7 LGBTQ+ Charities Doing Amazing Work in Manchester and the UK

LGBTQ+ support can come in many shapes and sizes - but some of the most unwavering support for the queer community has always come from charities. However, more often than not, these amazing groups are doing all the hard work in the background. So, to celebrate International Day of Charity earlier this month, we want to shine a light on some of the many incredible LGBTQ+ charities making a difference in the UK’s queer community. 

Hosts of Manchester’s Family Pride, Proud 2 b Parents are an inclusive organisation for all routes to parenthood. The charity delivers a variety of amazing services for LGBTQ+ parents/carers and their children living in Greater Manchester and the North West, as well as LGBTQ+ parents and carers to be. Not only does Proud 2 b Parents host over 90 meet-ups a year, but the organisation provides 1-1 support for families and those starting their journey to becoming a parent/carer.

Rainbow & Co has partnered with this incredible group to design an exclusive collection of items. £2 from every item is donated to P2BP to help them with everything they do.  

The Angels of Freedom is a community-based initiative organised by volunteers - you might have seen these volunteer angels at the weekend offering support to anyone who needs it. In Leeds, the team offers a friendly face in the Freedom Quarter area of the city every Friday evening, whether that’s information regarding services & groups, activities and events in Leeds or just someone to approach for a chat. This fantastic group also runs the Leeds Village Fete each year!

Supporting and standing by the UK’s trans+ community has become even more important in recent years, and Gendered Intelligence works to improve the day-to-day lives of trans folk and increase a wider understanding of gender diversity. This charity is both trans-led and trans-involving and offers essential services for parents, carers as well as other adult relatives of young trans, non-binary or gender-questioning people to help them connect and share mutual experiences.

Rainbow & Co has partnered with Gendered Intelligence to create an exclusive range of t-shirts. £5 from each sale of our Queerly Autistic and Neurodivergent shirts go directly to the charity. 

A Manchester institution in the LGBTQ+ community, George House Trust supports those in the North West living with HIV to live free from stigma and discrimination. So amazing is the work of this charity, that Doctor Who frontrunner Russel T Davies marches with them every year in their Pride Parade float! George House Trust offers one-to-one services for both those living with, and affected by, HIV; as well as courses and social groups to ensure those with a new HIV diagnosis get an immediate source of support from someone else living with HIV. 

Manchester Parents Group is a voluntary organisation that offers support to family and friends of LGBTQ+ individuals. Run by parents of the queer community, this important group helps parents and carers answer any questions they have when their child first comes out. Not only does the organisation run a monthly informal support group in central Manchester, but they help educate other organisations and the media on issues surrounding the LGBTQIA+ community.

For Rainbow & Co, this group is especially close to our hearts as founder Adam’s own mother is the Trans Lead! 

Playing both friendly and charity matches (and occasionally the odd tournament!), TRUK United FC are a trans+ inclusive football team. This group does an amazing job of making football accessible for everyone and playing games up and down the country. On top of getting involved with the team, you can also sponsor their players every season - something that Rainbow & Co make sure to do! 

At Rainbow & Co , we know donations to these groups can make a big difference - but not everyone is always in a position to donate. That’s why every quarter we give 10% of all our profits to local LGBTQ+ organisations (including those in this list) and smaller fundraisers such as trans surgery funds, making your purchases go even further.

To nominate your favourite charity or fundraiser, visit our  Contact Page  or message us on  Facebook .