Houston has the largest, most diverse LGBTQIA population in Texas. It also has the fourth-largest gay-pride parade in the nation. CultureMap's new Houston Charity Guide, presented in partnership with Frost's Opt for Optimism campaign, is a one-stop resource for locals looking for ways to give back — including to the LGBTQ community.

Each month, we are shining a spotlight on charities making a difference and telling stories that showcase the insightful and innovative ways local charities are shaping our community.

Here’s a look at Houston LGBTQ-affiliated organizations making an impact, and how you can to get involved, volunteer, and donate to support them.

allgo
For over 30 years, allgo has worked to create and sustain queer people of color activists, groups, organizations, and allies through artistic expression, promoting wellness, and grassroots organizing. Allgo relies heavily on volunteers both in Austin and throughout Texas to build its statewide QPOC movement.Donate here

Equality Texas Foundation
This foundation works to secure full equality for lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender and queer Texans through education, community organizing and collaboration. Along with donating and volunteering, people can pledge to fight back against hate crimes, new laws that grant a license to discriminate, efforts to undermine marriage equality and blocking access to healthcare.

Human Rights Campaign
The Human Rights Campaign and the Human Rights Campaign Foundation together serve as America's largest civil rights organization working to achieve LGBTQ equality. HRC's volunteer-led events and activities are about engaging LGBTQ people and allies, educating the public and raising funds necessary to support the work of HRC locally and nationally.

Transgender Foundation of America Houston chapter
Organized in 1998, the Transgender Foundation of America (TFA) is a Houston-based grassroots nonprofit with the mission of improving the quality of life for transgender people. TFA provides homeless services and removes barriers to mental health support through free group therapy, counseling and vetted referrals, and by engaging in advocacy, education and outreach.