We believe in a world where every LGBTQ young person, wherever they live, is celebrated for being their authentic selves.
Our Mission
True Colors United implements innovative solutions to youth homelessness that focus on the unique experiences of LGBTQ young people.
In the United States, 4.2 million youth experience homelessness each year, with lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, queer, and questioning (LGBTQ) youth 120% more likely to experience homelessness than their non-LGBTQ peers. True Colors United is committed to changing that.
If we can ensure that services are safe for and affirming of the most impacted young people, we can be confident that they’ll be safe and affirming for everyone. We believe that youth homelessness is a community issue. Real change can happen when people come together with a shared vision.

“We each have a personal responsibility to make sure LGBTQ youth are treated with dignity and respect.”
– Cyndi Lauper, Co-Founder & Board Member
Our Story
Over a decade ago, our eyes were opened to the fact that up to 40% of the 4.2 million youth experiencing homelessness identify as LGBTQ. So, in 2008, Cyndi Lauper, Lisa Barbaris, Jonny Podell, and Gregory Lewis founded True Colors United (formerly the True Colors Fund) and went on a different kind of tour – visiting homeless shelters, community centers, and other service providers to learn all we could about the issue.
Communities and youth homelessness service providers want to be safe and welcoming for LGBTQ youth, but often don’t have the knowledge or resources to do so – creating barriers for these youth to get the support they need. True Colors United fills that space by offering free training and resources on how to meet the needs of LGBTQ youth experiencing homelessness. We also advocate in government and media to help ensure critical funding and services for all youth, and create opportunities for youth who have experienced homelessness to be key leaders in the effort to end the problem.
Whether you know it or not, you’re a part of the solution, too. People often think that, because they don’t work at a service provider, they can’t make a difference. The reality is: Everyone can make a difference! LGBTQ youth experiencing homelessness interact with more than just the folks working at shelters. They also go to coffee shops and libraries, ride public transportation, use the Internet… To put it simply: They live life! We all share the same world. Now what will you do to make it a better one?

Our Board
Cyndi Lauper
Member, Board of Directors, and Co-Founder
Lisa Barbaris
Secretary, Board of Directors, and Co-Founder
Cathy Nelson
President, Board of Directors
Joseph Avallone
Vice President & Treasurer, Board of Directors
Jasmine Hayes
Member, Board of Directors
Carson Kressley
Member, Board of Directors
Nancy Mahon
Member, Board of Directors
Kevin T. McDowell
Member, Board of Directors
Ann Oliva
Member, Board of Directors
Kevin Philip
Member, Board of Directors
Patrick Pocklington
Member, Board of Directors
Sara Ramirez
Member, Board of Directors
Diane M. Reichenberger
Member, Board of Directors
Career Opportunities
Want to be part of a fast-growing organization with a collaborative work environment? Join our creative, quirky, awesome team.
Our Team
Gregory Lewis
Executive Director & CEO
Twiggy Pucci Garçon
Chief Program Officer
Jama Shelton, PhD
Chief Research Officer
Christa Price, LMSW
Program Director
Dylan Waguespack
Public Policy and External Affairs Director
Kahlib Barton
Co-Associate Director, Technical Assistance
Angel Brown
Co-Associate Director, Technical Assistance
Coco Wheeler, MSW
Associate Program Director
Dee Balliet
Senior Program Officer
Nick Seip, CAPM
Senior Communications Officer
Noelle Fries, MPH
Senior Program Officer
Selina Lee
Grants and Database Officer
Dana White
Program Officer
Michelle Blassou
Senior Program Officer
Ken Lopez
Program Officer
Ibrahim Vicks
Executive Associate
Jordan Wiggins
Program Operations Associate, Technical Assistance & Youth Collaboration