Pride has always been a time for celebration—rooted in survival, advocacy and community-care. As we celebrate this month, we are seeing more and more Americans struggle with rising costs, economic inequality, and food insecurity. LGBTQIA+ communities are disproportionally impacted by hunger, while also leading change within their communities.
Food insecurity occurs at higher rates among the LGBTQIA+ individuals: 18% of LGBT adults experienced food insecurity in the last year, compared to 14% of non-LGBT adults. Trans adults face food insecurity at almost three times the rate of non-trans adults, and transgender people of color face some of the highest rates of hunger in the country—nearly six times higher than cis white individuals.
These disparities are rooted in broader economic inequalities. LGBTQIA+ communities experience higher rates of poverty due to structural factors such as discrimination, persistent pay disparities, and higher rates of disability. On average, LGBTQIA+ households earn just 85 cents for every dollar earned by non-LGBTQIA+ households—amounting to roughly $12,600 in lost income annually.
As a result, federal nutrition and health programs play a critical role. LGBTQIA+ individuals are twice as likely to rely on Medicaid than straight, cisgender adults. And 15% of LGBT adults relied on SNAP benefits in the past year, compared to 11% of non-LGBT adults. Yet, recent policy changes are undermining these critical safety nets. New work requirements outlined in the administration’s H.R.1 bill (also called the “One Big Beautiful Bill”) are estimated to result in 11.8 million individuals losing Medicaid by 2034. And nearly $200 billion in SNAP cuts over the next decade will cut food aid significantly to 22 million U.S. families.
As WhyHunger Executive Director Jenique Jones said in a recent interview with Gayety, hunger in the U.S. is not inevitable—it reflects “who the system chooses to invest in, and who it does not.” “who the system chooses to invest in, and who it does not.”
WhyHunger is committed to addressing hunger as a form of economic injustice and addressing the root causes that perpetuate it. This means listening to and learning from LGBTQIA+ communities—not just during Pride, but year-round. Pride is a protest— and the movement against hunger is part of that ongoing struggle for justice.
There are many amazing organizations that raise awareness, challenge discrimination, and provide crucial support around food security, mental health, and well-being led-by and for the LGBTQIA+ community. WhyHunger is highlighting five organizations to support below.
Iridescent Earth Collective
A queer, Black & Latinx led farm group growing food upstate for mutual aid in the Bronx. Support by donating here and following them on Twitter and Instagram.
The Okra Project
A mutual aid collective that seeks to support black trans people with the goal of alleviating barriers. Support by donating here and following them on Instagram and LinkedIn.
Cuir Kitchen Brigade
A queer ecology project educating frontline communities against climate change. Support by donating here and following them on Facebook and Instagram.
Queer Ecojustice Project
A media and education collective with a vision of a queer ecological future for people and the planet. Support by donating here and following them on Facebook and Youtube.
Princess Janae Place
A community-based housing organization supporting trans community members moving from homelessness to independent living. Support by donating here and following them on Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram.
Follow, donate or volunteer to support these or other LGBTQIA+ organizations in your community.
