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

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 Consortium expand its brief to include trans voluntary and community organisations. In 2018, in recognition of the ever-increasing diversity of LGBT+ organisations, we included the plus (+) to proactively highlight our support for those LGBT+ organisations serving diverse parts of our sector. 

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

Many lesbian, gay, bisexual and trans plus 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 trans plus 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 0.06% of national charitable income).

Consortium is a registered charity and a company limited by guarantee.