From civil rights organizations to adoption agencies, wedding chapels to community centers, there are hundreds of options for jobs where your work can make a difference. Often, the work is closer than you think. Here is a look at some of the best jobs that relate to or directly support lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, and queer issues.
This all adds up to a big need for psychologists, psychiatrists, and therapists who specialize in treating this community. LGBTQ therapists counsel patients about issues related to their sexuality. Gender identity therapists also work with transgender clients, helping them make sense of the emotional and psychological aspects of their transitions. Additionally, some family psychologists work with same-sex families or couples. In addition to annual Pride Month celebrations and parades and events for awareness days, many cities host monthly or weekly events for the queer community, from club nights to cocktail hours to business luncheons. All of these events require extensive organization and promotion, leading to a variety of jobs in event planning and production. There’s a need for lawyers who can protect LGBTQ people from discrimination, make sure members of the community are aware of their rights, and battle attempts to advance legislation that limits the rights of the community. While some civil rights lawyers work for private firms, others are employed by organizations such as Lambda Legal and the ACLU. There are many opportunities for media professionals in communication fields: public relations, marketing, advertising, press strategy, and event production are just a few. In addition, individuals with experience in the LGBTQ movement tend to be in high demand during election season, when politicians are looking for consultants who can help diversify their appeal. These groups exist at the city, state, national, and even international levels, and thus a wide range of different employment opportunities is possible, from entry-level positions to managerial roles. If relocation interests you, Europe or Asia could be in your future. Organizations range from independent, locally run groups, such as MassEquality in Boston, to national institutions such as GLAAD and the Human Rights Campaign. Some international nongovernmental organizations (NGOs), such as Amnesty International, are heavily involved in efforts related to LGBTQ issues worldwide. Obtaining a postgraduate degree, either an M.A. or a Ph.D., in one of these fields opens up professional opportunities in academia, much like any other advanced degree would. Those with a background in psychology or social work who are interested in helping troubled youth might consider employment at an LGBTQ community center. Finding a job as a youth counselor can be a fulfilling opportunity to do meaningful work and—on a purely self-serving note—the job looks exceptional on a resume. While you can work any beat, many news outlets cater specifically to the gay community. Huffington Post Gay Voices, The Advocate, Autostraddle, and Pink News are the heavy hitters. While some ministers are specifically affiliated with churches or religious organizations, others are nondenominational practitioners who have obtained their ordination independently. Adoption caseworkers help families through the extensive legal hoops, financial burdens, and potential emotional stress associated with adopting a child. Some adoption counselors work in government agencies, while others work with private adoption agencies. Many adoption agents who work specifically with same-sex couples looking to start a family are employed at private agencies that are experienced with the complicated laws of same-sex adoption.
