#GivingTuesday: support LGBT non-profits

We've all heard of Black Friday and Cyber Monday, but have you heard about Giving Tuesday? Unlike those other days, GivingTuesday is all about philanthropy.

#GivingTuesday is a national social media movement that was started in 2012 by the UN Foundation to encourage people to give back to their communities — to donate to a good cause — on the first Tuesday after Thanksgiving, which is today.

The holiday season often stirs people's generosity to give a gift that embodies the spirit of the holidays by helping those in need.

Chicago House CEO Stan Sloan told ChicagoPride.com that between 80-90 percent of their individual support comes from end-of-year gifts.

"It is also a time when people who are in need tend to be more vulnerable...to weather...to poverty...to loneliness and psychological depression," Stan reminded us.

Today, ChicagoPride.com encourages you to participate in #GivingTuesday by giving to local LGBT organizations that rely on donations to operate.

Investing in an LGBT charity, is investing in your community. Here is a list that will help you better plan your online contributions -- each are LGBT organizations that I've personally worked with. I recognize this is a partial list of the numerous organizations helping our community.

AIDS Foundation of Chicago (Donate online)

Center on Halsted (Donate online)

Center on Halsted (Donate online)

Chicago House (Donate online)

Edge Alliance (Donate online)

Interfaith House (Donate online)

Howard Brown Health Center (Donate online)

Test Positive Aware Network (Donate online)

These organizations need your help every day that ends in 'Y'! If you're unable to make a donation, remember most charities can use your valuable time, too! Local agencies need volunteers throughout the year.

Happy Holiday and Happy #GivingTuesday!