GLBT Resources

The Human Rights Campaign occasionally takes some criticism for not having "gay" in their name. However, they're the largest and arguably best organized GLBT rights group, easily recognizable by their signature yellow equal sign on a blue background. Their mission is to work for equal rights for GLBT people. They monitor and "grade" politicians on both sides of the aisle and sponsor numerous community initiatives, including a National Coming Out Day program, and a Gay Marriage Project. Their Web site contains a state-by-state list of local steering committees and volunteer committees.

The National Gay and Lesbian Task Force is theoretically grassroots, but does not have as ubiquitous a presence as The Human Rights Campaign. They do, however, engage in a fair amount of local activism. They sponsor regional conferences and invest in training activists. Check out their local resources.

Lambda Legal is the oldest LGBT nonprofit law center in the United States. The main way to get involved with them is to donate money and/or become a member. They also send out online calls to action: send letters and faxes to show your support for a particular issue.

Gay and Lesbian Advocates and Defenders is New England's local GLBT nonprofit law center. This group is best known as the architect of the Massachusetts same-sex marriage case.

The Service Members Legal Defense Network is dedicated to repealing "Don't Ask, Don't Tell," and to allowing GLBT soldiers to serve openly. There are online volunteer opportunities, and they're looking for volunteers at their DC office.

The National Center for Lesbian Rights is a lesbian-focused nonprofit law center. The ways to get involved via their Web site are limited to donating money. But it's a great place to stay abreast of legal issues pertinent to lesbians.

The Gay, Lesbian, and Straight Education Network fights bullying and anti-gay harassment in schools. They sponsor various campaigns such as No Name Calling Week. Check out the site for information and to find local chapters.

The Gender Public Advocacy Coalition is dedicated to fighting gender-stereotyping and gender, sex, and sexual orientation discrimination. They have a Gender Youth Network that provides opportunities for grassroots activism in local communities.

The Gay & Lesbian Alliance Against Defamation is a media watch group that promotes fair and accurate portrayals of GLBT people. There are ways to get involved via their Web site; for example, report instances of accurate and inaccurate GLBT representation in the media. And they also regularly look for volunteers to help produce their Media Awards Events.

Soulforce is a nonviolent civil disobedience group whose mission is to fight political and religious oppression. Their most high-profile ongoing action is an "Equality Ride" to Christian colleges modeled on the Freedom Rides during the Civil Rights Movement.

The Log Cabin Republicans consider themselves loyal Republicans who believe in equality for all Americans. Although some consider "Gay Republican" a contradiction in terms, they believe that anti-gay discrimination runs counter to true Republican ideals.

The National Stonewall Democrats is a grassroots network connecting local GLBT democratic clubs. They focus on both local and national politics.