Laws protecting LGBT citizens from discrimination are currently lacking at the federal level and exist in a minority of state and local governments across the country. Such laws are needed in areas including hiring and employment, housing, provision of goods and services, as well as administration of health care. Rights and protections for some of the LGBT community’s most vulnerable members are especially urgent, including those for transgender and gender-non-conforming individuals, LGBT youth, immigrants and people of color. If you’d like to know more about the state of LGBT rights, learn about specific cases, or wish to get involved, we recommend the following national organizations for their outstanding work in helping to further the cause of LGBT rights. There are also many local rights organizations in your area which are worth seeking out and supporting.
American Civil Rights Union (ACLU)
The country’s premier rights organization which has been deeply involved in numerous LGBT civil rights cases over the years. There are local chapters in your area too.
American Veterans for Equal Rights (AVER)
Supports and advocates for the rights of LGBT veterans of the US Armed Services.
GLMA: Health Professionals Advancing LGBT Equality
A professional organization of LGBT medical professionals which serves to support the unique needs of LGBT people.
GLBTQ Legal Advocates & Defenders
A legal rights organization working to end discrimination based on sexual orientation, HIV status, and gender identity.
Human Rights Campaign (HRC)
The largest LGBT civil rights organization in the US, HRC aims to protect and expand the rights of LGBT people.
Immigration Equality
The leading national LGBT immigrants’ rights organization, advocating for both LGBT and HIV positive immigrants.
iterACT Advocates for Intersex Youth
An important advocate for the legal and human rights of children born with intersex traits.
Lambda Legal
LGBT civil rights organization which specializes in the fields of impact litigation, societal education and public policy work.
National Black Justice Coalition
Civil rights organization which advocates for the unique needs of the country’s African American LGBT community.
National Center for Transgender Equality
Trans rights organization which works on issues including employment discrimination, access to public accommodations and housing, identity documents, access to health care and more.
National LGBT Task Force (The Task Force)
One of the oldest social justice advocacy organizations for the LGBT community, The Task Force focuses on action and activism.
Out and Equal Workplace Advocates
A national organization focusing on workplace equality through advocacy, training programs, and events.
OutServe-SLDN
A merger between two organizations devoted to representing the needs of American LGBT service members through advocacy, legal services, and professional development opportunities.
Transgender Law Center (TLC)
The largest transgender rights organization in the US, the TLC provides direct legal services, public policy advocacy, and educational opportunities for the country's transgender community.
