While pride, celebration, and positivity are at the heart of LGBTQ+ Pride month, it can also be a time to spread awareness, acceptance, and education about the LGBTQ+ community too.
CAASE will always celebrate Pride Month and support our LGBTQ+ siblings. Our values state: that to create the greatest change and best support survivors, our programs seek to break down inequity and focus on those most impacted, including people who are girls and women, of color, LGBTQ+, living with disabilities, experiencing poverty, or immigrants.
We can’t fight gender-based violence without fighting homophobia and transphobia. We have to work towards a world where every person, no matter their identity, has access to opportunity and power. We’re committed to moving the needle and making progress for LGBTQ+ survivors and the community at large.
LGBTQ+ folks are disproportionately impacted by sexual harm. The statistics are alarming:
- 64% of transgender people have experienced sexual assault
- Almost half (46%) of LGBTQ+ people ages 18-24 reported experiencing forced sexual contact
- 61% of bisexual women survive rape, stalking, or physical violence by an intimate partner
At a time when it feels like we are not making progress, or even that we’re moving backward on LGBTQ+ issues, it can feel disheartening and frustrating. But this climate also gives us opportunities to speak out, strengthen our allyship, and encourage others to do the same and commit (or recommit) to this community. Right now, there are so many targeted attacks on Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion that threaten LGBTQ+ people. It can be easy to slip into hopelessness about the political climate, but there is work to be done and a difference to be made, especially in our local communities. What can we do to support LGBTQ+ survivors? Let’s talk about four simple action items.
4 things you can do to support LGBTQ+ survivors right now
1. Speak out against homophobia, transphobia, and victim-blaming
Call out homophobia and transphobia when you witness it, and call in those spreading it to ask them to do better. Queerphobia (an umbrella term that includes discrimination and/or prejudice towards those who are LGBTQ+) can be extreme and violent, and it can also be subtle and normalized. When someone spreads misinformation about the queer community, correct them and/or ask them why they believe that. When someone buys into stereotypes, remind them of the diversity of LGBTQ+ folks and experiences. When you witness a microaggression towards an LGBTQ+ person, intervene and offer support.
Victim-blaming can still be a pervasive part of our larger culture, and LGBTQ+ survivors are no exception to it. LGBTQ+ survivors might be blamed for the harm that happened to them because of their sexual identity or gender identity. If you witness victim blaming, call it out.
2. Give money and time to organizations/mutual aid groups supporting LGBTQ+ communities and survivors
One of the most tangible yet simple actions you can take to support LGBTQ+ folks and survivors is to give to organizations doing the work to serve and support the community directly. In Chicago, there are tons of amazing nonprofits and mutual aid groups on the frontlines. Donating to these organizations is of course welcomed and impactful, but often they are also looking for volunteers to give time and energy! If you’re looking for local Chicago organizations to get involved with or give to, check these out:
3. Cultivate safe spaces around you
Think about all of the spaces you’re a part of. That can include social spaces with friends and family, the workplace, or anywhere else you frequent. Practicing sharing your own pronouns is good practice to make folks feel comfortable and welcome. Making sure you consistently bring a sense of respect and inclusivity to the spaces you inhabit can make others around you feel safe. When spaces do not feel safe for LGBTQ+ people, make sure you remedy it. For survivors, trigger or content warnings can be helpful when dealing with topics like sexual harm, assault, violence, or rape. Providing content warnings (whether you know a survivor is there or not) can help people feel seen and cared for. You never know where someone is on their healing journey.
4. Support policies and legislation that impact LGBTQ+ people
Educate yourself about how LGBTQ+ people are impacted by a wide variety of political issues like protecting survivors of sexual harm, healthcare, parenthood and guardianship, and free speech, to name a few. It’s not just about voting, but staying consistently engaged and involved. Call or write to your representatives. Get involved with local protests about pressing issues. Vote for politicians who proudly support LGBTQ+ rights. Urge elected officials to follow through on the promises they make about supporting LGBTQ+ constituents. When we participate in democracy, we help play a small part in making the lives of our LGBTQ+ neighbors safer and more protected.
Hopefully you’re feeling more invigorated to jump into Pride month with these action items. To keep the ball rolling, here are some reading suggestions that you can explore this Pride month and year-round! Reading is a powerful way to deepen your understanding of these issues and further your allyship.
LGBTQ+ Book Recommendations:
LGBTQ+-Focused Blogs by CAASE:
CAASE is proud to serve LGBTQ+ survivors. If CAASE can help you through one of our programs, such as Legal Services, Prevention Education, Community Engagement, and Public Policy and Advocacy, please contact us! Click here to send an inquiry. We can be reached by phone at 773-244-2230. If you are seeking legal services, please call 773-244-2230 ext. 205 or email [email protected].
CAASE published this piece on June 9, 2025. It was authored by Lizzy Springer and edited by Kaethe Morris Hoffer. Learn more about our staff here.
