Beyond the Parade: Supporting LGBTQ+ Causes and Organizations in LA

Every June, LA becomes a magical rainbow wonderland where unicorns and disco balls reign supreme. LGBTQ+ individuals and allies come together in a dazzling display of glitter, feathers, and sass to celebrate Queer Joy. But the fun doesn't end with the parade! Beyond the floats, a vibrant world of year-round LGBTQ+ causes and organizations in LA make a difference. These organizations act as fairy godparents, transforming lives and offering safe spaces. Let's remember and support these tireless heroes, marching together towards a future of eternal Pride.

Looking for a great way to demonstrate allyship and social advocacy? Meet Bienestar, the community-based superhero squad of Greater Los Angeles! They're all about tackling emerging health issues faced by Latinx and LGBTQ+ Their secret weapon? An innovative peer-to-peer modeling that's culturally intune and contemporarily relevant. They've got it all: HIV/AIDS prevention, STI testing, mental health support, substance use help, and more. The best part? It's all free for the community! With centers across LA County and a reputation for showing up at nightclubs, colleges, and health fairs; Bienestar is your go-to crew for making a real impact.

Providing free LGBTQIA+ affirmative counseling and transformative therapy, COLORS LGBTQ Youth Counseling Services supports individuals under 25 and their families in Los Angeles. They aid in healing from societal pressures and embrace the distinct identity of LGBTQIA+ youth. Their goal is to cultivate love, creativity, and self-discovery, empowering young individuals through cultural education.

Equality California is a leading LGBTQ+ civil rights organization fighting for full equality through advocacy, legislation, and support. Comprised of three entities: Equality California, Equality California Institute, and Equality California PACs, they’ve historically championed marriage equality and LGBTQ+ rights. Their efforts aim to reduce health disparities, develop leaders, and elect pro-equality officials by engaging individuals and businesses in their cause.

Gay For Good (G4G), founded in 2008 by three friends Los Angeles, is an organization that began as a way to bridge the division caused by the passing of Proposition 8. Inspired by Harvey Milk's strategy, they aimed to bring people together through service. G4G mobilizes LGBTQ+ and ally volunteers to promote diversity, inclusion, and community. They strive to increase LGBTQ+ awareness, foster authentic relationships, and promote sustainability. Their mission is to make a positive difference while creating new friendships.

Since 1999, HHYP has united top agencies specializing in youth homelessness in Los Angeles. They strive to empower homeless youth, particularly LGBTQIA+ individuals, to leave the streets and overcome trauma. By collaborating with LA's LGBT center to mobilize resources, they influence policy through testimonies in Washington, DC and Sacramento, in efforts to educate lawmakers on youth homelessness.

For over five decades, the Los Angeles LGBT Center has stood as a nurturing, uplifting, haven for LGBT individuals and families, both locally and beyond. Having personally experienced the invaluable mental health and clinical services they offer, I can fully attest to the care and resources provided by their extraordinary staff. Their extensive range of comprehensive programs, services, and global advocacy spans across health, social services and housing, culture and education, leadership and advocacy. With a knack for throwing the best galas, they are an unwavering force against prejudice by forging a society where LGBT individuals thrive as equals.

Once known as the VARSITY GAY LEAGUE, California’s largest LGBT recreational sports league first kicked things off in 2007. With a mission to provide affordable athletic joy and comradery, Out Loud Sports hosts year-round, unconventional and awe-inspiring gaming and sporting events in Los Angeles, San Diego, and Sacramento. Skill and orientation are irrelevant as they foster an inclusive atmosphere, igniting connections and unleashing the thrill of competition. Brace yourself for an exhilarating range of leagues, galas, and tournaments that promise unforgettable moments and new friendships beyond the confines of a bar. Join the festivities and immerse yourself in pure exhilaration!

Point Foundation, a LGBTQ scholarship organization, is the largest of its kind. Through scholarships, mentorship, leadership development, and community service training, Point fosters a community of LGBTQ leaders who are poised to create a positive impact on society. They help LGBTQ students overcome the barriers of violence, harassment, and isolation, enabling them to pursue higher education and thrive with the necessary guidance and resources.

Get ready for a wild ride at the Queer Mercado! This monthly unique sensation is turning two this July, and it's a celebration worth being a part of. Originally known as the "Chicano Queer Mercado," it's a mind-blowing blend of Latino flavors and LGBTQ+ magic. With over 130 vendors, this event is bursting with energy and diversity. Picture this: impressive leather goods and textiles that make you swoon, candles that ignite your soul, and jaw-dropping art that tell captivating stories. It's a place where queer Latinos find acceptance, community, love, and exceptional food! It’s a place where new Queer business owners mainly from East LA are lifted up and supported. You can check out Pride Market place every Saturday in June at the BLOC, as well as a special Pride event on June 17th, at the East L.A. Civic Center.

Satrang is all about supporting the South Asian LGBTQ fam! As one of the pioneering organizations in Southern California, their mission is to spread awareness and establish cultural visibility, acceptance, and empowerment through events hosted across SoCal. They're all about creating safe spaces, empowering folks, and making sure everyone feels accepted. Let's join forces, rock those events, and fight against oppression and discrimination. LGBTQ South Asians are here and visible!

The Trevor Project is on a mission to end suicide among LGBTQ+ youth. They provide crisis services through phone, text, and chat to offer immediate support and intervention. The project offers peer support in safe-spaces, with social networking that conducts research to improve their services, educate on community specific youth issues, and advocates for policies and laws that protect LGBTQ+ youth. Guided by principles of diversity, inclusion, youth-centricity, growth, quality and innovation, they strive to create a brighter future for LGBTQ+ youth.

Walden aims to empower every child by supporting them in finding loving families and realizing their potential. They offer foster care and adoption services in Los Angeles County, with a focus on sibling groups, infants, children with disabilities, and LGBTQ youth. Additionally, they provide a transitional housing program for young adults ages 18 to 21, helping them transition to adulthood with stable housing and support. In the past year, Walden successfully matched 142 children with foster families in the county.