LGBTQ+ youth face a unique set of challenges that make their experience far more difficult than that of their peers. While many young people deal with issues like school pressure and difficult family dynamics, LGBTQ+ youth are much more likely to face homelessness, rejection from their families, and bullying because of their identity. The mental health struggles they encounter, including higher rates of anxiety, depression, and eating disorders, are also disproportionately severe. In a time when LGBTQ+ rights are under threat globally, these challenges are even more pronounced.
Thankfully, there are some charities that are stepping up, providing critical support and advocacy to ensure LGBTQ+ youth have the resources and community they need to thrive. In this article, we’ve rounded up 15 organisations making a meaningful difference in the lives of young queer people.
#1. The Trevor Project
The Trevor Project is an American organization that provides crisis intervention and suicide prevention services for queer people under the age of 25. The organisation found out, through the Trevor Project’s 2023 National Survey on LGBTQ Youth Mental Health that as much as 41 percent of LGBTQ+ youth seriously considered suicide in the past year. This is why this organisation works tirelessly to change this dramatic statistic, by means such as intervention, education, but also advocating for policies and laws that protect young LGBTQ+ people. The organisation offers a 24-hour hotline, as well as chat and texting services that provide support and information.
#2. African Queer Youth Initiative
Queer youth faces a myriad of unique challenges in different regions. On the African continent, these range from punitive laws and conservative cultures to limited access to healthcare and educational services. The African Queer Youth Initiative is a response to some of these issues, with the mission to amplify the voices of LGBTQ+ young Africans as well as fighting for their rights.
The organisation supports and empowers LGBTQI+ youth activists throughout the continent. They provide essential resources and programs aimed at increasing visibility, supporting youth organisations, and creating strategic networks.
#3. Minus18
Minus18 is an Australian charity working to tackle the problem of discrimination and homophobia affecting LGBTQ+ youth. Building on the awareness that 2 in 3 queer teenagers still experience abuse for their sexuality, the organisation aims to create a safer environment and promote social belonging.
Through digital campaigns, strategic partnerships, and essential conversations, Minus18 amplifies the voices of the next generation. With projects such as the Young Leaders Program, life affirming events, as well as training, workshops and resources, the organisation champions inclusivity and fosters the next generation of LGBTQ+ leaders.
#4. Albert Kennedy Trust (akt)
Albert Kennedy Trust (akt) is a UK-wide charity founded in 1989, that provides young LGBTQ+ people with routes to safe housing, support and secure futures. The charity helps people aged 16-2 to access safe, affordable, long-term housing, and also provides support in areas like employability, mental health, community building, youth engagement, and healthcare.
Between April 2023 and May 2024, akt supported 791 LGBTQ+ young people facing homelessness or unsafe living conditions, ensuring they have the tools to lead independent, fulfilling lives.
#5. True Colors United
True Colors United was founded in 2008 by Cyndi Lauper to address the issue of homelessness among LGBTQ+ youth, who makes up nearly 40% of the homeless youth population in the US. True Colors United focuses on providing free training and resources to homeless youth services to ensure these spaces are safe and affirming for LGBTQ+ young people. The organisation is guided by two core principles: that those who have experienced homelessness firsthand hold the solutions, and that improving outcomes for the most impacted communities benefits everyone.
#6. Just Like Us
Just Like Us is a UK-based charity dedicated to improving the lives of LGBT+ young people. Founded in 2016, the organisation works with schools and young people across the UK to create a more inclusive, supportive environment for LGBT+ students. The charity runs initiatives such as School Diversity Week, a UK-wide celebration of LGBT+ equality in primary schools, secondary schools, and colleges. They also offer free LGBT+ inclusive educational resources, aiming to make schools safer and more welcoming for all students.
In addition to these efforts, Just Like Us operates a variety of programmes, including school talks, a student-led Pride Groups initiative, and the Ambassador Programme, which trains LGBT+ young adults (18–25 years old) to speak in schools about allyship and support.
#7. Galop
Galop is the UK’s LGBT+ anti-abuse charity, working with and for LGBT+ victims and survivors of abuse and violence. The charity provides free, confidential and independent support for LGBT+ young people aged 13 to 25, who are experiencing and worried about abuse. The charity offers a safe space for them to talk about their experiences, explore their options, and seek help.
The organisation is inclusive of all lesbian, gay, bi, pan, queer, ace, aro, trans, non-binary, genderqueer, gender-fluid, and intersex youth, and it actively works with young people who are exploring their identity. Over half of the LGBT+ youth Galop supports are young people of colour, who often face additional layers of marginalisation.
#8. The Proud Trust
Founded in the 1970s by Amelia Lee and Sally Carr MBE, The Proud Trust is a UK-based charity that empowers LGBT+ young people across Greater Manchester and beyond. The organisation’s goal is to help young queer people feel proud of who they are and build a supportive community.
The Proud Trust offers youth work and one-on-one support, in addition to running several key initiatives, including the Rainbow Flag Award, a national training and inclusion programme for schools, and Proud Connections Live Chat, which provides peer support. The charity also manages Manchester’s LGBT+ Centre, The Proud Place.
The organisation continues to prioritise LGBT+ youth by offering youth groups, mentoring programmes, and other support services. It also works with adults in trusted positions, such as teachers and social workers, to help them create more LGBT+ inclusive spaces, improve their ability to address discrimination, and celebrate diversity.
#9. Born This Way Foundation
Founded in 2012 by pop icon Lady Gaga and her mother Cynthia Germanotta, Born This Way Foundation is an organisation dedicated to creating a kinder and braver world for LGBTQ+ youth. The foundation achieves its mission by leveraging academic research and partnerships to foster kinder communities and improve mental health resources for young people. Through a variety of programs, the foundation helps to create positive environments both online and offline.
Born This Way Foundation offers several key initiatives, such as the Be There Certificate—a free, interactive course designed to enhance mental health literacy and empower young people with the tools to support others. The #BeKind365 digital platform inspires daily acts of kindness, and the Kindness in Community Fund, which distributed $250,000 in 2023, supports over 40 LGBTQ+ organisations in areas where queer youth face particularly challenging circumstances.
#10. GLSEN
GLSEN was founded in 1990 by a group of teachers, wanting to ensure LGBTQ+ youth are supported in schools. In addition to working with educators, GLSEN focuses on student-led movements, such as the Day of Silence and Ally Week. They provide resources for K-12 education, advocate for policies protecting LGBTQ+ students, and have fought discriminatory legislation in over 15 states. GLSEN’s nationwide network supports over 1.5 million individuals, including students, families, and educators, striving to create safe, inclusive environments where LGBTQ+ youth can thrive without fear of bullying.
#11. Trans Youth Equality Foundation
The Trans Youth Equality Foundation provides education and support for transgender, nonbinary, and gender non-conforming youth and their families. The Foundation partners with families, educators, and service providers to create safe, caring environments for gender-diverse children. They offer youth camps and support groups to help trans and nonbinary kids, as well as their parents, navigate the challenges they face. The Foundation’s goal is to empower both youth and families to build healthy, supportive communities.
#12. The Ali Forney Center
The Ali Forney Center (AFC), founded in 200 in memory of Ali Forney, is the largest provider of services to LGBTQ+ homeless youth in the U.S. With a focus on protecting young people from the dangers of homelessness, AFC offers a range of services including a 24-hour Drop-In Center, medical and mental health care, and housing programmes. Their mission is to help LGBTQ+ youth gain independence and stability. AFC’s comprehensive care model has been widely recognised for its impact, and founder Carl Siciliano was honoured as a White House Champion of Change.
#13. Stonewall Housing
Stonewall Housing is the UK’s leading charity supporting LGBTQ+ people of all ages facing homelessness or unsafe living conditions. Founded in 1983, they provide specialist housing advice, advocacy, and support, with expertise in mental health, domestic abuse, substance misuse, and supported accommodation. Their services are free and confidential, offering a helpline, mental health advocacy, and direct assistance for those at risk. Stonewall Housing helps thousands each year, ensuring LGBTQ+ individuals have access to safe and secure housing.
