These groups focus on better healthcare access, reducing health disparities, HIV prevention and care, protecting LGBTQ+ elders, anti-bullying work in schools, and legislative advocacy. The American Nurses Association backs this directly: its 2019 position statement on nursing advocacy for LGBTQ+ populations commits nurses to eliminating health disparities and discrimination based on sexual orientation, gender identity, or expression.
10 Organizations to Join or Support
Black Trans Advocacy Coalition (BTAC) advocates for Black transgender equality across health, housing, and employment. Support it through the FOLX Health Transgender Hormone Replacement Therapy Fund, which helps trans, nonbinary, and intersex people access hormone therapy.
Gay & Lesbian Medical Association (GLMA) has a 30-year record of advocacy and education for LGBTQ+ healthcare. Its Lesbian Health Fund supports research on reproductive health, osteoporosis, stress, domestic violence, and STI prevention.
The Fenway Institute runs policy research, health education, and care programs for sexual and gender minorities and people affected by HIV, including protections for LGBTQ+ elders. Support it through a donation to Fenway Health.
National Association of Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Transgender Addiction Professionals and Their Allies (NALGAP) was founded in 1979 to address substance misuse and addiction in the LGBTQ+ community. It offers training and networking, and you can support it by attending its events.
HealthHIV is a national nonprofit that trains providers on HIV prevention and care and runs programs for related issues like hepatitis C. It offers certification in HIV primary care and prevention. Support it by joining the National Coalition for LGBTQ Health.
National LGBTQ Cancer Network educates the community on elevated cancer risks and early screening, trains providers, and offers cultural competency training. Join its mailing list to track its advocacy and training.
LGBT HealthLink is a national network of providers working to reduce health disparities through grassroots collaboration between community organizations and public health systems. Follow its HealthLink News page to stay current.
PFLAG was founded in 1973 and is the first and largest organization for LGBTQ+ people, their families, and allies, with more than 360 chapters and over 550,000 members and supporters. It runs newsletters, a student scholarship, and an online learning community. Membership starts at a $50 donation.
Human Rights Campaign Foundation was started in 1984 and works on LGBTQ+ rights through public education, research, and policy change at local, state, national, and international levels. Get involved through its newsletter, conferences, or donations.
The Trevor Project is the largest suicide prevention and crisis intervention group for LGBTQ+ young people. It estimates more than 1.8 million LGBTQ+ young people aged 13 to 24 seriously consider suicide each year in the United States, with one attempt every 45 seconds, and its counselors are available 24/7. Support it with a one-time or recurring gift.
This article touches on suicide. If you or someone you know is struggling, reach out to a crisis line or a trusted professional for support.
Frequently Asked Questions
Why should nurses support LGBTQ+ healthcare organizations? LGBTQ+ patients face documented inequities in access and treatment. The ANA's 2019 position statement commits nurses to eliminating those disparities, and these groups supply the training, research, and advocacy that make competent care possible.
Does the American Nurses Association have a formal stance on LGBTQ+ care? Yes. ANA's 2019 statement, Nursing Advocacy for LGBTQ+ Populations, condemns discrimination based on sexual orientation, gender identity, or expression and calls on nurses to deliver culturally congruent care.
Which organization helps LGBTQ+ young people in crisis? The Trevor Project runs 24/7 suicide prevention and crisis services for LGBTQ+ youth. It estimates more than 1.8 million LGBTQ+ young people seriously consider suicide each year in the United States.
How can a nurse support these groups without donating money? Many accept time and reach instead of cash: join a mailing list, attend training, complete a certification like HealthHIV's HIV primary care credential, or share an organization's resources with colleagues and patients.
How large is PFLAG? PFLAG, founded in 1973, is the first and largest organization for LGBTQ+ people and their families, with more than 360 chapters and over 550,000 members and supporters nationwide.
Where can I find continuing education on LGBTQ+ care? GLMA, The Fenway Institute, the National LGBTQ Cancer Network, and HealthHIV all offer provider training and cultural competency programs, several of which count toward continuing education or certification.