Gay4Good is an organization that mobilizes both LGBTQ+ members and allies to volunteer with local nonprofits and organizations in order to promote diversity, foster inclusion, and strengthen ties within the community.
It was founded in 2008 by three friends who sought to bridge the division in the own community in the aftermath of Proposition 8, which banned same sex marriage in California. They were inspired by the first openly gay elected official in California, Harvey Milk, who gained trust and respect in his district through acts of support and kindness, and sought to also bring people together through service while also solving other societal issues.
Now with chapters in 21 cities across the US, the organization focuses on the values of community building, creating visibility, advancing sustainability, and promoting diversity, equity, and inclusion, all while envisioning a world where all people, regardless of sexual orientation, gender identity, or expression, feel seen, safe, and valued.
Gay4Good’s Orange County / Long Beach chapter was founded in 2010 and has completed over 2500 acts of service since.
Examples of service projects include helping the Urban Community Outreach prepare, cook, and pack meals for the hungry, assisting The Little Lion Foundation with pet adoption events, and even collaborating with Love in the Mirror around the holidays by collecting toys and donations to sort, wrap, and distribute.
“We purposely target a variety of causes ranging from food insecurity, to animal welfare, to environmental impact, and more,” said Tiffany Ming, the OC/LB volunteer Chapter Leader. “We aim to increase LGBTQ+ awareness and representation throughout the community, all while doing as much good as possible!”
The role of Chapter Leader’s like Ming is to ensure that volunteers have fun, safe, and fulfilling experiences while working at service events, ensuring that volunteers will have a good time so that they will return to serve the community.
Gay4Good is open to all supporters and individuals in the LGBTQ+ community and they work to ensure that service projects are a safe space for all. They would like to continue expanding and doing good, aiming to add to the number of chapters nationwide.
New service projects and social events are being planned. Those interested in volunteering are encouraged to sign up for their newsletter.
For more information about Gay4Good, visit their website at https://gayforgood.org/oclb/ or their Instagram page @gayforgoodoclb.
