When newcomers first arrive in New York City, they are oftentimes in need of support. In the face of discrimination, economic hardship, language barriers, and culture shock in a new country, community organizations and mutual aid societies play a crucial role in helping newcomers get settled and receive the support they need.
From Natalie Gumpertz seeking help from Jewish aid societies for her family in the 1870s to the Saez-Velezes joining their Puerto Rican community in advocating for bilingual education in the 1960s, immigrants, migrants, and refugees have formed strong networks of mutual aid and support throughout the city for centuries.
Based on solidarity and generosity, volunteers have led to the growth of these organizations dedicated to social activism, improving access to health and education services, and supporting marginalized communities.
Celebrating Pride Month this year, we’re highlighting LGBTQ+ organizations that continue in this spirit as everyday people working to provide free health, housing, educational and legal resources to all New Yorkers, regardless of immigration status.
Check out 11 organizations you can support this year — and don’t forget to register for our upcoming special virtual tour on June 28th, Queer Pride in the Lower East Side!
Community Organizing, Immigration, Trans Advocacy
Make the Road New York’s Transgender, Gender Non-Conforming, Intersex, and Queer (TGNCIQ) Justice program offers legal and survival services to immigrant and undocumented individuals who have faced discrimination and abuse — while also providing political education and skills training in topics ranging from public speaking to ending the school-to-prison pipeline to support community organizing.
LGBTQ+ Legal Aid, Immigration
UnLocal’s Queer Immigrant Justice Project (QIJP) provides LGBTQ+ affirming legal representation for LGBTQ+ immigrants. QIJP addresses the intersectional needs of immigrants that identify as part of the LGBTQ+ community vulnerable to being victims of crime, abuse, human trafficking, and other forms of violence.
LGBTQ+ Refugee Rights
Refuge America is dedicated to empowering and supporting LGBTQ+ displaced individuals and refugees in rebuilding their lives in new communities while promoting acceptance and understanding worldwide. They work to build awareness through media exposure, advocate for inclusive policies, provide support services, and lead organizational training programs.
LGBTQ+ Arts and Culture, Family Support, Mental Health Services, Substance Recovery Services
The Center has been a home and resource hub serving LGBTQ+ New Yorkers since 1983. They offer community aid, health and wellness programs, arts, entertainment, and cultural events as well as recovery, parenthood, and family support services.
Community Space, LGBTQ+ Resources, Mutual Aid
A neighborhood staple for over 21 years, Bluestockings Cooperative is a community supported bookstore & collectively-run activist center, community space and feminist bookstore that offers mutual aid, harm reduction support, non-judgmental resource research and a warming/cooling place for all Lower East Siders.
Legal Aid
The Sylvia Rivera Law Project offers legal representation to low-income trans, gender non-conforming, and intersex (TGNCI) people and TGNCI people of color for identity-affirming name changes, IDs, applications for immigration status, healthcare cases and more. Their Prisoner Justice Project also provides assistance in civil matters to people held in New York City jails and in New York State prisons, such as name changes, hormone therapy, improving conditions of confinement, and support with mental health services.
Emergency Housing, Job Readiness
The Ali Forney Center’s mission is to provide housing for young homeless LGBTQ+ people and individual case plans to help them find employment, continue their education, and learn the tools needed to live independently.
LGBTQ+ Health Services and Education
Callen-Lorde Community Health Center provides quality health care and related services targeted to LGBTQ+ New Yorkers, regardless of their ability to pay. They also promote health education and wellness and advocate for LGBTQ+ health issues.
Community Organizing, Healthcare, Employment
Through mobilization, education and capacity-building, The Audre Lorde Project works for community wellness and progressive social and economic legislation, creating and teaching strategies — including anti-violence programs, trans justice initiatives, and immigration advocacy — to address the multiple issues impacting LGBTQ+ communities of color.
Counseling, Education, Nutrition, and Mental Health Services
Hetrick-Martin Institute provides free year-round programs and services for LGTBQIA+ youth and allies ages – hosting specialized programs on health and wellness, counseling, and job readiness as well as serving hot meals, providing mental health screenings, and organizing special events for LGBTQIA+ youth.
HIV/AIDS Services, Testing, Housing Support, Healthcare
The world’s first HIV/AIDS service organization, GMHC continues to serve New Yorkers throughout the city by providing HIV and STI testing, food and nutrition programs, housing support, workforce development, legal assistance, advocacy for benefits and health insurance, mental health and emotional support, substance use counseling, and more.