Domestic violence has no boundaries or barriers. It can affect anyone, regardless of age, race, gender, or sexual orientation; but much of the domestic violence awareness movement focuses on solely heterosexual relationships. Members of the LGBTQ community say they do not feel seen or heard.

“The trans community is one of the most overlooked communities in times of disaster,” said Austin Ruiz, communications and marketing manger at The Montrose Center. AdWhen COVID-19 hit, The Montrose Center, which serves Houston’s LGBT community, saw a sharp increase in requests for help among Houston’s trans community. “We found there were a lot of community members, specifically trans community members, that do not feel safe to go to other social service agencies because they were afraid they’d be turned away or discriminated against because of their status as a trans community member,” Ruiz said. Through a foundation grant, Save Our Sisters United has been able to provide money for food, shelter, basic necessities and medication like HRT’s. She added that ongoing therapy sessions with her counselor at the Montrose Center continues to make all the difference in the world.

Taking place on Dec. 1 this year, many local organizations in the Houston area are gearing up to respond to increased economical need. Houstonians can volunteer their time, or donate gifts or money to any local cause. Here are local organizations you can donate to on Giving Tuesday. Serving 18 counties in the Houston-area, the Houston Food Bank has helped over one million people who are food insecure. Over 60 locations and serving 600,000 people in the Houston region, BakerRipley serves as a community center for low-income families, providing important information and opportunities to succeed in life.