Why is it that so many of us have this vague notion that we don’t need to be concerned about giving back to our community until we’ve reached some ill-defined status that usually involves being older and more successful? Is there an unwritten law somewhere that says everyone is exempt from contributing until they are at least 45 years old and making enough money to easily afford to buy a table for 10 at every GLBT gala?

Anyone who has benefited from being a member of the GLBT community has an obligation to give back to it in whatever way they can, so that others can benefit as well.

If you don’t think this community has given you anything, consider this. From an existential standpoint, whether or not you strongly identify with the GLBT community, you belong to something — and many people don’t have the luxury of belonging.

From a more practical standpoint, you belong to a group that works together to ensure that: you can walk the streets of Hillcrest holding your honey’s hand if you feel like it; you cannot be fired from your job simply because your boss “doesn’t like fags;” you can’t be put in prison for having sex in the privacy of your own home; you can go dancing on Saturday night without fear of a police raid. That same community also makes sure that if you ever need help, you have somewhere to turn. Whether you’re looking for counseling, a mammogram, free HIV testing, legal advice, someone to help you explain your coming out to your Spanish-speaking mother, a gay-friendly African-American church, a transgender support group or simply directions to the nearest gay bar, your community makes sure the resources exist to help you find what you need.

You say you can’t afford to donate? How much have you spent on personal grooming products in the last month? How much did you spend on entertainment last weekend? Stepping Stone and APICAP are both holding fundraisers this weekend, but you don’t have to be pulling down a six-figure salary to contribute. Send them a check for $10 now and then – no, it’s not a lot of money on its own, but if you and nine of your friends start making a habit of sending a little bit here and there, it really does add up. The Center has a program that will let you donate $25 a month (or less) from a credit card. Mama’s Kitchen is always looking for delivery drivers. Drop off a couple of cans of food or loaves of bread at Something Special Food Pantry. The VAGINAs provide access to LBT women’s health information and medical resources – send them $10. Everyone has suffered from budget cuts and many of these organizations are run by volunteers and on very tight budgets, so you can bet they appreciate every donation they get, regardless of the amount.

So stop thinking that maybe you’ll start giving at some point in the future. This community is full of small groups of passionate people who are trying to make a difference in the world for you. Yes, you. And whether you like to admit it or not, you owe them.

To make giving back even easier, here’s a short list of organizations you can contribute to, whether it’s your money or your time. For a more complete list, check our Resources page.

• APICAP: (619) 229-2822

• Bienestar: (619) 295-2192

• Center for Social Support and Education: (619) 325-2773

• Family Matters (619) 497-2279

• Mama’s Kitchen: (619) 233-6262

• Something Special Food Pantry: (619) 563-6324

• Special Delivery: (619) 297-7373

• Stepping Stone: (619) 295-3995

• The Center: (619) 692-2077

• Transfamily: (619) 580-9113

• VAGINA: (619) 692-2077, ext. 206