What better way to celebrate Pride month than with a landmark Supreme Court ruling that makes it illegal to discriminate against a worker based on their gender identity and sexual orientation? The June 15 court decision added these protected characteristics to Title VII of the Civil Rights Act that prohibits discrimination based on race, color, religion, sex and national origin.
Now it’s time to lather, rinse and repeat. Until there are federal protections for LGBTQI people in the areas of housing, education, healthcare and public accommodations, millions will very tangibly struggle under laws that allow discrimination to persist. (See the cost in By the Numbers: Being LGBTQ+ In America.)
Many organizations do great advocacy work and provide support to the LGBTQ+ community. We highlight roughly one dozen below to help you find information about laws in your state, locate local chapters of organizations worthy of your financial support or volunteer hours. We also make note of those that provide mental health and legal support.
How to be an LGBTQ+ ally: Some guidance from PFLAG, GLAAD, GLSEN (for students) and the Transequality Group.
Take action locally: See how your community stacks up on LGBTQ+ equality issues and how you can donate and get involved via the Human Rights Campaign.
Report discrimination: Report discrimination to the ACLU using this form dedicated to LGBTQ/HIV complaints only. To request legal assistance contact your local ACLU affiliate. Here are instructions on how to file a charge of discrimination complaint with the U.S. Equal Employment Opportunity Commission.
Family leave laws: A map of current FMLA laws to see if your employer is required to grant you leave from work to care for a spouse, partner or child if you’re not in a legally-recognized relationship.
LGBT aging issues and assistance: Sage is an advocacy and services organization for LGBTQ seniors. It helps seniors navigate issues like housing discrimination, and connects the community with eldercare resources and more. It’s is also part of the National Resource Center on LGBT Aging.
Transgender rights and resources: The National Center for Transgender Equality works on the local, state and national level to change laws and policies for transgender people. Its Trans Legal Network includes 50 organizations that help transgender people navigate the legal complexities of the name and gender change process and other issues. The organization’s Know Your Rights section has up-to-date information on transgender people’s rights and resources for everything from airport security and schools, to health care and more.
Crisis intervention and suicide prevention: TheTrevorProject.org provides 24/7 crisis intervention and suicide prevention services to lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, queer and questioning young people under 25 online, by text and by phone 866-488-7386.
Immigration law: The National Immigrant Justice Center’s LGBTQ Immigrant Rights Initiative provides legal services to low-income LGBT immigrants.
LGBTQ+ financial planning: The XY Planning Network lets you find financial planners who have experience working with LGBTQ women and LGBTQIA people. The College for Financial Planning database includes a filter for planners with Accredited Domestic Partnership Advisors (ADPA) certification, meaning they completed training in areas including wealth transfers, federal taxation, retirement planning, and financial and medical end-of-life planning needs.
Employment and investments: Find work and invest in companies that support equality. The Human Rights Campaign’s Corporate Equality Index rates large companies on their demonstrated commitment to LGBTQ equality and inclusion.
Students, parents and teachers: Find your local GLSEN chapter of this organization that provides programs and resources for K-12 students and teachers to improve conditions for LGBTQ students. Also see the LGBTQ Scholarship database maintained by the Human Rights Campaign.
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MORE ON HERMONEY:
- By the Numbers: Being LGBTQ+ In America,
- The Higher Lifetime Costs of the Queer Community
- LISTEN: HerMoney Podcast: LGBTQ Money Matters