It Takes A Village: Red And Blue States Alike Are Fighting For LGBTQ+ Rights

LGBTQ+ rights have faced relentless attacks in recent months. Through executive orders, Trump has moved to erase legal recognition of trans people, gut gender-affirming healthcare, and bar trans people from participating in sports and serving in the military. Things have only gotten bleaker in red states, where attacks come at federal and state levels. Queer and trans organizers now face a twofold battle: resisting the Trump administration’s escalating attacks while confronting emboldened Republican lawmakers pushing harmful state-level policies.

Joseph Clark, whose organization Just Us provides safe spaces for LGBTQ+ youth in Tennessee, says the bigger challenge is helping trans kids stay hopeful. “Right now, there are so few wins to be had that for so many [trans kids], it doesn’t seem like it gets better,” Clark tells GO. “That’s already such a strange concept for young people, ‘it gets better,’ and now these attacks are happening at all levels. We just want to make sure our young people know how to cope, how to get through their adolescence.”

Max Mowitz, executive director of One Iowa, says the Trump era has emboldened anti-trans lawmakers. “The Iowa legislature [has] become really unabashed,” Mowitz says, citing bills like HF 583, which strips gender identity from the Iowa Civil Rights Act. “Bills that died last year are suddenly very viable for Republicans.”

Even blue state organizers are struggling. Sean Ebony Coleman, founder of Destination Tomorrow in New York, says his organization is absorbing the fallout as peer groups lose federal funding. “Folks who usually rely on other places for food, housing, or services are now flocking to us,” he tells GO. 

So how can people help? Mowitz urges blue state allies not to write off red states so quickly. “A lot of people can’t move. We still deserve resources and love.”  

Clark echoes the need for local engagement. “Everybody should know who’s on their school board, their council people,” he says. “That’s where some of the most dangerous policies start.”

Coleman emphasizes direct action. “Folks think donations are always monetary. But sometimes a warm body means a lot,” he says. “If you see activism happening, show up. We need you on the front lines.”

From New York to Texas, GO set out to find the LGBTQ+ organizations bravely pushing back against the relentless attacks, holding strong for their communities. 

New York-Based Resources

Destination Tomorrow Bronx with new locations in Atlanta, GA, and DC

Destination Tomorrow caters to the needs of LGBTQ+ New Yorkers ages 22-55, especially those with other marginalized identities, such as BIPOC, low-income New Yorkers, and those experiencing homelessness. Services are driven by community input and include a community closet, food pantry, performance arts spaces, job training and educational services, and a commercial kitchen. Destination Tomorrow is also in the process of building a 150-bed shelter for trans and gender-nonconforming people experiencing homelessness, the first of its kind in the city.

What They Need: Donations—and a staff for its new shelter, including psychiatrists, social workers, residential aides, security, and more.

Trinity Place Shelter Manhattan

An estimated 40% of homeless youth in New York identify as LGBTQ+, and trans youth are 2.5x more likely to become homeless than their cis counterparts. Trinity Place, a non-sectarian, 10-bed youth shelter, sets out to address that crisis, offering service and security for homeless LGBTQ+ teens and young adults that traditional shelters aren’t typically set up to provide. The shelter also offers individual and group counseling, independent living support, transportation, case management, career counseling, healthcare, and more.

What They Need: Donate here to help fund shelter stays, therapy sessions, and even birthday cakes for the young people living at Trinity. 

Hetrick-Martin Institute Manhattan

The oldest organization of its kind in the country, the Hetrick-Martin Institute provides a safe space for LGBTQ+ youth and their families and lobbies for LGBTQ+ rights at the local, state, and federal levels. Serving ages 13-24, HMI facilitates queer and trans community building through after-school programming that includes arts and culture, health and wellness, academic enrichment, and job readiness programs. HMI also provides individual counseling, case management, homeless outreach services, an onsite food pantry, and resources for the families and caregivers of LGBTQ+ youth, including on-site family counseling. 

What They Need: Messages of hope for queer and trans kids through the Signed With Love campaign, volunteers to help facilitate youth activities, and monetary donations. 

Callen-Lorde Brooklyn, The Bronx, and Manhattan

Callen-Lorde clinics provide specialty healthcare for LGBTQ+ New Yorkers, regardless of their ability to pay. This includes primary care, dental work, sexual health, gender-affirming care, HIV/AIDS testing and prevention, mental health services, and care coordination for additional healthcare. The clinics also offer teen-specific services through the HOTT (Health Outreach To Teens) mobile medical unit.

What They Need: Callen-Lorde provides around $5 million worth of free medical care to New Yorkers, and they need help offsetting the costs. You can make single or recurring donations here and join the clinic’s email list to receive updates about additional fundraisers.

Stonewall Inn Gives Back’s Certified Safe Space Training Based in New York, with international training programs

The Safe Space training program helps local businesses make their environments safe spaces for LGBTQ+ patrons. To become Safe Space certified, a business must not only complete the training but also donate to LGBTQ+ organizations, provide gender-neutral bathrooms, consistently respect the pronouns of all patrons and employees, and avoid engaging with anti-LGBTQ+ organizations and lawmakers. Businesses that have received the certification will have a logo sticker placed on their storefronts and websites to signal to patrons that they’re a safe space. 

What They Need: If you operate (or know of) a local business interested in getting Safe Space Certified, find more information here.

Advocates for Trans Equality (A4TE) – Manhattan

A4TE is a consolidation of two of New York’s most significant trans-serving organizations, the National Center for Transgender Equality and the Trans Legal Defense and Education Fund. Together, they’re the largest trans-led advocacy organization in the US, bringing together experts, advocates, and communities to work toward an equitable future where trans people live joyful lives without barriers. 

What They Need: Lucky for you, A4TE’s website already includes a comprehensive guide on how you can take action to support New York’s trans community. You can also follow the organization on social media (@transequalitynow on Instagram), donate to fuel their work, volunteer your time or skills, and partner with them for community events and workshops. Subscribe to A4TE’s newsletter to stay informed about its work and the issues impacting the community. 

Press Relations Manager A Lazarus Orr says they “encourage allies to support the trans community by centering trans voices, especially Black and brown trans people.” Beyond supporting trans-led organizations like A4TE, Lazarus says allyship should also look like “advocating for inclusive policies and showing up in solidarity at rallies, community events, and wherever trans people are under attack. Real allyship means action, visibility, and commitment to justice every day.’   

Apicha Community Healthcare Manhattan & Queens

Founded in the 80s to fill the gaps in HIV/AIDS care, Apicha remains a a queer and AAPI-focused health center providing culturally sensitive care, including primary care, dental care, behavioral health and substance abuse resources, OBGYN services, and, as always, HIV/AIDS prevention and treatment. 

What They Need: Apicha serves patients regardless of their ability to pay. Because of that, donations are essential.

Ali Forney Center – Manhattan

Founded in 2002 in memory of gender-nonconforming teen Ali Foley, who was murdered while living on the street, the Ali Forney center provides a wide range of essential services to queer and trans teens at risk for the same circumstances. Not only does the center provide emergency housing, food services, and job readiness training to LGBTQ+ youth experiencing homelessness, but it also provides a safe, affirming environment.

What They Need: If you’re local, Ali Forney seeks volunteers for a variety of services. Otherwise, the center also needs monetary donations and keeps a running Amazon Wishlist of other needs. Subscribe to its newsletter here for more updates.

Audre Lorde Project (ALP) – Brooklyn

Born in 1994 from the efforts of the Advocates for Gay Men of Color, ALP is now a comprehensive organizing space for queer, trans, two-spirit, and other gender-nonconforming people of color that works in community mobilization, employment, healthcare, immigration, and violence prevention.

What They Need: You can get involved in-person by joining ALP’s organizing efforts, or support from afar with monetary donations. Learn more about both here.

Anti-Violence Project (AVP) – New York

The largest anti-violence organization in the country, AVP works to empower the LGBTQ+ and HIV-affected communities through community organizing and policy lobbying, free and confidential financial support, legal aid (including housing, employment, and immigration support), and, most importantly, through counseling for those experiencing violence. AVP is also the coordinator of the larger National Coalition of Anti-Violence Programs.

What They Need: You can volunteer for AVP’s hotline, support additional community outreach, or support AVP with monetary donations.

The Center – New York

As one of the oldest LGBTQ+ organizations in the city, The Center works to support queer and trans New Yorkers in basically every facet of life. That includes advocacy work at the state and local level, economic advancement resources, historical preservation, and so much more.

The Center offers a variety of programming for LGBTQ+ youth and their families, including support groups and social activities, family counseling (and culturally sensitive training for counselors), and college and career preparation. 

The Center also provides a range of health resources for people of all ages, including mental health counseling, treatments for substance abuse and HIV/AIDS, recovery and other support groups, and assistance in enrolling in health insurance. 

In addition to their TK LONG LIST of community services, the Center is also home to one of New York’s richest bodies of queer art, including a Keith Haring bathroom mural, photographs from Leonard Fink, paintings by Barbara Sandler and Kay Rosen, and collages by George Whitman. Plus, be sure to check out their national history community archive, the Pat Parker/Vito Russo Center Library, and their queer bookstore.

What They Need: Donate here.

Health and Education Alternatives for Teens (HEAT) – Brooklyn

Since 1992, HEAT has provided culturally sensitive services to HIV+ and at-risk teens and young adults, with a special focus on LGBTQ+, Black, and Latino youth. Strategically located at CUNY’s University Hospital at Downstate in Brooklyn—an area where HIV/AIDS rates are some of the highest in the US—HEAT’s full-service clinic provides comprehensive care to young people living with or at risk for HIV, including counseling, testing, primary care, and medication. Beyond HIV/AIDS treatment, HEAT also offers gynecological services, gender-affirming care for trans patients, case management, and mental health services.

What They Need: Donations to keep treatment accessible to everyone who needs it. If you’re interested in volunteering, email HEAT@downstate.edu. 

PFLAG NYC – Manhattan

As the founding chapter of PFLAG—a nationwide organization for the parents and families of LGBTQ+ individuals—PFLAG NYC works to build communal acceptance by utilizing allies. Through support groups and coaching services, the organization helps parents and family members learn how to support and honor their LGBTQ+ children. Through its Safe Schools Program, PFLAG partners with local schools to help them become safe, affirming spaces, free from harassment, for all LGBTQ+ students, through supplemental programming for educators and students alike. The group also lobbies for inclusive legislation nationwide, at both the state and federal levels.

What They Need: You can volunteer to facilitate a support group, to be a speaker for the safe schools program, or to provide one-on-one virtual coaching to parents and families working to accept their LGBTQ+ loved ones.

Re-charge Program (Positive Health Project) – Manhattan

As part of the Housing Works Positive Health Project—which provides restorative services for drug users with a focus on those living with HIV/AIDS—the Re-Charge Program works with GMHC (Gay Men’s Health Crisis) to offer tailored harm-reduction services to LGBTQ+ individuals who use crystal meth. This includes drop-in support groups, medical care, safe syringe exchange, and more.

What They Need: Donate to support Housing Works’ myriad life-saving programs, and volunteer your time to their harm reduction initiatives.

SAGEServes – NYC & Florida

Founded in New York City nearly 50 years ago, in 1978, SAGEServes places LGBTQ+ elders at the forefront of its care. Now based in both New York and Florida, the service facilitates a variety of programming for LGBTQ+ senior citizens, veterans, those living with HIV/AIDS, homebound elders, and their caregivers. This includes a menu of both in-person and virtual social events, care coordination, a “Friendly Visitors” program (in which volunteers visit homebound elders to help prevent isolation), and New York’s first LGBTQ+ friendly housing.

What They Need: You can volunteer to be a Friendly Visitor (or to assist with other programs here, or donate here.

Sylvia Rivera Law Project (SRLP) Manhattan

SLRP provides legal aid for trans and gender non-conforming New Yorkers who may be experiencing discrimination in their housing arrangements, workplaces, or elsewhere. The group also works to improve access to culturally sensitive healthcare and legal services for these communities, as well as to increase the political voice of low-income, BIPOC, and gender non-conforming New Yorkers. SLRP also provides supportive training sessions to community members and service providers alike, including “Know Your Rights” sessions designed for queer and trans people of color. 

What They Need: There are a ton of ways to get involved with SLRP, all outlined here! You can volunteer, help cross off SLRP’s wishlist, donate, or become a member to provide feedback and input on SLRP’s ongoing work.

Red State Resources

one-n-ten Based in Phoenix, with satellite locations in 17 other cities across the state.

One-n-ten offers youth group meetings, life skills and job development courses, housing assistance programs, health and wellness programs, identity-specific youth groups for BIPOC and trans/gender-nonconforming teens, support groups for the parents and adult relatives of LGBTQ+ children, and even an outdoor adventure camp aimed at LGBTQ+ teens.

What They Need: If you’re in Arizona, one-n-ten needs volunteers. If you’re not, consider donating supplies for its youth centers or making a monetary donation.

26Health Central Florida

26Health offers counseling and therapy, gender-affirming care, family therapy, adoption consultations for both LGBTQ+ prospective parents and birth parents, and even spa services. The organization also employs a mobile unit, which offers free HIV and STI testing to communities with limited access to permanent clinics. 

What They Need: Through its Every Letter Health Equity Fund, 26Health provides free services to those who can’t afford to access other healthcare. You can help cover the cost of care by donating here.

Zebra Youth Orlando, FL

Zebra Youth is a one-stop shop for Orlando’s LGBTQ+ young people in need, providing emergency housing, individual and family therapy, youth meet-ups, and a drop-in center for those seeking an immediate safe space. It also facilitates a weekly meeting group for trans and gender-nonconforming youth ages 16-24. 

What They Need: If you’re in Florida, volunteer. If you’re not, donate directly or order from the group’s Amazon Wishlist to send supplies directly to the community center.

The Center Orlando and Kissimmee, FL

As the oldest LGBTQ+ resource group in the state, The Center provides a wide roster of services to queer and trans Floridians of all ages. There’s a community pantry for those experiencing food insecurity, free legal services for anyone in need of immigration support, a semi-monthly support group for those living with HIV, a support group for families of trans or gender-nonconforming children ages 5-13, and even a 55+ social group for “Older Wiser Learners.” 

What They Need: In-state front desk volunteers and nationwide donors.

One Iowa Iowa, statewide 

One Iowa does on-the-ground community work connecting LGBTQ+ Iowans with healthcare services, mutual aid, and senior citizen resources, as well as leading inclusivity training for healthcare providers and local businesses. Meanwhile, the One Iowa Action branch lobbies at the state level to stymie the onslaught of anti-LGBTQ+ bills. 

What They Need: Support One Iowa through single or recurring donations, or shop its online store. Director Max Mowitz also suggests seeking out smaller organizations, like the Iowa Trans Mutual Aid Fund, which provides individual grants to trans Iowans for gender-affirming care and supplies.

Just Us Based in Nashville, TN, serving youth from across the state.

The only organization of its kind in Tennessee, JustUs offers a range of positive youth development programs and mental health services targeted at LGBTQ+ young people. This includes weekly after-school meetings for middle schoolers and high schoolers, which director Joseph Clark says draw teens from across the state. Just Us also provides access to gender-affirming products like makeup, accessories, and chest binders, products increasingly unavailable to young people in Tennesee. Additional programs include free, gender-affirming mental health services, and the Students of Stonewall program, which teaches high school juniors and seniors the foundations of community activism through an LGBTQ+ lens. 

What They Need: Donations help keep Just Us’ programs running, but Clark says it’s also important to work in tandem with queer and trans organizations by advocating against anti-LGBTQ+ policies in your state and local government. 

Equality Texas Texas, statewide

This advocacy group not only fights for LGBTQ+ rights at the state level but provides educational programming and resources to Texans about mobilizing activism and the issues affecting the LGBTQ+ community. Equality Texas also keeps a live monitor of harmful anti-LGBTQ+ bills in the state legislature, a vital resource for staying informed and engaged in the political fight to protect queer and trans Texans. 

What They Need: If you’re in Texas, take action by attending an organizing event or volunteering your time to tabling at local pride events. Otherwise, donate here to support their efforts or check out any of their many partner organizations that support LGBTQ+ communities at a local level.

Borderland Rainbow Center El Paso, TX

Beginning as an LGBTQ+ community support group in 2015, Borderland Rainbow Center’s programming now includes not just social events, but therapy services, a community food pantry, inclusivity training for local therapists and social workers, educational and cultural workshops, and even intergenerational support programs that link LGBTQ+ youth, adults, and seniors.

What They Need: Celebrate Borderland’s 10th year of service by donating—you can even designate your donations for specific services like the food pantry, HIV testing, the community closet, or therapy. If you’re in or around El Paso, consider volunteering.

Fiesta Youth San Antonio, TX

Serving LGBTQ+ young people ages 6-24 and their families, Fiesta Youth primarily provides weekly programming for queer and trans kids and young adults. The organization also offers inclusivity training, educational scholarships, and parent support groups. Fiesta Youth even partners with San Antonio Public Libraries to keep LGBTQ+ books on shelves.

What They Need: Fiesta Youth’s programming is supported by a host of volunteers, but it also relies on monetary donations, donated supplies (which are outlined in its Amazon Wishlist), and sharing the organization’s resources via word of mouth. Donate here, and share information about Fiesta Youth’s mission on social media.

The Montrose Center Houston, TX

An LGBTQ+ community center that offers therapy and counseling services, youth-focused support groups, support systems for victims of domestic violence and human trafficking, senior groups, addiction support services, and food pantries.

What They Need: Donations. For locals: in-person food pantry donations and volunteers to staff its upcoming community events.

Encircle LGBTQ+ Youth and Family Resource Center Salt Lake City, Provo, St. George, and Heber, UT

Encircle serves LGBTQ+ youth in Utah by facilitating after-school “friendship circles”—safe, confidential support groups for teenagers ages 12-17 and young adults ages 18-26. It also provides LGBTQ+-affirming therapy services and support groups for the adult families of LGBTQ+ individuals.

What They Need: To celebrate its eighth anniversary as an organization, Encircle is asking donors to pledge $8 a month.

Genderbands Utah, statewide

Genderbands provides individual grants to help trans and non-binary individuals afford gender-affirming healthcare. The group also distributes products like binders firsthand and facilitates trans-friendly social gatherings and educational events. 

What They Need: In honor of its 10th anniversary, Genderbands is currently trying to raise $100,000 to go toward hiring new staff, maintaining the community closet and binder supply, and expanding its individual grants. Donate here.