Whether you are a new member of the LGBT community or have been active for a while, there are several sites you might be interested in checking out. These include Grindr, the American Psychoanalytic Foundation, and the National Queer Asian Pacific Islander Alliance.
GSA clubs
GSA clubs for the LGBT community are a way for youth to make friends and connect with the larger LGBTQ community. They help make school environments more welcoming and safer for all students. In addition, they can promote inclusive school policies and advocacy efforts.
Although schools cannot deny access to clubs based on “controversy,” there are still a few things administrators must keep in mind. For example, denying a club membership due to a perceived violation of law may violate state laws.
Generally, students should talk to their school’s principal about starting a GSA. If the school doesn’t support the group, the student should take note of the concerns and ask for guidance on how to proceed.
TransEquality
The transgender community has a number of resources to help them navigate their way through life. For starters, there is the Transgender Law Center, which offers information and resources related to the legal rights of transgender individuals. Also, there is the LGBT National Help Center, which provides assistance to the transgender community.
There are other organizations with a similar mission. These include the Parents, Family & Friends of Lesbians and Gays, which works to improve the lives of LGBTQ parents and their families. Another is the Brown Boi Project, which aims to empower the economic and social self-sufficiency of LGBTQ men of color.
Finally, there is the Human Rights Campaign, which educates the public on the plight of the GLBT community and advocates for fair-minded candidates and policies. Aside from their advocacy work, the HRC also engages in research, offers resources, and sponsors public education.
Grindr
Grindr is a gay dating app that enables people to meet others who share their sexual orientation and interests. The app is available to people around the world and is especially useful in places where there are no local gay social groups or organizations.
For many LBGT individuals, Grindr can be a lifesaver. In places where homosexuality is illegal or taboo, using the app can offer a safe space. But it can also be a hotbed for catfish, undercover police and thieves.
Grindr uses GPS technology to connect users with local gay or bi men. However, the use of the application differs between cultures. Some countries like Iran have strict laws against homosexuality and require users to use a VPN when using the service.
National Center for Transgender Equality
The National Center for Transgender Equality (NCTE) is a nonprofit organization based in Washington, DC. NCTE’s mission is to improve the lives of transgender people by advocating for policies and cultural change. They accomplish this by educating the general public, working with policy makers, and engaging in grassroots advocacy. Its activities include media advocacy, regulatory lobbying, and grassroots training.
The Center is best known for its work in the national capital, but they also have a presence in more than a dozen states. In addition to providing resources for transgender people, NCTE works to change the social stigma around being a transgender person. For example, they have advocated for health insurance companies to cover transition-related healthcare.
National Queer Asian Pacific Islander Alliance
The National Queer Asian Pacific Islander Alliance, or NQAPIA, is an organization that promotes visibility and social change for the queer Asian Pacific Islander community. In particular, the group provides training and educational resources, as well as the organizational toolkit to local and national LGBT AAPI groups. Moreover, the organization engages in social marketing campaigns and participates in national discussions surrounding LGBTQ issues.
The NQAPIA is also a member of the National Council of Asian Pacific Americans, or NCAPA, a national umbrella organization that brings together many of the country’s most powerful racial and ethnic organizations. Specifically, the organization serves the AAPI community by helping to promote the arts, education, and the burgeoning LGBTQ rights movement.
American Psychoanalytic Foundation
In honor of the 50th anniversary of the Stonewall uprising, the American Psychoanalytic Association (APsaA) issued an apology for its past views on the LGBT community. This is one of the first medical associations to make this statement.
The statement states that the psychoanalytic profession’s understanding of homosexuality has shaped society’s view of the community. It also affirms the APsaA’s commitment to civil rights, including against discrimination and sexual orientation change efforts, otherwise known as conversion therapy.
The American Psychoanalytic Association is a professional association that represents 3,000 members, training institutes, and affiliate societies. The organization is the oldest professional association for psychoanalysts in North America.