Love is All We Need: LGBTQ Nonprofits
After everything the last two years has thrown our way, giving to those in need is more important than ever. Of course, many are still facing the brutal economic impacts from the pandemic, but if you’re able to donate money, time, or simply spread the word about any of these incredible Denver nonprofits, you’ll be significantly helping our beloved community. Some names you’ve probably heard of; some might be new. Either way, spread some sunshine this year—your act of kindness could be the difference in someone’s life.
LGBTQ Nonprofits to Support 2022
Envision : You is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit with a multitude of offerings that “support, educate, and empower members of Colorado’s LGBTQ+ community who are living with a mental health and/or substance use disorder,” as quoted from the organization’s website. Envision : You provides valuable resources including workshop series, events, and links to other helpful organizations (like the Asian Mental Health Project and Colorado Crisis Services) in order to build awareness about mental health and substance use disorders specifically within the LGBTQ community.
This nonprofit places focus on individual and group education as well as advocacy for changes in local and statewide legislation in order to further advance equity for those in the LGBTQ community living with mental health and substance use disorders. You can support Envision : You by making a one-time or recurring monetary donation, sponsoring an event, or selecting the organization as your nonprofit of choice for Amazon Smile. By donating, “you are directly supporting mental health equity, community informed programs dedicated to improving outcomes, and increased access to affirming behavioral healthcare.”
The CHN is approaching four decades of work dedicated to serving those living with and at risk of acquiring HIV as well as other health conditions. Services offered at CHN range from medical and oral healthcare; behavioral health services; and housing, nutrition, and emergency financial assistance, among many others.
A primary goal of the work here is to prevent the spread of HIV by way of regular testing, offering treatment, and providing pre-exposure prophylaxis services. In addition to one-time and monthly donations, you can also opt for a legacy donation, attend or sponsor an event (like the Red Ball), or contribute in a bunch of other ways that take little time and effort but make grand differences in the long term.
For those with an interest in politics or who simply want to see action taken in state and federal governments with regard to the advancement of equality for those in the LGBTQ community, consider donating or volunteering for One Colorado. This organization lobbies the General Assembly, executive branch, and local governments to affect positive change in schools, health and human services, and on issues like transgender equality and relationship recognition. As with many nonprofits, One Colorado’s mission starts first with education: educating members and the public about the obstacles that the queer community faces and then taking the necessary steps to enact change against those obstacles. Apply for a job or internship; make a monetary donation, or volunteer your time to get involved in One Colorado and make a difference in our community.
You may recognize this name as the host of annual Denver Pride, though they contribute a whole lot more to the community than just a single (but epic and necessary) event. The Center on Colfax has a calendar full of events, with many planned months in advance, offering everything from STI testing to specific support groups (like Project Latino, for example) to visual and performing arts events.
There are also a plethora of ongoing programs and general services available, from insurance help, mental health counseling, and fitness classes to youth- or elder-specific programs to services like RANGE Consulting, which offers customized LGBTQ diversity and inclusion training and support to organizations. Find a ton of resources for what you’re looking for all in one place on The Center’s website, including its own blog and ways to support the organization, from donations to volunteer opportunities and a whole lot more.
PFLAG, which stands for Parents, Families and Friends of Lesbians and Gays, has more than 400 chapters nationwide, and their mission is to “support, educate and advocate for the LGBTQ+ community, their families, friends, and allies.” This organization is a gold mine of information in easy-to-digest formats, especially for those who are educating themselves about the LGBTQ community and how they can best support their loved ones.
PFLAG hosts events and even awards four scholarships per year to graduating high school students who’ve shown education, advocacy, and allyship of the LGBTQ community. You can support PFLAG with a manual donation or via the Community Shares of Colorado program, which automatically takes an amount (set by you) from your regular paycheck as a recurring donation.
Urban Peak’s primary goal is to provide assistance to homeless youth and help them exit homelessness by providing shelter and housing, support services, and case management, among other things. Seemingly simple offerings like hot meals and secure storage space are critical for youth without regular access to them and help create stability so homeless youth can focus on building skills and getting out of homelessness.
At of the end of 2021, one-third of the youth that Urban Peak served identified as LGBTQ. The org also partners with Envision:You to provide the crucial mental health and substance use disorder services to the youth it serves, and you can get involved in a number of ways. Donate, schedule a recurring gift; volunteer your time, or purchase a much-needed item from the organization’s needs list.
This organization is also focused heavily on affecting change at the state and national level to support and advocate for members of the LGBTQ community. Since 1994, the Gill Foundation has remained a leading funder of efforts to secure full equality for LGBTQ people and supports nonprofits across the nation that also work towards advancing LGTBQ rights via research, education, storytelling, and legal action.
While the Gill Foundation works to achieve equality for people of varying identities and orientations across the world, it also focuses specifically on making positive changes in Colorado. Moreover, the Foundation has a committed donor network and annual conference called OutGiving, which heavily funds the organization’s efforts toward securing LGBTQ equality.
Denver Element and Transgender Center of the Rockies
Both of these nonprofit programs are sub-organizations of Mile High Behavioral Healthcare. Denver Element provides several useful resources and services targeted toward those in the LGBTQ community, including primary and dental care, support groups, substance use and mental health counseling, pre-exposure prophylaxis services, and many specific communities offering safe spaces and support.
Additionally, the Transgender Center of the Rockies provides services and support specifically for transgender and gender-expansive individuals, especially counseling, therapy sessions, medication assisted treatment, support groups, and World Professional Association of Transgender Health Standard of Care (WPATH-SOC) letters for those navigating proper care, treatment, and prescriptions from healthcare providers. TCR also provides a plethora of resources covering everything from cosmetic and legal referrals to physician, surgeon, and spiritual recommendations.
