Defending LGBTQ+ Rights

‍Combating Discrimination and Fostering Inclusive Communities

The Challenge

In recent years, discrimination, hate crimes, and political attacks against the LGBTQ+ community have been on the rise, with many young people facing harassment and bullying in school. In 2024, the statistics are particularly alarming:

• 39% of LGBTQ+ youth have seriously considered suicide, with 46% among transgender and nonbinary youth.
• 50% of LGBTQ+ youth who sought mental health care were unable to access it.
• 90% of LGBTQ+ youth reported that their well-being was negatively impacted by recent political events.

Despite decades of progress, hard-won protections are at risk. Over 100 state laws limiting transgender rights have been enacted since 2020, and new proposals threaten further restrictions. “Project 2025,” a roadmap for conservative policies, includes provisions that could dismantle current anti-discrimination protections for LGBTQ+ people.

Now, more than ever, it’s essential to show solidarity with the LGBTQ+ community. Change is possible, and your support can be part of it.

The Solutions: Donations Supporting LGBTQ+ Well-Being and Advocacy

With Bono, your donation helps fund impactful organizations working to protect and uplift the LGBTQ+ community. Here’s how some of these charities make a difference:

• Schools adopting gender-affirming policies have seen reduced suicide rates among transgender and nonbinary youth, proving that inclusive environments save lives.
• The Human Rights Campaign Workplace Equality Program has been instrumental in helping companies adopt inclusive employment policies, directly benefiting millions of LGBTQ+ workers.

Your donation supports organizations actively fighting for LGBTQ+ rights through advocacy, mental health support, and community resources. Bono simplifies the process by supporting a range of organizations, from The Trevor Project to the ACLU and Lambda Legal, each addressing unique aspects of the LGBTQ+ struggle for equality.

Get Involved: Ways to Support the LGBTQ+ Community

There are many ways to make a difference and show support for the LGBTQ+ community:

• Educate yourself about LGBTQ+ issues and rights.
• Use inclusive language and respect people’s pronouns and gender identities.
• Volunteer with LGBTQ+ organizations or become a mentor to LGBTQ+ youth.
• Challenge misconceptions by speaking up when you hear harmful stereotypes.
• Display symbols of support, like rainbow flags or pins.
• Advocate for LGBTQ+ rights by voting, supporting inclusive legislation, and attending community events.
• Support global LGBTQ+ rights efforts in countries where LGBTQ+ identities are criminalized.

By reading this post, you’re already taking a step in supporting the LGBTQ+ community. Consider sharing this post with friends and family. And if you’re able, donate through Bono to further support charities fighting for a more inclusive, just world.