Transformational is the definition of Queer Academy.
S* came into Queer Academy that first day, with her head down, hair in her eyes and covering her face and speaking in a nearly inaudible voice. Six weeks later, she was on stage at “Draguation” singing a Capella. T* started the program as an angry young lesbian struggling on a daily basis with unsupportive group home staff. He left as a confident young trans man who performed his own spoken word piece to a standing ovation that included some members of that same group home staff.
For some folks, summer days are for lazy afternoons, vacations and taking life a little slower. The summer at True Colors is as busy – or busier – than other times of the year. Our main event is Queer Academy – a six week intensive summer youth program designed to develop LGBTQ youth personally, professionally and academically.
This year’s theme was “Standing at the Intersections of You and Me.” Youth explored the elements of their own identity – beginning to see themselves and each other as intersectional beings. Some recognized for the first time the ways in which one element of their identity (queerness) impacted other elements of their identity (race, ethnicity, family structure, etc.)
They explored their identities through experiential activities, research projects, discussions, films and field trips. They went to Northampton to learn about the ‘queerer’ side of Emily Dickinson at the museum dedicated to her. The visited the Stonewall Bar and learned about the beginning of the LGBTQ rights movement in a way that was inclusive of transgender youth of color who helped launch the riots. They spent time at UCONN learning how to use the library and exploring the cultural centers.
They ‘operationalized’ their thoughts with art, spoken word, research posters and through a “presentation of learning” where they described their experiences and what they learned to people from the community – donors like you, legislators, family members, clinicians, and even group home staff.
It was transformational. And YOU made it possible. Queer Academy has no direct funding source except people like you who donate $5.00, $50.00, $500.00 and in one case, even $5,000. YOU change lives. And, we are so grateful.
Our work this quarter was made even more poignant by the recent events in the US – the murder of 49 innocents at Pulse in Orlando; the murder of another two unarmed Black men in Minnesota and Baton Rouge; and the murder of 5 police officers in Dallas. Each of these tragedies directly impacts the LGBTQ youth we serve – especially the LGBTQ Youth of Color.
True Colors’ organizational theme is intersectionality – the recognition that each of us is made up of different identities – race, ethnicity, gender, orientation, class, religion, ability and many more. We believe it a core part of our work to respect, reflect and honor the different lens, privileges and experiences of our board, staff, volunteers and constituents. That means walking the talk and we are working hard to do that.
This theme of intersectionality plays out in all the work your support allows us to do. In the second quarter of the year, in part because of you, we were able to provide:
Thank you for your support. It truly makes a world of difference. We know we couldn’t do what we do without YOU! And we are very grateful.
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In the first quarter of every year, True Colors is all about our annual conference - and preparing for this year's 23rd Anniversary event was no different! There are thousands of details to attend to.
It takes a village to put together an event with more than 3,800 participants, 300 presenters, 285 workshops and school buses full of youth from 123 different school districts. Whew!
As a donor, you are so important to our work. We are grateful you are a part of the True Colors 'village'. Here is just a taste of what some of the youth had to say about their experiences.
I could compose 13,000 tweets about how much I love True Colors and all the people & performers there
I've never felt as proud as I am today to be bisexual I was surrounded by so much positivity and great, understanding people
So excited to have been the true me at #TrueColors23
The one time in my life I've felt truly accepted #TrueColors23
#TrueColors23 was supa lit yesterday. The reason I keep coming back
I was feeling low, so they took my hand. We're one family #TrueColors23
Loving how accepted, happy, and loved my students feel when we come here every year!!!
I recently attended the conference at UConn and was blown away at what an amazing conference it was. Thank you for all the wonderful workshops, speakers, and useful information.
A* LOVED True Colors! It is so great to hear about his experience. I am so happy to hear that you were able to take him this past weekend-it is a great experience for him!
As a True Colors donor, you make these experiences possible. Consider: We were able to give away nearly $8,000 in youth scholarships this year. That wouldn't have been possible without the support of individuals like you. Next year we hope to be able to do even more.*
I hope you will take a minute to check out some of the pictures - if you are on twitter, check out #TrueColors23 to see more responses from participants. It takes our whole staff of 5 and interns and more than 200 volunteers to make the conference happen. The impact on the youth we serve makes it all worthwhile.
Thank you for being a part of the True Colors 'village'.
Robin McHaelen, MSW
Executive Director
*We had just under $17,000 in requests for support this year - we raised enough to meet 47% of those requests -- better than last year but not as good as we hope to be next year.
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