So you can support queer projects - beyond fashion

Pride Month is a time full of color, visibility, and solidarity. But queer engagement doesn't end with the final confetti shower at a parade or a statement shirt. Truly supportive comes from looking beyond fashion—and sustainably strengthening queer-feminist initiatives, community projects, and organizations.

In this article, we show you concrete ways you can support queer projects – with heart, attitude, and real impact.

1. Inform & further education

Solidarity begins with knowledge. Learn more about the history of queer movements, about different identities within the LGBTQIA+ spectrum, and about current struggles – from the Self-Determination Act to anti-trans narratives. Understanding the background allows you to better understand, support, and take a bolder stand against discrimination in everyday life.

Tip: Follow queer activists and educational projects on social media. Listen to podcasts like "Queerkram," "Lila Podcast," or "Sag mal du als Frau," read books by authors like Hengameh Yaghoobifarah, Jayrôme C. Robinet, or Alok Vaid-Menon—and share your knowledge. Documentaries like "Disclosure" and "Welcome to Chechnya" also offer compelling insights.

2. Donations – even small amounts help

Queer projects often receive insufficient support from government structures—or are difficult to access due to bureaucracy. Smaller groups that work intersectionally or advocate for particularly marginalized groups often fall through the cracks of institutional funding. This makes support from a community that supports solidarity all the more important.
Many queer projects are funded through donations. These include youth centers, trans counseling centers, or creative community hubs. Smaller, non-institutionalized groups, in particular, rely on ongoing support. State funding is rarely sufficient; many groups operate on a voluntary or precarious basis.

Examples of fundraising goals:

• LesMigraS (Berlin): for LBTIQ* people affected by racism
  

• GLADT e.V.: Self-organization of BIPoC &Migrants in the queer scene
  

• TransInterQueer e.V. (TrIQ): Contact point for trans*, inter* and non-binary people
  

• Queer Refugees Germany: Support for queer refugees
  

• Queer Base (Vienna): legal advice && community work
  
  

Even €5 a month makes a difference – especially when many people donate together. Donations can also be given as gifts – for example, for birthdays or weddings.

3. Create visibility – share platforms

It's important to remember that visibility shouldn't degenerate into marketing or self-promotion at the expense of the community. The term "pinkwashing," for example, describes when companies use queer symbolism without actually supporting queer people or projects—or, in the worst case, even pursue policies that contradict these. Remember that visibility is always linked to substance.
Do you have a network? Use it! Share posts from queer initiatives, promote events, recommend queer artists or shops. Visibility is a valuable asset that you can actively share. Pride Month is a good starting point—but queer issues need attention all year round.

Even more powerful: Consciously give space to queer voices – in conversations, on stages, in editorial offices, or on panels. Especially in places where things otherwise remain heteronormative. Question your own platforms, too: Who is being heard there? Who are you quoting?

Photo: Leeloo The First/pexels

4. Volunteer

Many organizations welcome support—whether with events, public relations, consulting, or organizational support. If you have the time and skills, ask at queer centers or Pride organizations in your city.

Digital volunteer work is also becoming increasingly popular: Copywriting, graphic design, social media, or website maintenance are great ways to contribute your skills. Perhaps you know someone who needs support with administrative tasks or writing job applications? Solidarity in action can be very close to home.

5. Queer Businesses && support art

Not all support has to be donation-based—consumption can also be political. Buy books by queer authors, support queer cafes, labels, or creative projects. Many queer entrepreneurs not only create economic independence but also safe spaces for others.

Examples:
• Queer bookstores like “Prinz Eisenherz” in Berlin
• Queer art markets && Pop-up shops in your city
• Online platforms like Etsy with LGBTQIA+ labels

paigh tip: There are many great queer brands that produce fairly – from T-shirts with empowerment prints to handmade jewelry. Support consciously.

6. Use language consciously

Our language can also empower—or exclude. In everyday life, pay attention to inclusive language, use pronouns correctly, and don't address people about their queerness without asking. It's not about perfection, but about respect and a willingness to learn.

Small step, big impact: Get used to gender-inclusive language, for example, by using a colon ("Freunde:innen") or alternative formulations like "all people in the team" instead of "Kollege." Actively ask for pronouns or share your own – for example, in emails or social media bios.

7. Empowering queer youth

Young people who operate outside the heteronormative norm often experience isolation or rejection – at school, at home, or among friends. Studies show that queer young people are at increased risk for psychological distress – and at the same time, they have a need for role models, recognition, and safe spaces.

An often underestimated area is digital support services – especially in rural areas or for young people who are not (yet) out. Platforms such as comingout.de, “queerbuddy” or the JugendNotmail offer anonymous and low-threshold help.

If you're queer yourself: Tell your story. Visibility builds courage. If you're an ally: Be supportive, ask questions, listen—and speak out when anti-queer statements are made. Teachers, social workers, and parents can also make a significant impact by consciously supporting queer youth.

Tip: Support or get involved with queer youth organizations like Lambda e.V. or the SCHLAU project in North Rhine-Westphalia, which does anti-discrimination work in schools.

Together we are creating a world where queer diversity is not just tolerated, but actively celebrated and strengthened – today, tomorrow and every day of the year.