Support LGBTQ plus Staff Facing Layoffs by Corrupt HRC

The Human Rights Campaign (HRC) is laying off over 20% of its workforce, roughly 47 dedicated employees, at a time when the LGBTQ+ community needs protection and security the most. These layoffs come just weeks after Donald Trump’s second inauguration, during a period of escalating attacks on LGBTQ+ rights, including executive orders restricting gender-affirming care and suppressing LGBTQ+ visibility in schools.

(Hear from Keo , former Associate Director of HRC's Trans Justice Initiative, who was impacted by the recent layoffs.)

While HRC claims this is a “budgetary and strategic” decision, the reality is far more troubling. A truly strategic decision would have been to protect the programs that serve the most vulnerable in our community rather than dismantle them. To “trim their budget,” HRC chose to cut its most needed programs rather than reduce the inflated salaries of its highest-paid staff members.

Though the details of the programs being cut have not yet been made public, I have received this information directly from staff who were laid off. Having worked at HRC for six years, I remain connected with many of the employees who were affected by these layoffs.

These critical programs are either being dropped completely due to all staff within these programs being laid off or will be highly affected by these layoffs:

HRC continues to justify overinflated senior leadership salaries while eliminating the very programs that provide direct support to those most at risk. HRC President Kelley Robinson took only a 10% pay cut while still earning well above the industry standard for nonprofit executives with a salary of $700k+. Not a single other current member of HRC’s Senior Leadership Team, all of whom make upwards of $250k, took a pay cut. Meanwhile, the organization could have saved millions by adjusting the salaries of its highest earners instead of sacrificing frontline staff. Budget decisions are moral decisions, and HRC’s leadership has chosen to place financial security for a few over the well-being of many –– most of whom are increasingly vulnerable in this political moment.

Additionally, impacted staff are being effectively coerced into signing an NDA in exchange for an additional month of pay and health insurance. This silences them from speaking out against these unjust layoffs and prevents transparency around HRC's decision-making. No organization that claims to stand for justice should force its employees into silence in exchange for basic financial security during a crisis.

It is important to note that HRC is not a federally funded organization. It operates as a private nonprofit, meaning its financial decisions, including budget cuts and salary allocations, are entirely under the control of its leadership and board of directors. This makes it even more egregious that leadership prioritized executive salaries over frontline programs and staff.

Who keeps us safe? We keep us safe.

Why This Fund Matters

The staffers being laid off are the heart and soul of LGBTQ+ advocacy, fighting discriminatory legislation, supporting marginalized communities, and ensuring access to vital services. Now, they are being forced into an unstable job market while facing a hostile political landscape.

Funds raised will go directly to helping the lowest-earning impacted employees cover living expenses, healthcare, and job transitions as they navigate this difficult time. Participation will be opt-in for those in need, in exchange for not signing HRC's NDA, and support will be provided until individuals secure stable employment and health insurance. Any unused funds will be donated to Point of Pride to provide gender-affirming care to those in need.

How You Can Help

These staffers stood up for us—now it’s our turn to stand up for

them. Let’s show them that we value their work, their passion, and their sacrifices. Together, we can ensure they land on their feet and continue the fight for equality, no matter what challenges lie ahead.

Thank you for your generosity and for standing up for those who have dedicated their careers to standing up for us.

Donate Today. Share Widely. Support Our Community.

Why We Set a Goal of $300,000

We have set a goal of $300,000 to provide meaningful financial assistance to the 47 laid-off staff members as they transition to new employment and secure health insurance. Many of those affected are individuals with intersecting marginalized identities, including transgender and nonbinary people, disabled individuals, and those who were already financially vulnerable. These employees were among the most at-risk within HRC and are now being forced into an unstable job market while facing systemic barriers to employment and healthcare access.

To ensure equitable distribution of funds, we are prioritizing financial aid for those in lower salary tiers first, recognizing that they are the most impacted by this sudden loss of income. This is also an opt-in process, allowing individuals to determine their level of need and ensuring that support goes where it is most urgently required.

This amount is based on estimated living expenses, healthcare costs, and job transition support for three to six months. Each person’s situation is different, but this fund ensures that those in need can receive temporary relief while they find stability. Any excess funds will be donated to Point of Pride to support gender-affirming care for those in need. Your contributions will directly impact lives and show solidarity in the fight for LGBTQ+ rights.