Inspire 1,000's of LGBT youth & allies in CT & US

Many of the programs and services that True Colors provides have no source of funding other than through the generosity of people like you. Here are some of the stories that your support made possible:

• Queer Academy (QA) is a free, six week summer program that focuses on both community and self-exploration and development. James*, a 16 year old transgender boy living in group home after having been in residential treatment for many months, came into QA with a ‘screw you!’ attitude and an unwillingness to interact with the other participants. With support, encouragement (and an occasional ‘reality check’) James began to participate, to laugh and to connect. At the final Presentation of Learning, he enthusiastically explained his project on international transgender identities to everyone who came into the event. A couple of nights later, at Draguation, just six weeks after he started the program, James launched his first stand-up comedy routine much to his own and the audience’s delight. That is transformational work.
  
  
• When Andre* was referred to the mentoring program, he was a depressed and angry 11 year old gay boy who was failing most of his classes and had been hospitalized for both suicidal and homicidal thoughts of harming himself and his younger siblings. His mother hated the fact that he was ‘like that’ and refused to let him tell anyone else in his family. We matched him with a lesbian couple. They not only supported him, but worked with his whole family, taking the younger kids out so the mom could have a minute to herself, helping with things like laundry and Andre’s tutoring. At the one year match meeting, his mom was a different person. She not only supported her gay son, but had opened her home to a young gay nephew who was being mistreated by his mom. As she grew to accept her son, he began to accept himself. His grades went up. He came off his medication and came out to his whole family. Seven years later, the match is intact and Andre graduated from high school. He started community college this fall. The funding for this match ended after year one. Because of the support of people like you, our support for the match continues….
  
  
• True Colors fields over 3,000 calls a year from people needing resources, advocacy or support. The only source of income for area of our work is you! Here’s a sample of the calls:
  • One of our kindergarten students is starting the process of transitioning with her family support. As Mom said to us yesterday, her child wants everybody to know that he is now a boy. Can you talk to the family?
    
    
  • Got a call from a school this morning about a 15 year old transgender boy with a “Born Again” Christian mom who has told the school that she doesn’t support his identity and that she won’t give permission for him to participate in any supportive activities (such as the GSA) or to talk with any members or adult advisors of the group.
    
    
  • From a school superintendent: I am in need of the following information: How long does the name change process take in court?   So allowing the adequate time frame for transcripts and or diploma to read their new name. How old is a (minor) on the PC 900 REV form - to complete the process independently? Also, I know my school would require a form for the student to sign to allow the process to go forward.  Do you have a sample or a form from another school who has gone forward in this policy change? Do you have a copy of the letter that the CT Ed sent to all superintendents?  
    
    
  • I am at ___ these days.  Looking to identify what needs our community has and how we could step up and meet those needs, our minister wondered if a support group or program for LGBTIA youth might be something we could offer.  I stopped by the True Colors booth at Woodbury's Earth Day celebration and learned that there really isn't anything in our area.  Is there someone at TC who could help us design and promote a program/offering in the Southbury/Woodbury area? 

The need is great. But your support and generosity is greater. And we are very, very, grateful.

*youth names have been changed

Links:

• An article on the current cultural climate by our ED