Every June, London joins the entire world in honouring and celebrating the LGBTQ+ community, as vibrant festivities take over the capital. One of the best ways to show your support this Pride Month (and beyond), is by recognising and supporting the invaluable work of all the London-based charities and organisations working with and for the community.
These groups provide essential support, advocacy, and community spaces for individuals across the spectrum of sexual orientations and gender identities. Supporting these charities not only helps maintain vital projects across the capital, but they also reinforce the progress that we’ve made, as well as the areas we need to work on.
London has a rich history of LGBTQ+ activism, with several key organisations leading the way, spearheaded by orgs like Stonewall, which has been at the forefront of the fight for equality since 1989, and the UK’s oldest LGBTQ+ charity London Friend. So without further ado, here are some London-based organisations and charities that you can support this Pride Month, and beyond:
1. London Friend
London Friend is the UK’s oldest LGBTQ+ charity, founded in 1972. It offers support and counselling services, including specialised work in addiction and mental health. However, they offer and protect a range of services including support around issues such as same-sex relationships, sexual and gender identity, and beyond. Their ‘Antidote’ project is particularly notable, being a foundational service for LGBTQ+ people in the capital who need help with drug and alcohol addiction. 🌐 Visit their website
2. Stonewall
As one of the UK’s most prominent LGBTQ+ rights organisations, Stonewall has been campaigning for the equality of lesbian, gay, bi, trans, and queer people across Britain since 1989. They offer resources, advocacy, and educational programs to combat discrimination and promote acceptance. They’ve been the force behind many iconic campaigns, as well as necessary changes, both socially and in government. 🌐 Visit their website
3. London LGBTQ+ Community Centre
The London LGBTQ+ Community Centre is a vital hub that provides a safe and welcoming space for all members of the community. The sober, intersectional community centre and café offers a variety of events, workshops, and social gatherings to foster the importance of togetherness and support. They work with other local organisations and charities to provide essential services like sexual health testing and mental health help, as well as exercise workshops and social events like crafting, skills sharing, and more. 🌐 Visit their website
4. Mermaids
Mermaids is the UK’s most well-known charity that supports transgender, nonbinary, and gender-diverse children, young people, and their families. While it operates on a national level, Mermaids has a significant presence in London, offering resources, advocacy, and support groups. They work to educate and inform people, professionals, and organisations, who want to be part of a society where trans children and young people are not only safe, but encouraged to be empowered.🌐 Visit their website
5. Spectra
Spectra works to improve the health and well-being of diverse communities, including LGBTQ+ individuals. They offer health advice, HIV testing, and sexual health support, with a focus on reducing health inequalities and stigma. As well as the HIV testing, they boast a variety of other services like trans+ support, free condoms, and more. 🌐 Visit their website
6. Rainbow Mind
Championing mental health for LGBTQ+ people, Rainbow Mind is a collaborative effort between Mind and local London communities. It provides mental health support that is specifically tailored to LGBTQ+ individuals and the problems they may face. Another great London-based initiative from Mind is the Outcome project with Islington Mind, offering a range of services like therapy, advocacy, and social activities. 🌐 Visit their website
7. Proud North London
Proud North London (otherwise/formally known as LGBT Youth London) offers support and services specifically for young LGBTQ+ people. They are famed for bringing incredible LGBT+ youth groups to boroughs across the capital, notably in the north but they are located all over. They provide a safe space, mentoring, educational workshops, and social activities to help young, queer individuals thrive. 🌐 Visit their website
8. TransPALS
TransPALS is a peer support group for trans and non-binary people based in South London. It provides a supportive environment for individuals to share experiences, gain advice, and more. There are regular meetings as well as an online forum, so trans+ people can connect with each other to garner friendships and practice solidarity. 🌐 Visit their website
9. elop (East London Out Project)
Offering a range of services from a holistic perspective, elop have become renowned for providing alternative ways for LGBTQ+ people to thrive. From unique get-togethers like yoga class and meetings, to counselling, support groups, and other social activities, they are another standout charity that focus on improving mental health and well-being among London’s LGBTQ+ community. 🌐 Visit their website
10. Opening Doors London
Opening Doors is dedicated to supporting older LGBTQ+ people, and the specific problems they encounter. It offers social opportunities, events, and befriending services to combat isolation and promote community among LGBTQ+ individuals that are over 50. They also have queer-friendly dementia services, offer training for health-care professionals, and more. 🌐 Visit their website
Supporting London’s LGBTQ+ charities and organisations is sadly becoming more and more important. Addressing a wide array of critical issues from mental health to trans+ rights, it’s charities like these that provide invaluable work, fostering a more inclusive, supportive, and empowered community for all.