Effective Messaging
Ideas, and how they’re expressed, are at the center of all movements for change. Success in achieving equality for LGBT Americans requires a clear and compelling approach to messaging and communications. MAP explores the principles of effective communications for the LGBT movement so that it can help Americans understand the importance of change.
Most Americans simply don’t understand the inequalities faced by lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender people—and how those inequalities affect their lives. Proper framing can help more Americans see that the movement for LGBT equality is really about everyday Americans wanting the same chance as everyone else to earn a living, be safe in their communities, serve their country, and take care of the ones they love. It’s not just about gay people. It’s not just about transgender people. And it’s not just about straight people. It’s about all of us.
To reach the public, LGBT organizations need to identify their priority audiences, develop compelling messages, select and train spokespeople, target the right media, and take other steps to communicate effectively. MAP provides resources and information about how LGBT organizations can frame issues and run communications campaigns that move equality forward.
MAP Resources
Communications + Campaign Tools
MAP’s communications resources help LGBT organizations frame social issues and run effective communications campaigns. Topic areas include campaign budgets, target audiences, market research, press outreach tools, effective media buys and more. Learn More
Talking About LGBT Issues Series
MAP’s short, easy-to-use guides offer ways to talk about key LGBT issues, including marriage; adoption; hate crimes laws; employment protections and non-discrimination laws; Don’t Ask, Don’t Tell; and building common ground with African American audiences. Learn More
Messaging for LGBT Movement Organizations
These messaging resources, designed for use by LGBT movement organizations, include analyses of how Americans think and feel about LGBT equality—and how a set of mainstream beliefs and stereotypes can create barriers to acceptance and support of LGBT people. Learn More


