The Ulimate Employment Guide for LGBTQ Individuals

And Justice for All : And Justice For All is a group that provides free civil legal aid programs for any individuals struggling with poverty, violence, disability, discrimination or a plethora of other people. This organization is set up in Utah and primarily works with residents of the state.

CenterLink : The Community of LGBT Centers supports the creation and sustenance of LGBT community centers in order to build a strong center for the movement, advocating awareness, diversity, and human rights. This website acts as a point of communication and support for grassroots community centers nationwide.

Human Rights Campaign : The Human Rights Campaign is a nonprofit, national organization committed to improving the human rights situation of lesbian, gay, and transsexual individuals in the U.S. The group advocates for workplace equality, family rights, community activism, and political awareness of human rights issues in the LGBT community.

National Gay and Lesbian Task Force : The Task Force builds the power of local LGBT communities by educating activists, providing resources to state organizations, and spreading awareness of issues. The organization works with other social justice organizations in order to foster diversity and peace in communities all over the U.S.

Out and Equal : Out and Equal Workplace Advocates is a national nonprofit organization dedicated to creating equal workplaces for LGBT individuals. Through public events, education, and community advocacy, the group works for employee protection, community empowerment, and individual employee success.

PFLAG : Parents, Families and Friends of Lesbians and Gays is a nonprofit organization that seeks to organize allies of the gay community in order to fight discrimination and foster equality. The organization provides support groups, helplines, and community advocacy resources for the friends and families of those affected by discrimination in over 500 communities nationwide.

Pride at Work : Pride at Work is a national nonprofit organization that seeks to create connections between the Labor Movement and the LGBT community in order to achieve full equality in the workplace and in unions. The organization has more than 20 chapters located around the country.

Stonewall Democrats : The National Stonewall Democrats is a network to encourage political activism among LGBT Democrats. The group supports equality-minded political candidates and organizes grassroots political movements that further the fight against discrimination in the political arena.

United ENDA : United Enda is a nonprofit coalition of LGBT organizations that seeks to support the passage of ENDA legislation, a federal bill that would end employment discrimination based on sexual orientation and gender identity. Through the work of more than 400 different organizations, United ENDA spreads awareness about and garners support for this legislation.

Back to Top

Federal GLOBE : Federal GLOBE provides resources for and represents the interests of LGBT federal employees. The group seeks to eliminate prejudice and discrimination based on sexual orientation and gender identity in the federal government. Additionally, the organization offers help for LGBT individuals seeking federal employment.

GLP Careers : GLP Careers is a job search engine for LGBT job seekers that helps individuals connect with employers that foster open and safe work environments.

LGBT CareerLink : LGBT Careerlink is a job search and employment network specifically catered toward LGBT job seekers and employers interested in workplace equality. The network offers free membership and services to users, both nationally and globally.

National Organization of Gay and Lesbian Scientists and Technical Professionals : In addition to providing employment resources for LGBT scientists and technical professionals, this nonprofit advocates for equality in the scientific field and educates the public about LBGT and scientific issues and news.

Out for Work : Out for Work is a nonprofit organization that seeks to educate, empower, and prepare LGBT students for entry into the workplace. The website includes a job board, career center, educational resources, conference opportunities, and other work-related resources.

Out Professionals : Out Professionals is a professional networking site that allows LGBT professionals to connect and network with others in order to create professional relationships and advance careers or transition to new professional opportunities. Membership is offered at three levels: Student ($35), Individual ($65), and Business ($125). The site also offers a free Job Bank service, where individuals and companies can browse or post job listings.

ProGayJobs : ProGayJobs is a job search service that connects LGBT job seekers with gay-friendly employers. All employers represented seek to maintain open and safe workplaces for employees.

Back to Top

Equal Opportunity Publications : EOP provides links to career help, employment opportunities, and information about equal opportunity employment. The group sponsors six magazines designed to provide information about employment to underrepresented groups and minorities.

U.S. Equal Employment Opportunity Commission : The EEOC is the federal commission responsible for enforcing laws that prohibit discrimination against employees and applicants based on race, color, religion, sex (including pregnancy), national origin, age (40 or older), disability or genetic information. Some states have provisions that include discrimination based on sexual orientation, but most do not. See ENDA .

Back to Top

Lamba Legal : Lambda Legal is a national legal organization dedicated to advancing human and legal rights for the LGBT community in U.S. courts. The organization works with attorneys and policymakers to achieve goals in gay rights and individual legal issues involving discrimination against LGBT clients.

National LGBT Bar Association : An affiliate of the American Bar Association, The National Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual and Transgender (LGBT) Bar Association is a national association of lawyers, judges and other legal professionals, law students, activists, and affiliate LGBT legal organizations. The LGBT Bar promotes justice in and through the legal profession for the LGBT community.

Back to Top

Gfn.com : Gfn.com is an Internet media company that seeks to address the financial and legal needs of the LGBT community. The site's web-based magazine provides financial information and is available by free subscription. A diverse range of financial information is also available through the site itself, which offers free membership and access to other financial resources, such as a professional networking directory.

Out Estate Planning : Out Estate Planning, led by James Lange Attorney/CPA, provides tax advice, estate planning, and other legal and financial services to same sex couples. Although the office is located in Pittsburgh, PA, services are available over the phone or internet as well.

PridePlanners : PridePlanners is a group of financial professionals that specifically focus on serving the LGBT community. The organization provides resources for financial professionals who wish to educate themselves and others about the unique needs of non-traditional couples and families. Additionally, the site offers a comprehensive search engine that allows potential clients to find financial professionals who are tailored to their specific location and needs.

Sovereign Alternative : Sovereign Alternative is part of The Sovereign Group and helps gay and lesbian couples to navigate the red tape and get the most out of trusts, company benefits, and taxes. Many employees working for The Sovereign Alternative are gay themselves, allowing customers to feel comfortable speaking openly. Further, customers will benefit from the full legal and fiscal resources of The Sovereign Group Organization.

Back to Top

Don't Ask, Don't Tell : Since 1993, the Don't Ask, Don't Tell policy has mandated the discharge of any openly lesbian, gay, or bisexual service members. More than 13, 500 otherwise upstanding Armed Forces members have been fired under this law since its inception. Recently, large-scale movements to repeal the policy have gained significant ground in the House of Representatives and Senate.

American Veterans for Equal Rights : AVER is a chapter-based association of active, reserve, and veteran service members who seek to achieve full equality and just treatment for all current and former members of the U.S. Armed Forces. The association has chapters in over 30 locations all over the U.S. Membership fees include National and Chapter dues, and cost $35 per year or $500 for a lifetime membership.

DADT News : The Servicemembers Legal Defense Network (see below) maintains an up-to-date and informative news page dedicated to the Don't Ask, Don't Tell repeal bill.

Transgender American Veterans Association : TAVA is a nonprofit organization that works with other LGBT groups to promote equality of treatment and benefits for transgender veterans and current service members. Specifically, the group seeks to ensure that transgender veterans receive appropriate healthcare in accordance with the standards for all veterans.

Servicemembers Legal Defense Network : SLDN is a nonprofit legal services, watchdog, and policy organization that seeks to fight discrimination against military personnel affected by the Don't Ask Don't Tell policy. The group offers free, confidential legal services and also provides access to resources such as news and activist groups.

Back to Top

Audria M. Edwards Scholarship Fund : This scholarship, sponsored by the Peacock Productions organization, is available to LGBT students or the children of LGBT parents who live in Oregon or Southwest Washington. Applicants must intend to pursue post-secondary education at an accredited institution in order to be eligible.

Career Planning and Job Search Guide for LGBT Students and Alumni : This guide, written by the Career Services Office at the University of Pennsylvania, offers useful tips to LGBT students and job seekers looking to enter the workforce.

Consortium of Higher Education Lesbian Gay Bisexual Transgender Resource Professionals : The Consortium seeks to provide resources for students and academic professionals looking for university positions in safe, accepting environments. The group also fights against discrimination on college campuses across the country.

Day of Silence : The Day of Silence website offers resources for students who wish to spread the word about the Day of Silence, a national protest movement that asks students to remain silent for one day in order to call attention to the discrimination, bullying, and harassment that faces LGBT youth in schools.

First Friday Breakfast Club Scholarship : The FFBC offers this scholarship to high school seniors who have significantly contributed to efforts to reduce discrimination or homophobia in their community. Recipients must be Iowa residents with plans to attend a post-secondary accredited institution after graduation.

Gay, Lesbian, and Straight Educators Network : GLSEN is a nationwide group that seeks to develop healthy attitudes toward sexual orientation and gender identity in school settings. The organization works with educators, students, and the general public to foster school climates that protect the dignity of every member of the community.

GSA Network : The GSA Network provides resources for students who wish to start, strengthen, or maintain a Gay-Straight Alliance at their school. GSA clubs can act as a safe place for students to express their views, fight discrimination, and connect with the community. This website also allows GSA clubs to connect with other GSA clubs and community-based activists.

HeartStrong : HeartStrong is a support group for LGBT students who attend religious educational institutions where they may face discrimination. The group offers many ways for students to connect to one another through the HS website, including a forum and the HS Network project, a conference that travels all over the U.S. in order to reach out to LGBT students in religious educational institutions.

Horizons Foundation : The Horizons Foundation maintains several funds for scholarships for LGBT students, mostly applicable to students from the California Bay Area. The scholarships listed on this page apply to a wide range of students, both undergraduate and graduate.

KarMel Scholarship : The KarMel Scholarship challenges high school and undergraduate students to express their views about LGBT issues through creative artistic or written work. Applicants must currently attend or have plans to attend a U.S. post-secondary educational institution.

Point Foundation : The Point Foundation provides financial aid and other support services to LGBT student who feel marginalized based on their sexual orientation or gender identity. Services are available to applicants regardless of location. Through a single application, students can become eligible for a number of Point Foundation scholarships based on academic interests and financial need.

Safe Schools Coalition : The Safe Schools Coalition provides resources for students, teachers, parents, and other school and community members who wish to foster a safe school environment for LGBT youth. The site includes support resources for students and their families as well as education tools for anyone who seeks to change their school climate for the better.

Back to Top

InterPride : InterPride is an international association of organizations that produce LGBT pride events all over the world. This website provides links to resources for finding, starting, or contributing to pride events in local communities.

Pride Parades: Cities and communities around the world are home to Pride Parade events that celebrate diversity and the LGBT community. The organizations that put on parade events often sponsor other activist resources throughout the year. Listed below are just a few of the Pride Parade organizations in cities around the United States.

Atlanta, GA
Baltimore, MD
Chicago, IL
Houston, TX
Long Beach, CA
Los Angeles, CA
Miami Beach, FL
New Orleans, LA
New York, NY
Phoenix, AZ
Portland, OR
San Diego, CA
San Francisco, CA
Seattle, WA
Washington D.C.

Back to Top