQ+ communities are seeing more and more equality at here at home and around the world. However, we still have a fair way to go for the much needed full equality to be achieved. The good news is that there are some incredible people and organizations making a different in this space - read on to find out more. Here are some numbers to mull over (Source: Stonewall)
Almost one in four LGBT people (23%) have witnessed discriminatory or negative remarks against LGBT people by healthcare staff.
One in seven LGBT people (14%) have avoided treatment for fear of discrimination because they’re LGBT.
Seven in ten trans people (70%) report being impacted by transphobia when accessing general health services.
Only half of lesbian, gay and bi people (46 per cent) and trans people (47 per cent) feel able to be open about their sexual orientation or gender identity to everyone in their family.
Almost one in five LGBT people (18 per cent) have experienced homelessness at some point in their lives.
Half of black, Asian and minority ethnic LGBT people (51 per cent) have experienced discrimination or poor treatment from others in their local LGBT community because of their ethnicity.
More than a third of LGBT staff (35%) have hidden that they are LGBT at work for fear of discrimination.
Almost two in five bi people (38%) aren’t out to anyone at work about their sexual orientation, compared to seven per cent of gay men and four per cent of lesbians.
One in four trans people (26%) aren’t open with anyone at work about being trans. This number increases to about two in five non-binary people (37%) who aren’t out at work.
Almost one in five LGBT staff (18%) have been the target of negative comments or conduct from work colleagues because they’re LGBT.
Almost one in five LGBT people (18%) who were looking for work said they were discriminated against because of their identity while trying to get a job.
Taken from LGBT in Britain – Work (2018).
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Two-thirds (64%) of LGBTQ+ people had experienced anti-LGBT+ violence or abuse.
Of these, 9 in 10 (92%) had experienced verbal abuse, 3 in 10 (29%) had experienced physical violence and 2 in 10 (17%) had experienced sexual violence.
Only 1 in 8 LGBT+ people surveyed had reported the most recent incident that they had experienced to the police. Less than half of those who did report their experience to the police were satisfied with the response.
42% of LGBT+ school pupils have been bullied in the past year, double the number of non-LGBT+ pupils (21%).
48% of pupils have had little to no positive messaging about being LGBT+ at school in the last year. However, pupils whose schools had positive messaging about being LGBT+ also had reduced suicidal thoughts and feelings – regardless of whether they are LGBT+ or not.
70 countries criminalize same-sex relationships.
The death penalty for same-sex relationships is either ‘allowed’, or evidence of its existence occurs, in 11 of these countries.
A quarter of the world’s population believes that being LGBT should be a crime.
During Pride Month and beyond businesses and individuals worldwide will show their support by teaming up with LGBTQ+ Causes.
We love this example of Skittles' campaign. Skittles has been fundraising for charities including Switchboard in 2019 and gladd in 2020. Skittles donates $1 from every pack of Pride Skittles sold.
Happy Socks - 10 per cent of the profit from each pair sold goes to Inter Pride.
Michael Kors’ has announced that all proceeds from sales of the gender-neutral t-shirt throughout Pride Month will be donated to OutRight International (2021)
Levi’s is one of the few fashion brands we found which is pledging 100 per cent of net profits from its 2021 Pride collection to LGBT+ causes.
Savage x Fenty collection in celebration of Pride Month featuring thigh-high stockings, crop tops, bralettes and boxers, the latest drop hopes to champion a range of body types, shapes, and identities. The brand has pledged to donate $250,000 from sales of the collection to a range of LGBT+ organizations, including CLAAD, The Caribbean Equality Project and the Trans Wellness Center (2021).
UK LGBTQ+ Charities
Canadian LGBTQ+ Charities
US LGBTQ+ Charities
Stonewall was founded back in 1989 by activists protesting a law called section 28, which banned the promotion of homosexuality in UK schools. Today they are working to empower the community and lobby to create a world where LGBTQ+ people can live openly without fear of discrimination.
Stonewall has helped to train over 6000 workplaces on LGBTQ+ inclusion, as well as supporting legal protections for LGBTQ+ people in areas such as marriage and adoption.
The Albert Kennedy Trust supports homeless LGBTQ+ youth who are homeless or are facing homelessness. The charity was also founded in 1989 and offers a number of services including housing, advocacy, and mentoring.
The charity was named after Albert Kennedy who was a 16 year old homeless youth who was rejected by his family because of his sexuality. To date, they have helped over 6000 LGBTQ+ individuals in need with their services.
Switchboard is a helpline supporting LGBTQ+ individuals founded back in 1974. Today they offer a number of confidential services including their helpline (0800 0119 100) and online chat services located directly on their website.
Each year Switchboard receives over 20,000 contacts per year from people looking for support.
The LGBT Foundation was founded in 1975 and provides a range of services including advocacy, health and wellbeing support, and community events. They also offer support for people experiencing domestic abuse, hate crime, and discrimination.
The LGBT Foundation has provided over 35,000 free sexual health kits in the past year.
MindOut is a mental health-focused organisation founded in 1999. The charity offers a range of services including counselling and support groups. In the last year, they have provided over 5,000 hours of counselling and peer support.
Gendered Intelligence is a charity focused on supporting the trans community. Working through a number of services including entering training and advocacy, their goal is to to increase understanding of gender diversity and to support trans and non-binary young people.
In the past year, they have supported over 1,000 young people through their services.
Black Beetle Health is a group that works to improve the health and lives of LGBTQ+ people of colour. They focus on bringing attention to the unequal health problems these communities face, both in the UK and globally.
Rainbow Railroad was founded in 2006 and focuses on helping people to escape persecution and violence in their home countries by assisting with travel, legal support, and resettlement.
Rainbow Railroad has helped facilitate the relocation of over 1,000 LGBTQ+ individuals relocate to safer countries including Canada, the United Kingdom, and the US.
Egale Canada, founded in 1995, is a highly regarded national nonprofit committed to enhancing the well-being of LGBTQ+ individuals in Canada and worldwide. Their efforts include conducting research, and educational initiatives, advocating for public policies, and engaging communities. Egale Canada has been instrumental in promoting LGBTQ+ rights in Canada, notably advocating for same-sex marriage rights. Their influential work contributes to positive change and the advancement of equality for LGBTQ+ communities.
The Canadian Centre for Gender and Sexual Diversity (CCGSD) is a national organization founded in 1975 with a mission to combat discrimination against LGBTQ+ communities and advocate for sexual and gender diversity through educational initiatives and programming. The CCGSD provides valuable resources and training programs covering a range of LGBTQ+ topics, serving as an important resource for educators, workplaces, and communities seeking to promote inclusivity and understanding.
PFLAG Canada, established in 1987, serves as the national chapter of the international PFLAG organization. Their mission is to provide support to LGBTQ+ individuals, their families, and allies. Through peer support groups, educational programs, and resources, PFLAG Canada works to foster a more inclusive and compassionate society for LGBTQ+ individuals. Their local chapters across Canada offer safe and supportive environments for LGBTQ+ individuals and their loved ones.
The Human Rights Campaign (HRC), established in 1980, is a leading national organization dedicated to advancing LGBTQ+ equality through lobbying, public education, and corporate activism. HRC is a prominent advocate for LGBTQ+ rights across various issues such as workplace equality, non-discrimination laws, and marriage equality. Recognized as a significant voice for LGBTQ+ rights in the United States, HRC plays a crucial role in promoting and defending equality for the LGBTQ+ community.
CenterLink, founded in 1992, is a national organization dedicated to enhancing the capabilities of LGBTQ+ community centers throughout the United States. They achieve this by offering training, resources, and networking opportunities to empower these local centers to deliver vital services and programs to LGBTQ+ individuals within their communities. CenterLink plays a crucial role in strengthening the support network and impact of LGBTQ+ community centers across the nation.
Established in 2003, the National Center for Transgender Equality (NCTE) has emerged as a prominent advocate for transgender rights in the United States. Their mission is straightforward: to foster a society where transgender individuals are treated with dignity, respect, and have equitable access to opportunities. NCTE is dedicated to advancing equality and improving the lives of transgender people through advocacy, education, and policy initiatives.
Party! Get to an LGBTQ+ bar near you and have a great time
Join the Pride Parade - if dressing up and crowds are your thing, add this one to your calendar
Support LGBTQ+ artists - there are tones of great LGBTQ+ playlists on Spotify + movie directors, actors and writers to check out
Contribute to an amazing cause / charity by giving your time, money or/and sharing about their work with your network
Support Causes from sales with store and checkout donations. Virtue is an easy to set up fundraising app for eCommerce brands built on Shopify, WooCommerce and Magento. Choose from over 20,000 Causes!