Thrasher Magazine

If you’ve heard of a skate charity, chances are it was Skateistan. From running skate schools in Afghanistan and teaching kids lifelong skills with the board, Skateistan has grown into a massive force for good around the globe and now connects other skate orgs to collaborate with the Good Push Alliance. There was even an Oscar-winning documentary made about the girls in the program.

Skate for Change is a global network of skaters and community leaders working at the grassroots level to improve the lives of people in their community by giving out socks, water and other essential goods to people experiencing homelessness. It’s not about how big your crew is, it’s about how much good you can do with the one you’ve got. Check their Three Steps to create change in your scene.

Trans Lifeline is the only crisis hotline set up to serve trans people in crisis staffed entirely by transgender operators. On top of combatting the suicide epidemic, the organization also provides financial support for legal name changes and other court services. If you or someone you know is struggling with identity-related issues, check out their site or call the number for help.

The Oakland LGBTQ Center is the city’s first all-inclusive LGBTQ+ community center. With a ton of services like a library, food pantry, rental assistance program and support groups, the Center is a bright spot in the Bay that enhances and reinforces the lives of LGBTQ+ people. Stop by if you’re in the East Bay, though you can forget about skating the ledges out front—they’re fully knobbed. 

The National Black Justice Coalition is a civil rights organization empowering Black LGBTQ+, same-gender loving and people living with HIV/AIDS. The NBJC combats racism and homophobia with their LGBTQ-Equality Initiative for more inclusive college campuses and works in Washington on issues of employment discrimination, relationship recognition and criminal justice. Check their site for more tools and terminology to make sure you’re updating and evolving your caveman dictionary.

The Emergency Release Fund posts bail for trans people in NYC who’ve been jailed. The existing system often prevents trans people from qualifying for pre-trial release programs, and being in jail makes them even more vulnerable. If you or someone you know is trans or LGBTQ+ and awaiting trial in jail, request bail funds here. Support the mission and help the most marginalized among us. 

Following the Oscar-winning short film Trevor, the Trevor Project was set up to provide a 24-hour hotline for LGBTQ+ youth in crisis. Since ’98 it’s expanded to provide programs for those same young people, educators and allies to learn about coming out and best practices for suicide prevention. Watch the film below that started it all and let’s make sure we continue to make skating a community where people are comfortable being open with their sexuality and gender identity. And, of course, if you’re struggling with depression or suicidal thoughts, call the number below for help. 

Much like the other crisis lines in our community support page, the Veterans Crisis Line provides ‘round the clock call and text support. Check the video to see the crucial work they’re doing to keep our vets safe and secure and visit their site to learn how to spot the signs of a crisis.

The Human Rights Campaign is the largest LGBTQ+ civil rights organization in the country. With over three-million members across the country, the HRC is a powerhouse in the fight to ensure full equality for the LGBTQ+ community. Skating has only recently begun to include openly gay, trans and non-binary skaters and we’ve got a long way to go, but taking some cues from this org would be a good place to start.