If you’re here, you are probably interested in helping out locally to build a better, broader community. Here are some excellent ways to get started!
1. Volunteer with direct service organizations
Many LGBTQIA+ nonprofits need volunteers to help with operational tasks, outreach, events, mentoring, etc.
- Lost-n-Found Youthย (Atlanta): supports LGBTQ+ youth experiencing homelessness. They need help with street outreach, assembling care kits (food, hygiene), the thrift store, etc.ย Lost-n-Found Youth
- The GLO Center: volunteer roles include event support, being a center welcoming attendant, peer-group facilitators, etc.ย The GLO Center
2. Join or support LGBTQ+ advocacy & education groups
These groups work on systemic change: schools, laws, public opinion, etc.
- Georgia Safe Schools Coalition: works to eliminate oppression in schools; helps start GSAs, provides educator resources.ย Georgia Safe Schools Coalition
- HRC Atlanta: Helps mobilize community, advocate locally, support voting efforts, educational outreach.ย HRC
3. Participate in or help organize pride & cultural events
Festivals, parades, story-telling, arts events help raise visibility and build solidarity.
- Atlanta Pride: you can volunteer, sponsor, or help with planning.ย Atlanta Pride
- Lavender Fest / Qreative Voices: supports queer stories in the South; accepting donations; likely looking for volunteers for events.ย Lavender Fest: Igniting Queer Stories
- Heart of North Georgia Pride: works in Central North Georgia to celebrate diversity through gatherings and outreach.ย Heart of North Georgia Pride+1
4. Support LGBTQ+ business & economic empowerment
Helping queer-owned businesses, being involved in chambers, or funding initiatives that strengthen economic stability.
- OUT Georgia Business Alliance: Georgiaโs LGBTQ+ Chamber of Commerce โ you can volunteer, serve as an Ambassador, help events, etc.ย OUT Georgia Business Alliance
- OUT Georgia Impact Fundย (United Way + OUT Georgia): provides grants to nonprofits; supporting this helps broaden impact.ย United Way of Greater Atlanta+1
5. Join or start support & peer groups
Peer groups help people share, heal, find community, especially in more rural or less visible areas.
- PFLAG: chapters around Metro Atlanta (and in North Georgia) offer support groups for LGBTQ+ people, parents, family members, teens. E.g. PFLAG Atlanta, PFLAG Sandy Springs, PFLAG Rome, PFLAG Blairsville.ย PFLAG Blairsville+3PFLAG Atlanta+3PFLAG Sandy Springs+3
- If there isnโt one in your town, you can help start one โ local libraries, community centers, places of worship are often spaces to host.
6. Volunteer your professional skills
Not everyone needs to be โon the ground.โ Many groups need skills like graphic design, social media, accounting, legal advice, web dev, event planning.
- The GLO Center lists โTech Advisorโ among volunteer roles.ย The GLO Center
- OUT Georgia Business Alliance: helping to score grant applications, serve as Ambassador, etc.ย OUT Georgia Business Alliance
7. Become an ally through education & public conversation
You can help reduce stigma and build acceptance by learning, sharing, and speaking up.
- Attend workshops, speaker panels (e.g. via PFLAG, GSSC), educate yourself and others about LGBTQIA+ issues.
- Use your social media, your circle of friends, or local schools/churches to share inclusive resources.
8. Donate or help with fundraising
Money and resources are almost always needed: funds for operations, events, scholarships, supporting peopleโs basic needs (housing, food, healthcare).
- OUT Georgia Impact Fund provides grants to nonprofits. Supporting it expands capacity.ย United Way of Greater Atlanta+1
- Donate to Lost-n-Found Youth, Lavender Fest / Qreative Voices.ย Lost-n-Found Youth+1
9. Amplify voices & visibility
Storytelling, art, media โ sharing voices of LGBTQIA+ people helps change hearts and minds, especially in areas where visibility is low.
- Support or attend queer arts events, drag shows, storytelling nights.
- Share LGBTQIA+ artistsโ work, local LGBTQ+ issues with wider audiences.
- Organizations like Crown Magnolia Court of Georgia promote drag performance as both art and advocacy.ย Crown Magnolia Court of Georgia
10. Engage in policy, voting, and local government
Change often comes from laws, ordinances, school policies, etc. Getting involved in those processes matters.
- Vote for local official who support LGBTQIA+ rights
- Stay informed about local school board policies, zoning, anti-discrimination ordinances