United for LGBTQ Hotel Workers

After years of reported abuse and corresponding attempts to organize, employees at the famous hotel Chateau Marmont in Hollywood, represented by trade organization Unite Here Local 11, reached an agreement with its management to allow them to unionize. The hope is that this unionization serves as an inspiration for others in the hospitality industry seeking fair treatment and work conditions.

Camp 4 All is a summer camp for LGBTQ+ teens, providing them with a safe space to be themselves, participate in summer activities and connect with their peers and mentors to build a sense of community amidst the increase of hate crimes and anti-LGBTQ+ legislation across the country.

The Everywhere Is Queer mobile app houses a directory of over 13,000 LGBTQ+-owned brick-and-mortar and online businesses, services and community groups around the world. The app features a map that highlights LGBTQ+-friendly businesses and safe spaces for members of the community and allies to frequent. The app also features a job board and access to therapists and has been downloaded over 80,0000 times since February.

Lake Park Society’s Camp Kin is a daytime summer camp for LGBTQIA+ youth ages seven to 12 and allies to participate in summer activities while fostering connections with youth and counselors they can relate to. The Camp is available at a sliding-scale rate — from free to full cost at $300 — and provides a safe space for youth to come out of their shells and feel supported.

Genderdoc-M (GDM) partners with a local lawyer to offer legal support to members of the LGBTQ+ community in an effort to promote human rights and continue to work toward a more inclusive society. Every year, about 40 people seek legal advice from GDM on matters ranging from workplace discrimination to physical abuse.

Groups like Portland: Neighbors Welcome and Black & Beyond the Binary Collective aims to provide safe, affordable housing to people in crisis — specifically members of the LGBTQ+ community. The group partners with other local organizations to raise funds through donations and events like drag shows to help address extreme rates of homelessness and housing discrimination within the LGBTQ+ community. These groups have helped more than 200 people access housing in the past four years and are continuing to acquire funds to expand their services.

LGBTQIA+ inclusive sports leagues in Phoenix, Arizona, provide a safe space for members of the community to participate in a variety of organized sports without fear of discrimination.

The Affirming Spaces Project (ASP) helps local businesses create more affirming spaces for transgender and nonbinary employees and customers by providing training on topics like gender identity, pronoun use and how to use affirming language. Businesses that complete training get added to ASP’s database of affirming businesses and receive a decal to place in their storefront window. The database currently has more than 60 local businesses and organizations listed.

Fight Back, Inc. is a local community-based organization that worked to get construction jobs for Blacks, Spanish-surnamed, and other minorities in New York City over the years. The organization has been very effective in integrating the skilled and construction trades and ensuring workers of color have equal opportunity and has been replicated in other cities like Seattle and Detroit.

Sexual orientation and gender identities 123 or SOGI 123 is an optional resource educators can use to provide grade-level appropriate materials that help create safe, inclusive learning environments for students. All 60 school districts in the province are part of the SOGI 123 Educator Network, which allows educators to work together to design programs that foster inclusion in schools. Schools that integrate SOGI 123 have seen a positive impact on students’ mental health, as well as their sense of belonging and willingness to engage.