The Salvation Army's bell ringers are recognizable to almost everyone in the United States. They are seemingly friendly, don a red apron, and stand next to a red bucket that is used to collect donations.

We see them as a charity, a place that uses our money to help those in need. But, what if they're not helping everyone in need?

One of the most important things to know about the Salvation Army is that they are not a charity. They are an evangelical protestant church, and therefore can decide who to give their donations to, and who to leave out in the cold.

On more than one occasion, members of the LGBTQ+ community have been considered unwelcome in their shelters.

Today, their rules for LGBTQ+ people are as follows: "A relationship between same-sex individuals is a personal choice that people have the right to make.

But from a church viewpoint, we see that going against the will of God." Basically, LGBTQ+ people are technically allowed to use resources from their shelter, but only if they remain celibate and act like they are straight. However, it has been shown time and time again that this is not true.

The church's official history of homophobia in the United States starts in 1998. During this year, they turned down a 3.5 million dollar contract with San Francisco because of the city's requirement that all contractors had to provide spousal benefits to both straight and LGBTQ+ couples.

Because of their withdrawal from the contract, many programs for homeless and senior citizens were canceled. In 2004, The Salvation Army threatened to do the same thing in New York City due to a similar requirement from the state. (Source: Huffington Post)

The history of homophobia continues in 2001 when the church tried to make a deal with the Bush Administration, asking for religious organizations to be exempt from any local ordinances banning LGBTQ+ discrimination.

Their reasoning for this deal is that they did not want to pay for the medical expenses of LGBTQ+ employees or their family. (Source: Huffington Post)

Possibly the most outward expression of anti-LGBTQ+ hatred comes from a 2012 interview with a Salvation Army official. In the interview, when the reporter (who is a gay man) asked if he agreed with the Salvation Army's statement that gay people should be put to death, he said yes, as it is "part of their belief system." (Source: The Atlantic)

Aside from their issue with anti-LGBTQ+ discrimination laws, they have had issues on a macro level. Many people have been turned away from receiving clothing donations, food, and shelter due to their sexual orientation or gender identity. There have even been cases of their longtime employees getting fired over their sexual orientation.

In 2012, caseworker Danielle Morantez was fired by the Salvation Army immediately after they discovered that she was bisexual. This was completely allowed - in their employee handbook, it states that "The Salvation Army does reserve the right to make employment decisions on the basis of an employee's conduct or behavior that is incompatible with the principles of The Salvation Army." Because the Salvation Army is a church that is against the LGBTQ+ community, they were allowed to fire Morantez for her "behavior" that is "incompatible" with their principles.

Another example of this comes from Twitter user @StolenDaughter. In the year 2011, she was homeless in the middle of winter - she had no hat, gloves, or food. Yet, because she is a transgender woman, The Salvation Army refused to let her eat with other homeless people, and refused to let her take any clothing that might keep her warm that winter. (Source: Twitter user @StolenDaughter)

I'd like to add an important note here: the bell ringers you see are volunteers or unemployed people who have been given to opportunity to make a few extra dollars by standing out in the cold this holiday season. It is not their fault that their employer is anti-LGBTQ+, and you should not take your frustration out on them. Also, the bell ringers do not get part of the profits from the donations collected, so you are not hurting them by not donating.

So, now you know that donating to the Salvation Army is not "doing the most good". What's next? If you're still interested in donating, here are a few organizations that are

not homophobic, transphobic, or just horrible in general:

The Trevor Project:

Founded in 1998 by the creators of the Academy Award®-winning short film TREVOR, The Trevor Project is the leading national organization providing crisis intervention and suicide prevention services to lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, queer & questioning (LGBTQ) young people under 25. (Source: The Trevor Project)

Foundation for AIDS Research

amfAR's top research priority is the pursuit of a cure for HIV/AIDS. In 2014 we launched the Countdown to a Cure for AIDS, a research initiative aimed at developing the scientific basis of a cure by the end of 2020. To that end, we initiated a multi-year $100 million investment strategy designed to advance a range of scientific approaches with the potential to achieve HIV remission or cure. (Source: Foundation for AIDs Research)

American Humane

For more than a hundred years American Humane has been first in promoting the welfare and safety of animals and strengthening the bond between animals and people. We are first to serve, wherever animals are in need of rescue, shelter, protection or security. Through our innovative leadership initiatives – from our "No Animals Were Harmed®" program in Hollywood to broad-based farm and conservation animal welfare certifications, to rapid response rescue and care across the country – American Humane sets the gold standard as the most visionary and effective animal welfare organization in the nation. (Source: American Humane)

Ronald McDonald House

Our network of local Chapters has been helping millions of families with sick children find comfort and support when they need it most. Our programs, tailored to meet the urgent needs of each community, can now be found in more than 64 countries and regions across the globe. Since 1974, RMHC has created programs that strengthen families during difficult times. RMHC provides vital resources and compassionate care to children and their families being served by leading hospitals worldwide. Core RMHC programs — Ronald McDonald Houses, Ronald McDonald Family Rooms, and Ronald McDonald Care Mobiles — provide access to health care and enable family-centered care. RMHC helped lessen the burden for millions of families in 2017. (Source: Ronald McDonald House)

Human Rights Campaign

The Human Rights Campaign represents a force of more than 3 million members and supporters nationwide. As the largest national lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender and queer civil rights organization, HRC envisions a world where LGBTQ people are ensured of their basic equal rights, and can be open, honest and safe at home, at work and in the community. (Source: Human Rights Campaign)

Coalition for the Homeless

The Coalition for the Homeless is the nation's oldest advocacy and direct service organization helping homeless men, women and children. We believe that affordable housing, sufficient food and the chance to work for a living wage are fundamental rights in a civilized society. Since our inception in 1981, the Coalition has worked through litigation, public education and direct services to ensure that these goals are realized. (Source: Coalition for the Homeless)

National Alliance on Mental Illness

NAMI Basics is a free, 6-week education program for parents and family caregivers of children and teens who are experiencing symptoms of a mental illness or whom have already been diagnosed. NAMI Basics is offered in a group setting so you can connect with other people face-to-face. (Source: National Alliance on Mental Illness)