Why We Can Be Proud of LGBTQ Charities

July 28, 2016
3 min read

Ryan Jones

The Vancouver Pride Parade is only a few days away – and only a few blocks from our office! Our friend Danny Ramadan is the Grand Marshall of the parade and we’ve been thinking a lot about some of the great things that LGBTQ charities like Qmunity do for the world. Here is a look at just some of the areas in which LGBTQ charities are working.

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Community Support
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The LGBTQ community has made huge strides in recent years. In comparison to years past, members of the community enjoy much better inclusion and visibility thanks to groups working to combat misconceptions and prejudice. While the direction is positive, there is still work to be done.

Support groups are essential to fostering a sense of belonging and support. Many of these organizations are great resources for allies and other members of the community, as it provides training and education on how to acknowledge members of the LGBTQ community in a positive, mindful, and inclusive way.

Some of the charities we recommend:

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Health and Wellness
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HIV and AIDS disproportionately impact some segments of the LGBTQ community; some charities help to provide health services in a safe and inclusive environment. Others focus on research, working to eliminate the disease.

Some of the charities we recommend:

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Arts
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LGBTQ contribution to the arts cannot be overstated – from internationally known personalities like Frida Kahlo and Robert Mapplethorpe to Vancouver painter Attila Richard Lukacs, artistic output from members of the community has become some of our culture’s most treasured works. Charities work to showcase narratives that resonate with the LGBTQ community and promote visibility to the general public.

Some of the charities we recommend:

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International Efforts
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While LGBTQ communities in Canada continue to experience increased acceptance, communities in some countries do not experience the same treatment. LGBTQ charities strive to connect and help those who face persecution internationally, even going as far as sponsoring individuals, couples, and families to come to Canada to escape unsafe situations.

Some of the charities we recommend:

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What can you do to support this community
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You can advocate for LGBTQ members of the community in a variety of ways. Having open conversations and simply learning more about the issues connected with this community is a great start. Being informed on the issues closely affecting this group is a good way to gain insight into their experiences. And of course, you can support charities that advocate for LGBTQ issues.