We are rebuilding the lesbian, gay and bisexual movement. We want LGB people in every country to have our own organisations, a way to make friends and a campaigning voice. If your country does not have an LGB group, why not start one? Every national group is different and independent.

Before you start

1. It’s very difficult to start alone. Find one or two people who will work with you. It can be tough to face criticism. Try to have both women and men visible right from the start.

2. Social media is the main way to promote your views and find your group. X is good for policy discussions, Instagram is more visual, Tiktok reaches young people, Facebook older people.

3. Start some regular calls on videoconference to build a group. Some people need to be anonymous. You should have a one-to-one meetings with new people to check they are suitable (and not infiltrators). The safety of you and your supporters matters. Be careful with venues, personal phone numbers and how your store data. Eventually, you might have three groups: active co-organisers, supporters who donate money and people who just follow what you do.

4. Choose a name. Some use LGB Alliance (e.g. LGB Alliance Switzerland) or just LGB (e.g. LGB Colombia). Others have names that work better in their language (LHB-Liitto in Finland) and some have used a different identity (Not All Gays in Ireland). Try to buy a URL for your website and social accounts that are as consistent as possible. We can help with email addresses and websites.

5. Safeguarding is vital from the start, particularly for young and vulnerable members. This could damage the global movement for LGB rights. Act quickly if there are any risks.

6. You need money to anything big (website, room hire, logo design, making videos). Start early by asking supporters to give a monthly donation. Aim to have some paid staff in the future. Paypal can help and LGB International can help you raise funds.

7. National registration is different in every country so look into how to register as an association, a not-for-profit or a charity.

Affiliating to LGB International

We can help publicise your group and support you before you have affiliated.

1. Affiliation is open to one LGB organisation per country. Affiliation will be agreed by the Committee of LGB International. National affiliates will be listed on a website and can use the wording “A National Affiliate of LGB International” on their publications, websites and social media profiles.

2. An associate non-voting membership will be established. National organisations which do not yet meet minimum requirements may be able to participate whilst they work towards becoming a national affiliate. Membership may expand to other lesbian, gay and/or bisexual organisations in the future.

Membership Minimum Requirements

1. To be eligible to be a national affiliate of LGB International, an organisation must be:

2. A functioning national organisation with supporters/members who are predominantly lesbians, gay men and bisexual people. We may have straight supporters and friends but these are LGB organisations.

3. Have a public online presence (e.g. website, Facebook page, Instagram or X accounts). At least one person should be prepared to be a named public spokesperson.

4. Have a committee/governing structure with a minimum of three people meeting at least monthly. This should not be single-sex and LGB International will hold names and contact details of at least three committee members.

5. Recruit and welcome new supporters/members, subject to vetting and approval.

6. Adopt the founding framework of LGB International.

7. Be a non-governmental, not-for-profit organisation and not aligned with or directly supporting any political party.

8. Not to be aligned with or accept funding from organisations that would bring LGB International or other national affiliates into disrepute.

9. Be nationally-registered where appropriate and possible.

10. Follow the guidance of and adhere to the LGB International social media policy.

11. Describe themselves as “the National Affiliate of LGB International” where appropriate and use LGB International’s branding and materials in accordance with provided guidelines, respecting all intellectual property rights.

12. Undertake to share information about their work on a regular basis through LGB International.

13. Alert LGB International to any significant safeguarding or reputation risks, especially any related to sexual abuse or exploitation.

14. Commit to sending a representative to meetings of LGB International.

15. Comply with all applicable local, national, and international laws and regulations pertinent to non-profit organizations and human rights advocacy.

16. Implement appropriate data protection policies to safeguard personal information in compliance with applicable data privacy laws.

17. Have a representative who can communicate in LGB International’s core language, English.

Responsibilities of LGB International

1. Convene regular international meetings and manage communication platforms

2. Maintain a webpage for LGB International giving links to each national affiliate

3. Provide advice and support to national affiliates and potential national affiliates

4. Provide occasional financial support as low-level seed funding when possible to help national group activities

5. Promote the activities of national affiliates including through the LGB International social media

6. Provide a repository of resources such as logos, marketing or campaign materials.