When LGB Orgizations Become T

Help us generate a comprehensive list

The Anthropology Research Group on Homosexuality first met in 1978, hoping to convince the American Anthropological Association to allow for the study of homosexuality—legitimize and destigmatize it. In 1987, it became the Society of Lesbian and Gay Anthropologists (SOLGA)—the anthropologists themselves demanded representation, not just the approval of subject matter they studied. “The two names of the organization reflect the tension between a theoretical perspective that centers on a research agenda (‘Anthropological Research Group on Homosexuality,’ though this name ironically served as a cover for a relatively social caucus) and a more active, political stance; consider SOLGA, ‘Society of Lesbian and Gay Anthropologists,’ a name informed by identity politics,” per their official history.

The name changed to The Association for Queer Anthropology in 2010. The official history omits the story behind that name change, but it’s just one of many organizations that, at inception, focused on homosexuality, and was reinvented to include queerness and/or transness—or in some cases be overtaken by them. Some have kept the acronyms—GLSEN, GLAAD—but no longer explicitly name the gays and lesbians they once referenced.

To some, these changes reflect the expansion of a mission, fulfilling a promise of inclusivity that many couldn’t act on when initially searching for it. To others, it’s concept creep that became an invasive species, obliterating the mission.

We’ve started a list here of organizations that have gone this route. Please add more in the comments.

Gay-Straight Alliance Network, founded 1998
Became: Gender and Sexuality Alliance Network, 2016
“In 2016, we formally changed our name to Genders & Sexualities Alliance Network (formerly Gay-Straight Alliance Network) after hearing from countless youth leaders who understand their genders and sexualities to be uniquely theirs and have moved beyond the labels of gay and straight, and the limits of a binary gender system. Trans and queer students continue to name their individual school-based clubs in a way that reflects the values and identity of its members.”

Gay & Lesbian Alliance Against Defamation, founded 1985
Became: GLAAD, the LGBT media advocacy organization, 2015
“It is a natural progression that reflects the work GLAAD's staff is already leading. We respect and honor the full name that the organization was founded with, but GLAAD's work has expanded beyond fighting defamation to changing the culture. Our commitment to marriage equality, employment nondiscrimination, and other LGBT issues is stronger than ever, and now our name reflects our work on transgender issues as well as our work with allies.”

National Gay and Lesbian Task Force, founded 1973
Became: National LGBTQ Task Force, 2014
“Under executive director Rea Carey, the new name reaffirmed the Task Force’s commitment to intersectional activism and radical inclusion. The name explicitly integrates bisexual, transgender, and queer into the fabric of the organization. Along with the name change, the Task Force launched their new and current slogan, “Be You,” which speaks to the Task Force’s desire for everyone to be themselves in a more just, and liberated society.”

Parents, Families, and Friends of Lesbians and Gays, founded 1973
Became: PFLAG, 2014
”In 2014, the organization officially changed its name, dropping the acronym 'Parents, Families, and Friends of Lesbians and Gays' to become simply PFLAG, a name which--like the community it serves--cannot be broken apart. This also more accurately reflects PFLAGs members, those PFLAG serves, and the inclusive work PFLAG has been doing for decades.”

Gay & Lesbian Medical Association, founded 1981
Became: GLMA: Health Professionals Advancing LGBT Equality, 2012; GLMA: Health Professionals Advancing LGBTQ+, 2018
“In 2012, GLMA emerged as GLMA: Health Professionals Advancing LGBT Equality, or simply GLMA. In 2018, GLMA adjusted its tag line in order to incorporate queer individuals and healthcare providers by adding the Q in LGBTQ, followed shortly thereafter with the addition of the +. This shift recognizes that all health professionals and our supporters have a role in improving the health and well-being of LGBTQ+ people and that GLMA is an organization that welcomes and serves everyone who shares in that belief.”

The Gay & Lesbian Victory Fund, founded 1991
Became: LGBTQ Victory Fund, LGBTQ+ Victory Fund, 2018, 2023

National Gay Pilots Association, founded 1990
Became: NGPA: The Worldwide LGBTQ+ Aviation Community

Gay, Lesbian, and Bisexual Veterans of America, founded 1990
Became: American Veterans for Equal Rights, 2005

Gay and Lesbian History Month, founded 1994
Became: LGBT History Month, ?

What else?!