The mission of the Ithaca Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, and Transgender Task Force is to advocate for the creation of a social and cultural environment that nurtures a wide range of gender, sexuality, and family arrangements. We advocate for the elimination of sexual exploitation and gender inequality as well as institutionalized homophobia and heterosexism.

The Task Force works to achieve this mission by:

1. Creating and strengthening coalitions with other organizations which, while advocating for different (if overlapping) populations from our own, share our broader commitment to gender, sexual, and family liberation
2. Providing programming that serves to educate and promote visibility of the lesbian, gay, bisexual, and transgender community
3. Providing information and referral services for individuals and groups within and outside the lesbian, gay, bisexual, and transgender community
4. Providing intervention on behalf of groups or individuals who are experiencing discrimination or harassment because they are of are perceived to be lesbian, gay, bisexual or transgender.

Our hope is that the mission statement move our community members to involve themselves in the many struggles that our communities face in the midst of on going political challenges. These challenges come not only from the state of New York but also from an increasingly conservative nation. We encourage people to watch and listen to what's happening in this community and across the nation. There are countless people already organizing. We'd like to challenge you to get involved and be called to action - vote, rally, and call your legislators!

The Ithaca Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Transgender Task Force was incorporated in 1985 with the following purposes:

To encourage an awareness of issues affecting lesbians, gays, bisexuals, and transgenders by conducting public meetings, informational programs, artistic events, and social activities to work towards the elimination of prejudice and discrimination and to improve relationships and understanding among and between lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, and heterosexual people.

The Task Force is a not-for-profit corporation providing activities and services to lesbians, gays, bisexuals, and transgenders in Ithaca and the surrounding area. The Task Force is the recipient of a Tompkins County Human Rights Award for spearheading passage of the Tompkins County Fair Practice Law (Local Law C) to ensure our community's civil rights.

Monthly Coffeehouses: providing a warm and friendly place for residents and newcomers to meet and enjoy entertainment provided by local musicians. Homemade desserts along with an alcohol and smoke free meeting place make this social occasion an enjoyable alternative.

Educational Programs: presenting a variety of topics, from family and parenting issues to historical lectures to discussions of religion and spirituality in the lesbian, gay, bisexual. and transgender communities.

The Speakers Bureau: an educational resource for the whole community providing speakers to local organizations in order for the community at large to better understand gay lesbian, bisexual, and transgender people.

Other Social Events: such as the Prom, the Take Back the Holidays Party, and others, which vary from year to year.