Who is out there fighting for the rights of lesbians? In many cases, these national lesbian organizations are leading the way for equality and justice for the gay and lesbian community. Where can you turn to for help with a legal issue, child custody concern, or just to get support for coming out? Who is advocating for lesbians in Hollywood? Who is preserving lesbian history? Who is protecting lesbian-headed families? These are the top lesbian advocacy organizations in the United States.
Since 1977, the National Center for Lesbian Rights has worked to create a world in which every lesbian can live fully, free from discrimination. NCLR is a national, lesbian-feminist, non-profit law firm with headquarters in San Francisco. They offer legal advice to both clients and lawyers and have been instrumental in winning important cases for the rights of gays, lesbians and transgender individuals.
The Lesbian Herstory Archives exist to gather and preserve records of Lesbian lives and activities so that future generations will have ready access to materials relevant to their lives. The archives are open to all lesbian women who wish to use it.
The Mautner Project supports lesbians with cancer, their families and partners. The Mautner Project is also a leader in research for lesbian health issues.
Zuna Instititue is a National Advocacy Organization for Black Lesbians that was created to address the needs of black lesbians in the areas of Health, Public Policy, Economic Development, and Education. The Zuna Institute holds a national conference every two years.
Power Up's (Professional Organization of Women in Entertainment Reaching Up!) mission is to promote the visibility and integration of gay women in entertainment, the arts, and all forms of media. They support lesbian film makers and award grants each year to creative projects to promote the positive visibility of lesbians.
The Family Pride Coalition (FPC) has for 25 years been the only national non-profit organization solely dedicated to equality for lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender (LGBT) parents and their families. They provide advocacy, education, and support to gay and lesbian headed families.
PFLAG promotes the health and well-being of gay, lesbian, bisexual and transgendered persons, their families and friends. They offer support, education, and advocacy, to end discrimination and to secure equal civil rights. Parents, Families and Friends of Lesbians and Gays provides opportunity for dialogue about sexual orientation and gender identity, and acts to create a society that is healthy and respectful of human diversity.
Immigration Equality is a national grass roots organization that works to end discrimination in U.S. immigration law against lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender and HIV-positive people, and to help obtain asylum for those persecuted in their home country based on their sexual orientation, transgender identity or HIV-status.
As America's largest gay and lesbian organization, the Human Rights Campaign provides a national voice on gay and lesbian issues. The Human Rights Campaign lobbies Congress; mobilizes grassroots action in diverse communities; invests to elect a fair-minded Congress; and increases public understanding through innovative education and communication strategies.
Founded in 1973, the National Gay and Lesbian Task Force Foundation was the first national lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender (LGBT) civil rights and advocacy organization and remains the movement's leading voice for freedom, justice, and equality. They work to build the grassroots political strength of the gay community and hold a leadership conference each year.
