Where we came from

Little specialist infrastructure exists to support LGBT groups and organisations, and existing voluntary sector infrastructure organisations have often failed to acknowledge or provide support for lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender projects.

The Consortium was set up in 1998 to address these gaps; and to nurture the development of an LGB sector. In 2003, the desire for greater diversity from members saw the Consortium expanded its brief to include transgender voluntary and community organisations.

We currently host the largest network of LGBT groups, projects and organisations in the UK.

Many lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender voluntary and community organisations have developed in response to poor mainstream services and support. LGBT initiatives vary from housing and health to helplines and self-help groups.

Community forums provide a voice for lesbians, gay men, bisexuals and transgender individuals at the local level; and national campaigning groups challenge discrimination within the structures and laws of society.

Although diverse, innovative and passionate, the LGBT sector has historically been marginalised, underfunded, and thus isolated and disparate. Many groups operate exclusively through the use of volunteers; and income for the sector remains incredibly low (at 0.03% of national charitable income).