LGBTQ Non-Profit Organizations in Richmond, VA

Side by Side, based in Richmond, Virginia, is a community-driven organization with over three decades of dedicated service to LGBTQ+ youth. Founded in 1991 as the Richmond Organization for Sexual Minority Youth (ROSMY) and rebranded in 2016, Side by Side has established itself as a national leader in youth-centered advocacy and support. The organization is built on four core strategic priorities: a public commitment to Black LGBTQ+ youth flourishing, creating vibrant and diverse communities through partnership and mutual support, maintaining a youth-centered approach to all decision-making, and serving as a powerful voice for LGBTQ+ community education and progress. What distinguishes Side by Side is its deep commitment to intersectionality and racial equity, recognizing the complete humanity of every young person it serves while actively working to dismantle systems of racial inequity. The organization celebrates a rich history of firsts—from offering the first college scholarship for LGBTQ+ youth in 1996 to hosting groundbreaking alternative proms and launching innovative programs like its Host Home initiative for homeless young adults. Side by Side's impact extends throughout Virginia's LGBTQ+ community, with support groups spanning from Richmond to Charlottesville and training programs reaching schools and organizations across the Commonwealth. By listening to youth voices, creating affirming spaces, and building long-term relationships within Black communities, Side by Side continues its tradition of supporting LGBTQ+ youth to define themselves and flourish in a more equitable future.

Diversity Richmond stands as a catalyst, voice, place, and resource dedicated to enriching the LGBTQ+ community of Greater Richmond, VA. Rooted in 15 years of community advocacy, this nonprofit organization emerged from the 2015 merger of two established Richmond institutions, creating a permanent and sustainable structure committed to serving LGBTQ+ individuals, their families, and allies. The organization's core mission centers on championing diversity while actively advancing equity and inclusion throughout the region. Diversity Richmond prioritizes intentional support for those disproportionately impacted within the LGBTQ+ community, including people of color, transgender individuals, and those identifying as non-binary or gender non-conforming. Operating from their Richmond location, the organization builds community through meaningful relationships with volunteers, partner nonprofits, and local supporters who share a vision of a vibrant, inclusive community where LGBTQ+ citizens are treated with respect and dignity. Beyond programming and events, Diversity Richmond has cultivated a safe, welcoming environment rooted in values of equity, inclusion, and human dignity. The organization's commitment extends to creating affirming experiences that celebrate the unique gifts of LGBTQ+ individuals while holding systems accountable in promoting full civil rights for all Virginians. Through community donations, member programs, and collaborative partnerships, Diversity Richmond continues strengthening Greater Richmond as a place where diversity is not just acknowledged but genuinely celebrated.