WASHINGTON — You matter and you deserve to be happy.
A big part of finding joy and taking care of your mental health is forming community. Community can help provide us with a sense of belonging and identity, connecting us to something larger than ourselves. It also provides us support, so we don't feel alone in our struggles.
But, finding community can be difficult, especially when you are part of a marginalized group.
So, with Pride Month right around the corner, we wanted to take the time to highlight some local LGBTQ+ groups you may want to get involved with and start building community. As part of our mission at WUSA9 is to make a positive impact and inspire others to do the same.
Here are 9+ local LGBTQ+ organizations you may not have known about:
- D.C.'s Different Drummers is a lesbian, gay, bisexual, and transgender nonprofit music organization and participant in the Jon Sims Endowment Fund. Its goal is to foster pride, inclusivity, and engagement with the greater D.C. region through music.
- The organization currently hosts the Symphonic Band, the Marching Band, Jazz Band and multiple small ensembles.
- Officials with the organization say most ensembles don't require an audition and everyone is encouraged to join.
- If you'd like to get involved, the DCDD Marching Band is currently in need of volunteers to join the parade.
- "With 40% of youth experiencing homelessness identifying as LGBTQ, our mission has never been more clear."
- The Sexual Minority Youth Assistance League is the only D.C.-area service organization solely dedicated to supporting lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, and questioning youth.
- The league creates leadership development opportunities, after-school programs, and counseling services that are designed to empower youth and educate the local community. It also helps with transitional housing.
- Click here if you'd like to support their work.
- The Triangle Club is a nonprofit that provides a safe and dependable space for those struggling with addiction to gather and hold 12-step meetings.
- Operating since 1990, the nonprofit is located within a few blocks of Dupont Circle.
- The organization is seeking volunteers.
- Click here to view a meeting list.
- Expecting parents in the LGBTQ+ community in need of education, resources, and support services are encouraged to reach out.
- Rainbow Families has been in service since the 1970s.
- It runs many programs including Maybe Baby, which is a multi-week course for prospective parents.
- Anyone who would like to volunteer with the organization can click here for opportunities.
- This is an LGBTQ+ running, walking, and social club.
- The club is open to all people regardless of race, age, gender, pace, sexual orientation, or athletic ability.
- Memberships start at $30 per person for a one-year period, and includes three weekly fun runs, weekly running group, and more.
- The club holds a regular schedule of non-competitive group runs.
- The independent Southeast, D.C. bookstore holds queer book clubs that celebrate LGBTQ+ authors and stories.
- All book clubs are free to attend.
- A social club for lesbian, queer women, trans and enby runners.
- The club meets on Tuesdays at 6:30 p.m. in Dupont Circle.
- Runners move at a 10+ minute pace.
- G4G helps mobilize LGBTQ+ and ally volunteers to promote diversity, foster inclusion, and strengthen ties to the D.C.-area community.
- The organization facilitates service projects in support of a wide range of causes.
- Click here to find events through the D.C. chapter.
- This is an outdoor club for LGBTQ+ community in the D.C.-area.
- Volunteers lead hikes year-round and bike rides during the summer.
- Camping, backpacking, and canoeing are just a few of the group's offerings.
- No car, no worries. Trip leaders coordinate carpools from Metro stations.
- Membership is free, however, there is a per-trip fee ranging from $5-$25 depending on the distance and duration of the event.
- This is a congregation for lesbian, gay, bisexual, trans, queer, and asexual Jews.
- They meet for weekly Shabbat services, educational events, and social justice community services.
- Federal Triangles is a coed soccer club founded in 1990 for the LGBTQ+ community.
- The club is focused on promoting soccer and fostering a sense of community.
- Open to all skill levels.
- Find playing opportunities under the Play Soccer menu.
- The choir sings to inspire equality and inclusion with musical performances and education promoting justice and dignity for all.
- Since 1981, the group has performed shows nationally, internationally, and at-home in the District.
- This is a resource for gay people who are interested in holding an elected office someday.
- It offers paid internships, free conference attendance for conference volunteers, and resources/workshops for LGBTQ people who are unsure of how to initiate the process of running for office.
These are just a few of many organizations supporting and serving the LGBTQ+ community in the DMV.
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