With November being Transgender Awareness Month, it’s a no-brainer that Egale Canada Human Rights Trust should be our group of the month! Egale is Canada’s only national charity promoting LGBT rights through research, education, and community engagement.

Founded in 1995, Egale’s vision is a world wherein every person can reach their full potential, free of bias and regardless of their sexual or gender identity. To this end, they have spearheaded and participated in numerous education and awareness campaigns, all with the ultimate aim of providing safer and more accepted lives for lesbian, gay, bisexual, and transsexual individuals.

Most notable to us here at Contactsforless.ca is OUTshine 2017, a three-day summit that will bring LGBTQ+ and “ally” (non-LGBTQ+, but supportive) secondary school youths together with educators and community members to discuss what is happening in their schools, share resources and experiences, and celebrate their identities in an open manner that isn’t necessarily possible in their regular lives.

Also notable is Egale’s partnership with the You Can Play project. You Can Play was launched in 2012 with the goal of breaking down the stigma and barriers about being LGBTQ+ in traditional sports, an environment which has historically been hostile towards LGBTQ+ individuals and prevented many athletes from coming out and being themselves during their careers. As You Can Play’s Canadian partner, Egale provides awareness and inclusion training for athletes, coaches, leagues and organizations, and also assists with pro partnership programs which connect LGBTQ+ youth with leaders in the professional sports community.

The fact of the matter is that it’s 2016 – we’re far past the point where gender and sexual rights should even be an issue, and we are 100% behind any organization that’s fighting the good fight. This is why Egale Canada Human Rights Trust is November’s Group of the Month – 51% of the profit from every purchase made at Contactsforless.ca will, by default, be donated to Egale.

Of course, if there’s another cause that you find more important, you’re always free to choose from our list of over 50 different charities and non-profit organizations during checkout. No matter what your choice, know that we appreciate you doing your part to make the world a better place.