LGBTQIA+ Advocacy & Resources
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• GLAAD’s Media Reference Guide: A vital resource for understanding LGBTQIA+ terminology, as well as promoting accurate and inclusive representation in the media.
• “The ABC’s of LGBTQIA+” by Ash Mardell: A beginner-friendly guide that breaks down the nuances of gender and sexual identity in an accessible way.
• PFLAG (Parents, Families, and Friends of Lesbians and Gays): The largest organization dedicated to supporting LGBTQIA+ individuals and their families through education, advocacy, and peer support.
• Human Rights Campaign (HRC) Resources: Offering research, advocacy tools, and education for supporting LGBTQIA+ equality.
• Tombolo Bookstore’s Queer Comic Book Book Club (located in St Pete, FL): This is a great list of graphic novels and comics that are being currently chosen as topics surrounding LGBTQIA+ themes. All choices have content warnings addressed in the book and the age range for the audience member.
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• The Trevor Project: The leading national organization providing crisis intervention and suicide prevention services to LGBTQIA+ youth.
• LGBTQ Freedom Fund: Works to post bail for LGBTQIA+ people held in jail or immigration detention and advocates for their release.
• OutRight Action International: Advocates for the rights of LGBTQIA+ people globally and works to eradicate violence, discrimination, and inequality.
• Point Foundation: Provides scholarships, mentorship, and leadership development for LGBTQIA+ students.
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• @lavernecox (Instagram/Twitter): Actress and trans advocate, Laverne Cox, shares important conversations around gender identity, trans rights, and self-empowerment.
• @alokvmenon (Instagram): A non-binary writer, performance artist, and speaker who
engages with the politics of gender and provides insight into non-conforming identities.
• @trevorproject (Instagram/Twitter): Official account of The Trevor Project, sharing
resources and crisis support for LGBTQIA+ youth.
• @glaad (Instagram/Twitter): GLAAD works to hold media accountable for the accurate and inclusive representation of LGBTQIA+ individuals.
• @mattxiv (Instagram/Twitter): LGBTQIA+ content creator sharing a mix of humorous and
informative posts on queer identity, politics, and pop culture.
• @bi_invisibility (Instagram): Community for bi+ folks in straight-presenting relationships
@hayleyfaulkner (Instagram):
Your friendly neighborhood lesbian. Funny skits about sapphic relationships
Dedicated Resources for the Trans Community
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• Transgender Equality (National Center for Transgender Equality): Provides information on rights, resources, and guides for supporting trans individuals.
• “The Transgender Issue” by Shon Faye: A book that challenges misconceptions about
trans lives and addresses the systemic issues faced by the trans community.
• Trans Lifeline: A peer-support hotline and non-profit organization offering direct emotional
and financial support to trans people in crisis.
• Transgender Legal Defense and Education Fund (TLDEF): Offers legal support and
advocacy for transgender rights in schools, healthcare, and the workplace.
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• The Okra Project: A collective that provides home-cooked, healthy meals and resources to Black trans people.
• Trans Justice Funding Project: Supports grassroots, trans-led organizations by redistributing resources to initiatives that prioritize the trans community.
• Black Trans Advocacy Coalition (BTAC): Provides direct services, educational resources, and leadership development to Black trans individuals.
• Marsha P. Johnson Institute: Works to protect and defend the rights of Black trans people through advocacy, community organizing, and leadership development.
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• @chasestrangio (Instagram): Transgender rights attorney and advocate, Chase Strangio shares critical updates and resources related to legal battles for trans rights.
• @raquel_willis (Instagram/Bluesky): Raquel Willis is a Black trans activist, writer, and speaker advocating for trans liberation and social justice.
• @transgenderlawcenter (Instagram/Twitter{X}): The largest national trans-led organization advocating for laws and policies that support trans people.
• @munroebergdorf (Instagram): A trans activist and model, Munroe Bergdorf shares perspectives on intersectionality, activism, and trans visibility.
LGBTQIA+ Books & Bookstores
“Visibility is everything in small towns, where books are some of the only windows to a more accepting world.”
As a lover of books, storytelling, and of course creating conversations through art, I wanted this particular advocacy page and section to be dedicated to books, LGBTQIA+ booksellers, and any books that myself and my staff have come to love that tell queer stories and finding identity.
This is by no means a full list of all the books and booksellers out there, but my hope is for this page to be a starting point.
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The Ripped Bodice- Culver City
The Ripped Bodice is a romance-focused bookstore that opened in 2016. It has now opened its second location in Brooklyn
Dog Eared Books- San Francisco
This book haven has been opened since 1992 and is a general interest bookstore
A Seat at the Table- Elk Grove
From their website, “Founder Emily Autenrieth (ey/em) saw a need in the community for a space where people of all ages and identities could be themselves and learn about others”. A family-owned bookstore and cafe with mission driven events
The Salt Eater’s Bookstore- Virtual
The Salt Eater’s Bookstore is moving to a virtual model starting in 2025. Used to be located in Inglewood, CA, the inspiration of the bookstore comes from The Salt Eaters by Toni Cade Bambara, our shop is working to create a resting ground for us all, a place to come home.
Lavender Library - Sacramento
Volunteer- run LGBTQIA+ library, archive, and community space. It hosts book clubs, support groups, and more community events year- round.
Omnivore Books on Food- San Francisco
LGBTQIA+ and female owned bookstore specializing in culinary subjects. Located in an old butcher shop in Noe Valley. The Bay Area’s only culinary bookshop. Opened since 2008.Reparations Club- Los Angeles
A concept bookshop & creative space curated by blackness. Black Owned, Woman-owned
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