By Robin McHaelen | Executive Director
Dear True Colors Donor,
Your support makes a world of difference. Some of the youth we serve, like Jen, just need a little bit of help – She is a kid with the passion to make a difference. President of her GSA, young activist and fireball, she is already on a mission in life. Our role (which, by the way, your donations make possible) has been to develop her leadership skills – help her learn to facilitate other’s learning rather than let her passion run away with her mouth. It’s a core skill and yet, we all know what that is like – talking when we should be listening, right? These youngsters are not just the leaders of tomorrow – because of your continued caring, they are the TODAY’s leaders, making a difference in their own communities and schools every day.
Other youth, need True Colors to act as an advocate on their behalf. Consider Sara*. When Sara was born, people thought she was a boy (after all, she had the parts that usually come with a male identity). It wasn’t until early adolescence that it became clear that ‘boy’ was the wrong identity for her. Sara is a girl, a transgender girl. By then, through no fault of her own, she had experienced terrible violence – sexual, physical, emotional violence at the hands of people who were supposed to love her. Her rage, her sadness, her volatility are all symptoms of abuse she suffered as a child. That past however can’t excuse a tantrum that resulted in a staff member’s severe injuries. But, when the system tried to punish her in a men’s prison, True Colors was able to step in and advocate for her. Yes, there have to be consequences for bad behavior – and Sara will experience those consequences, but in a woman’s facility where, for the moment, she belongs.
There are few grants or private foundations that fund this kind of work – one-on-one as a support – or as an advocate for LGBT youth out in the world. Most of the work, is funded by people just like you – individuals who care enough about our kids to turn their dollars into action. You make our work possible. And we will be forever grateful!
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