Feel Good Friday - Lambda Legal

June is Pride Month, and today I'm highlighting Lambda Legal, an organization that has spent more than five decades in courtrooms across the country fighting for LGBTQ+ civil rights.

Founded in 1973 and headquartered in New York City, the mission of Lambda Legal is "to achieve the full recognition of the civil rights of LGBTQ+ people and all persons living with HIV through impact litigation, public education, and policy work." 

It's easy to forget how recently these rights had to be fought for at all. When founder Bill Thom filed the organization's incorporation paperwork in 1972, a panel of New York judges rejected it. In their view, the mission was 'neither benevolent nor charitable.' Thom appealed their decision, and won.

Lambda Legal has been fighting on three interconnected fronts ever since: pursuing high-impact cases in court, equipping people to understand and exercise their rights through public education, and advocating for stronger legal protections at the local, state, and federal level. Clients pay nothing for Lambda Legal's representation.

Right now, that work has never been more urgent. Since January 2025, Lambda Legal has filed six major cases challenging executive orders targeting transgender people, gender-affirming care, accurate identity documents, and military service for trans people. In 2025 alone, they had active cases in 24 states. One of their recent wins is a court injunction that restored $6.2 million in federal funding to LGBTQ+ and HIV organizations after the Trump administration moved to cut it. You can track their ongoing federal cases with their Trump Tracker.

Lambda Legal also maintains a national Help Desk for people experiencing discrimination, and a network of volunteer Cooperating Attorneys that extends their reach far beyond their staff team. With more than 50 years of landmark wins behind them and some of the most consequential cases of our time ahead, they are exactly the organization this moment calls for.

If you’d like to support Lambda Legal you can do so by making a donation, becoming a volunteer, and amplifying their message on social media. Follow Lambda Legal on Bluesky, Facebook, Instagram or LinkedIn and share their stories of resilience and resistance with your network.

Happy Pride Month!

Feel Good Friday - Brava! for Women in the Arts

Today is World Theatre Day and the final Friday of Women's History Month, making it the perfect moment to celebrate Brava! for Women in the Arts, a San Francisco institution that has spent nearly four decades proving that theater is one of the most powerful tools we have for socil change.

Founded in 1986 and headquartered in San Francisco's Mission District, the mission of Brava! for Women in the Arts is "to produce, present, and cultivate the artistic expression of women, BIPOC, youth, LGBTQIA+, and other underrepresented voices." 

Brava owns and operates the Brava Theater Center, a historic venue celebrating 100 years of being a theater on 24th Street. It began life as the Roosevelt Theatre in 1926, later became the York Theatre serving San Francisco's growing Latino community, and was ultimately transformed by Brava into a vibrant home for boundary-pushing performance and community gathering.

Their flagship program, Brava Presents, delivers an eclectic mix of theater, music, dance, film, and comedy, annually producing 30+ performances by women, LGBTQIA+, and BIPOC artists from the Bay Area and beyond. The Artists-in-Residence program supports professional artists who are traditionally locked out of the arts, providing space for creation, grant writing support, and fiscal sponsorship. Past residents include celebrated artists like Marga Gomez, Cherríe Moraga, and Rhodessa Jones.

Brava is also deeply committed to the next generation. Through the Mission Academy of Performing Arts, they train 120 youth ages 13 - 18 each year through four programs: San Francisco Running Crew, which pairs teens with professional mentors for hands-on technical theater training; Cuicacalli Escuela de Danza, celebrating Mexican Baile Folklórico, hip hop, and modern dance; Young Actors Lab, integrating drama, movement, and music; and Loco Bloco, a youth performance organization using music and drumming to drive social change.

If you're in SF, catching a show at Brava Theater Center is one way to support their work. You can also make a donation, or amplify their message on social media. Follow Brava on Facebook, Instagram or LinkedIn, subscribe to their YouTube channel and share their stories of art, resistance, and community with your network.

Happy World Theatre Day and Happy Women's History Month! 

Feel Good Friday - United We Dream

Today is Pravasi Bharatiya Divas, a day when India celebrates the contributions of its diaspora and honors the day Mahatma Gandhi returned home from South Africa in 1915 to lead the fight for justice. That makes this a perfect Friday to spotlight United We Dream.

Founded in 2008 and headquartered in Washington, D.C., United We Dream (UWD) is the largest immigrant youth-led network fighting for dignity and respect for all immigrants in the United States whether they’re coming from India or any other country. The mission of UWD is to "create welcoming spaces for young people – regardless of immigration status – to support, engage, and empower them to make their voice heard and win!”

The organization grew from a loose network of young undocumented students into a powerful movement. UWD puts immigrant youth at the center of decision-making, with over 60% of members identifying as women and 20% as LGBTQ. Their vision celebrates diversity through multi-ethnic, intersectional organizing that addresses immigration alongside racial justice, LGBTQ rights, education, health, and climate change.

The network operates through several key programs. Their DACA Renewal Fund provides direct financial assistance to help DACA recipients pay the $495 renewal fee. Since they began, UWD has helped more than 1,700 immigrant youth access DACA renewals through partnerships in 16 states! Other programs include Deportation Defense with Know Your Rights trainings, Education Justice to clear pathways to higher education, the UndocuHealth Initiative for mental health support, and the Queer Undocumented Immigrant Project for LGBTQ immigrant youth leadership. 

UWD has had a big impact across the country. The organization has grown to over 1 million members nationwide, with more than 100 local groups operating across 28 states. They reach over 4 million people every month through their social media platforms, email, and text messaging.

If you'd like to support United We Dream, there are many ways to do so. You can make a general donation or contribute to their DACA Renewal Fund where 100% goes directly to recipients. You can also join their network as a member and share their work on social media. Follow United We Dream on Bluesky, Facebook, Instagram, LinkedIn, or YouTube and share their stories of empowerment and justice with your network.

Feel Good Friday - Gay For Good

Wrapping up our LGBTQ+ Pride Month series with the story of a group that puts the good in Gay for Good. 

Founded in 2008 and headquartered in Long Beach, California, the mission of Gay for Good (G4G) is to mobilize “lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, queer (LGBTQ+) and ally volunteers to promote diversity, foster inclusion and strengthen ties to the broader community.”

G4G’s values are in service of that mission. They include building community, creating visibility for LGBTQ+ people, promoting diversity, equity and inclusion, advancing sustainability and reducing their environmental impact, all while having fun! 

There are 21 chapters around the country from Arkansas to Dallas-Fort Worth and Washington D.C. These local chapters identify and connect with nonprofits that support the environment, animal welfare, and people in need in their communities. G4G then assists the selected organizations by mobilizing volunteers who donate their time, and by helping to amplify the missions of these organizations within their vast network of LGBTQ+ volunteers and allies.

The volunteer opportunities are wide ranging. The Phoenix chapter is creating posters and signs for Make-A-Wish Arizona, the Denver chapter is helping Project Angel Heart Kitchen to scoop, wrap, and seal breakfast meals, and the San Francisco chapter is running a beverage booth at SF Pride. You can visit this events page to see volunteer opportunities around the country. Or find your local chapter on main site.

Since they began, Gay For Good has organized 2,845 service projects for 962 nonprofits, and volunteers have donated time valued at $3.7 million.

In the spirit of diversity and inclusion, all are welcome to join a project. If this sounds like a fun way to spend your time, you can sign up for the mailing list to be notified of volunteer opportunities. Other ways to support G4G include making a donation, shopping for merch, rounding up your purchases at Walmart, or linking your Ralph’s card so a percentage from your purchase is donated to G4G. You can also amplify their work on social media by following Gay For Good on Instagram and LinkedIn. Happy Pride! 

Feel Good Friday - The Venture Out Project

Not only is June LGBTQ+ Pride Month, it’s also summer and a perfect time to get out and explore nature. What a great day to learn about today’s organization, The Venture Out Project.

Founded in 2014 by Perry Cohen, and headquartered in Florence, Massachusetts, the mission of The Venture Out Project (TVOP) is “to provide a safe and fun space for queer, trans, and LGBTQ+ people to experience the outdoors.” They do this by leading backpacking and wilderness trips for the queer and transgender community, and by conducting transgender inclusion workshops for educators, adventure professionals, and summer camps.

You can sign up for overnight adventures like campouts, rafting or forest bathing or if you’d like to test the waters before bringing your tent, there are plenty of volunteer-led day hikes across the country and skill building workshops in New England. This 15-minute documentary produced by REI gives a great overview of the trips and how impactful it can be for people to show up as their full selves in community with others. Participants get to enjoy nature and forge lifelong bonds while making unforgettable memories.

In addition to leading these outdoor adventures, TVOP “offers educational programs and services to those looking to make their existing programming more inclusive and affirming of trans and gender diverse people.”  

Since they began, The Venture Out Project has become a nationally recognized nonprofit supporting LGBTQ+ community building and challenge-based personal development outdoors. TVOP volunteers have led over 50 adventures for more than 500 LGBTQ+ participants from across the globe.  

If you’re interested in getting outdoors, take a look at the trip descriptions and sign up for one that fits your schedule and your interests. If you’re Wilderness First Aid certified, consider becoming a volunteer and leading a trip. Or, if you prefer to support TVOP from the comfort of home, there ways you can do that too. Shop for merch, make a donation and amplify their work on social media by following The Venture Out Project on Facebook and Instagram.

Feel Good Friday - Stonewall Community Foundation

June is LGBTQ+ Pride Month and what better way to celebrate than to highlight work being done by the Stonewall Community Foundation.

Founded in 1990 and headquartered in New York City, the Stonewall Community Foundation “strengthens the LGBTQ community and Movement by making strategic, values-driven investments in dynamic organizations, projects, and leaders.”

The organization is named after the uprising at the Stonewall Inn in 1969 that gave birth to the gay rights movement in the U.S. The founders were inspired by the growth of LGBTQ nonprofits during the AIDS crisis in the 1980s and wanted to create a foundation “where loss could inspire legacy and the power of individual giving could be amplified”.

As a public foundation, Stonewall raises money and funds over 200 nonprofits every year in over 30 issue areas that advance queer liberation, including racial, social, and economic justice.  Examples of funds that receive grant money include: the LGBTQ+ Youth Fund, which makes grants to programs and organizations supporting LGBTQ+ youth in New York City; the Emergency Response fund which supports organizations serving individuals impacted by natural disasters, and acts of violence; and the Swish Ally Fund which grants funds to organizations doing the work on the frontlines of the LGBTQ+ movement for equality, liberation, and justice.

In the 35 years the foundation has been running, they’ve awarded $27 million in grants to over 700 nonprofits in 132 cities. They also support 650 individuals each year with micro grants and scholarships. You can go to this page to read stories about organizations that have received grants. Whether they’re providing safe harbor for LGBTQ+ asylum seekers, anti-violence education, or a space for queer theater, these groups have been able to make a bigger impact thanks to funding from the Stonewall Community Foundation.

The 2025 Vision Awards, which honor extraordinary individuals who use their voice to make the world a better place for LGBTQ+ people, are happening on June 18th in New York City. If you live in the New York metropolitan area, attending will be a fun way to support the Stonewall Community Foundation. For those of us farther away, we can show our support by making a donation and spreading the word on social media. Follow the Stonewall Community Foundation on Facebook, Instagram and LinkedIn.

Feel Good Friday - Family Equality Council

Pride month is in full swing and it’s a great time to learn about organizations supporting the LGBTQ+ community. The focus of today’s Feel Good Friday is Family Equality Council.

Founded in 1979 as the Gay Fathers Coalition and headquartered in New York City, the organization officially changed its name to Family Equality Council in 2007. The mission of Family Equality is “to ensure that everyone has the freedom to find, form, and sustain their families by advancing equality for the LGBTQ+ community.”

In order to achieve the goals of their mission, Family Equality has several strategic priorities that inform their work such as advancing racial and social justice, shaping the LGBTQ+ family narrative through storytelling, and building resilient communities. They advocate for policy changes at both state and federal levels, develop programmatic initiatives to protect LGBTQ+ families and youth from discrimination in schools, and help families share their own stories. These stories are given to decision-makers and the media so they have the tools they need to treat families with dignity and respect. You can view some examples in the story library, including this one from Niecy Nash.

Family Equality also provides LGBTQ+ diversity and inclusion training for employers and professionals involved in family-building such as healthcare providers, family law practitioners and social workers. With an estimated 3.9 million LGBTQ+ millennials planning to build their families in the next few years, it’s important that providers are equipped to support these families.

People looking for connection and resources can find both on the Family Equality website. For those interested in starting a family there is information on all the ways to do so, as well as a provider directory. There are also virtual peer support spaces and in-person events to help families build community. 

If you’d like to help Family Equality protect love, family and freedom, there are many ways to do so. Share your story, shop for merch, donate your money and amplify their work on social medial. Follow Family Equality Council on Facebook, Instagram, or LinkedIn and subscribe to their YouTube channel.

Feel Good Friday - Lesbians Who Tech & Allies

If you’ve noticed more rainbows than usual this week that’s because June is Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Transgender and Queer Pride Month. That makes today a perfect day to learn about Lesbians Who Tech & Allies.

Founded in 2013 and headquartered in San Francisco, California, the mission of Lesbians Who Tech & Allies (LWT) is "to reach pay equity and representation at every level, for women, women of color, and nonbinary leaders.” With a global community of over 110,000 LGBTQIA+ women, trans and nonbinary individuals, and allies, they are the largest LGBTQIA+  technology community in the world!

LWT programs are designed to ensure these leaders have the skills and support they need to achieve success. These programs include the Edie Windsor Coding Scholarship Fund, which provides coding scholarships for non-binary and LGBTQIA+ women, and a Squad Leadership Program that supports members moving into senior leadership roles and onto corporate boards. There’s also a job board where companies can post openings and techies can look for work.

Another big focus Lesbians Who Tech are the summits held in San Francisco and New York. The 5th annual Pride Summit in San Francisco takes place June 11 - 13. The agenda  is packed with presentations and networking opportunities. Best of all it’s virtual and FREE! Find more information and register here.

The New York Summit takes place in person September 17 - 20. If you’re interested in going but unsure you can get approval, LWT provides a letter template called Convince Your Boss, which you can download and modify before sharing with your employer.

If you’re not able to attend one of the upcoming summits, there are still many ways you can help LWT promote equity, visibility and intersectionality in the tech world. Volunteer your time, shop for merch and spread the love on social media. Like the Lesbians Who Tech & Allies Facebook page and follow them on Instagram and LinkedIn.

Feel Good Friday - Strong Family Alliance

With Father’s Day fast approaching and Pride Month ongoing, it’s time to highlight an organization that provides support to both fathers and mothers of LGBTQ+ children, Strong Family Alliance.

Founded in 2017 and headquartered in Austin, Texas, Strong Family Alliance (SFA) is a non-profit organization focused on supporting parents of children in the LGBTQ+ community. Their mission is “to save lives and preserve families by helping children come out and parents become informed supporters and allies.”

The reason to create an organization focused on parents stems from these statistics: LGBTQ+ children who are rejected by their families are 8 times more likely to report suicide attempts, 6 times more likely to report higher levels of depression, 3 times more likely to use illegal drugs, and 3 times more likely to be homeless. 

The people behind Strong Family Alliance consider themselves first responders because they target parents who haven’t decided whether or not to accept their child in the initial days after their child comes out. SFA provides parents with non-political, research-based information as a way to help build understanding and strong relationships between parents and their LGBTQ+ children.

There are two downloadable guides on the website. One is focused on LGBQ youth, the other addresses issues specific to transgender youth. Both guides have three sections. Basic information includes vocabulary, myths that stigmatize LGBTQ+ people, risks for your child and the journey for parents. Ways to support your child includes actions that can help (keep talking and listening to your child), actions that can hurt (telling your child it’s just a phase) and tips to build your child’s self esteem. Challenges ahead provides information on managing emotions, telling others and becoming an ally.

The website also has a page of resources, including information for children on coming out to your parents, and stories from parents describing their experiences. Parents with a story to share can do that here: share your parent story.

If the story of Strong Family Alliance has inspired you to support them, you can do so by making a donation and amplifying their message on social media. Follow Strong Family Alliance on Facebook, on Twitter @sfamilyalliance and on Instagram @sfamilyalliance. 

Feel Good Friday - Kaleidoscope Trust

In today’s Pride-themed Feel Good Friday, we take a trip across the pond to highlight the UK-based charity, Kaleidoscope Trust.

Founded in 2011 and based in London, the vision of Kaleidoscope Trust is “a world where LGBTI+ people everywhere are free to be themselves and one in which no LGBTI+ person is left behind in the fight for freedom, safety and equality.”

The inspiration to create Kaleidoscope Trust is explained on the website. “Much of the persecution, discrimination and violence faced by LGBT+ people across the Commonwealth originates from the United Kingdom's colonial exploits. Alongside British cultural attitudes and mores, Britain exported homophobic laws that penalised those who lived and loved outside of established British societal norms.” With 35 of the 56 Commonwealth member states still criminalizing same-sex intimacy, Kaleidoscope Trust is working to uphold the human rights of LGBT+ people around the world.

Their work is divided into several areas: advocacy to spread awareness of LGBT+ rights across the Commonwealth and around the globe; funding and capacity building for organizations defending human rights; strengthening movements by connecting organizations with similar goals to each other and by connecting grassroots organizers with politicians and decision makers; and research that helps shape their advocacy and program design.

You can explore the Kaleidoscope Trust website to read more about specific research topics such as "Mental Health in LGBT+ Communities Across the Commonwealth”, “The Economic Cost of LGBT+ Exclusion” or “An Intersectional Approach to Policy making". While Kaleidoscope Trust doesn’t provide direct support to individuals, they do share a list of recommended organizations that can provide assistance. 

If you’d like to support Kaleidoscope Trust during Pride month, or any other time of year, you can do so by volunteering, making a donation and amplifying their message on social media. Follow Kaleidoscope Trust on Facebook, on Twitter @Kaleidoscope_T and on Instagram @kaleidoscope_t. #FreeSafeEqual

Feel Good Friday - GLSEN

It’s the final Feel Good Friday of Pride month, perfect time to highlight the work of GLSEN. 

Founded by a group of teachers in 1990, GSLEN (pronounced glisten) is a national education organization, “working to create a safe and inclusive K-12 school environment for LGBTQ+ youth.” Their mission is “to ensure that every member of every school community is valued and respected regardless of sexual orientation, gender identity or gender expression.” 

GLSEN coordinates a network of 43 chapters in 30 states across the nation and focuses on four major ways schools can cultivate a safe and supportive environment for all of their students: 

• Developing supportive educators – providing training and resources for educators so that students can have a visibly supportive educator in the classroom who can advocate on LGBTQ students’ behalf, implement LGBTQ content in the lessons, and address bullying and harassment issues. Join the educator network or use some of the many resources for educators.
• Passing and implementing comprehensive policies – advocating for policies that support LGBTQ students such as non-discrimination, facilities accessibility and affirming trans and gender non-conforming students’ participation in athletics. Join the advocacy network here.
• Advocating for an inclusive and affirming curriculum – the team at GLSEN authors developmentally appropriate resources for educators to use throughout their school community. Download this Inclusive Curriculum Guide.
• Supporting student Gender and Sexuality Alliances (GSAs) – GLSEN provides resources for student leaders to organize GSAs in their schools to help create community and push for change. Find GSA resources at this link.

In the 32 years since they began, GLSEN’s national network is now more than 1.5 million strong, with students, families, educators, and education advocates working to create safe schools. More than 500,000 GLSEN resources are downloaded by students and educators each year!

 

If you’d like to support the work of GLSEN you can make a donation, shop for merch and help spread the word on social media. Like the GLSEN Facebook page and follow them on Twitter @GLSEN and Instagram @glsen

 

 

Feel Good Friday - Urgent Action Fund for Women's Human Rights

It’s the first Feel Good Friday of Women’s History Month and the country of Ukraine is under attack. That’s why we’re profiling an organization supporting women in Ukraine, Urgent Action Fund for Women’s Human Rights. 

Founded in 1997 and headquartered in Alameda, California, Urgent Action Fund for Women’s Human Rights(UAF) is “a feminist fund that protects, strengthens and sustains women and transgender human rights defenders at critical moments.” They respond to requests for assistance within 24 hours and have funds of up to $8,000 USD on the ground within 1- 10 business days.

 

Right now, to support women, trans, and nonbinary activists in Ukraine, UAF is responding to requests from groups and individuals seeking:

• Support with emergency evacuations and relocations
• Legal, financial, and medical support
• Security and disaster survival training
• Increasing shelter capacities for children, women, and all other civilians
• Access to alternative communication channels, mobile internet, power banks, VPNs, proxy, spare phones, and tablets

This rapid response grantmaking is one of the ways UAF supports women’s rights, LGBTQ+ rights, and climate defenders. Another focus of UAF’s work is advocacy and alliance building. When they see that certain issues are trending, UAF “brings together grassroots activists, feminists, women’s human rights defenders, academics and policy-makers to design the best strategic response.” Solutions range from fundraising to policy change.

 

In order to better direct their grantmaking and fundraising efforts, UAF established autonomous, urgent action sister funds in Africa (2001), Latin America (2009) and Asia (2017). This global consortium has awarded over 2,000 grants to women’s human rights activists in 110 countries around the world. You can use this interactive map to see who has received grants in the last 10 years, and if you know anyone who would benefit from receiving funds, send them this link.

 

If you want to support the work of UAF, you can donate to the Urgent Response Fund: Ukraine, make general donation, or volunteer. You can also amplify the work of UAF on social media. Like their Facebook page and follow them on Twitter @UrgentAct and Instagram @urgentactionfund.