Since it’s December, most people have charity on their minds. Below are some LGBT nonprofits or organizations that I think are providing a valuable and worthy service. If I can be so bold as to make one suggestion for your holiday charity, please do not donate to the Salvation Army. Read why you shouldn’t donate to the Salvation Army Bell Ringers here. Go ahead and click that link—it’s something not enough people are aware of.

Instead, consider one of these LGBT organizations:

Human Rights Campaign

This is probably my favorite organization working on my behalf. I’ve mentioned them plenty of times on this website. As the largest national lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender civil rights organization, the HRC envisions an America where LGBT people are ensured of their basic equal rights, and can be open, honest and safe at home, at work and in the community. They recently released the 2012 Corporate Equality Index, which I wrote about here. Though they’re not strictly classified as a nonprofit, I respect and value their work and happily donate here myself. Read more about the HRC story or check out their blog.

It Gets Better

Dan Savage’s project to show young LGBT people that it indeed does get better. This is an incredible organization working hard to prevent  teen suicides. It Gets Better works closely with The Trevor Project, another worthy cause. Personally, I find this organization inspirational and it’s something I wish I’d learned much sooner. Read more about It Gets Better and be sure to donate. Or at the very least, spend a few hours watching some of the videos posted on the site. Truly inspirational.

Immigration Equality

Immigration Equality is a national organization fighting for equality under U.S. immigration law for lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, and HIV-positive individuals. Founded in 1994 as the Lesbian and Gay Immigration Rights Task Force, Immigration Equality provides legal aid and advocacy for LGBT and HIV-positive immigrants and their families. What I like most about Immigration Equality’s premise is its focus on providing legal services for the recognition of binational (American/foreign national) families. Learn more about Immigration Equality here.