We’re so proud of our 2017 True Fellows, who just graduated at the 40 to None Summit in Philadelphia.
Since May, these young advocates have been working alongside the True Colors Fund on an array of projects to end youth homelessness among lesbian, gay, bisexual, queer, and questioning (LGBTQ) youth at the local, state, and national levels.
Anthony Anderson
True Innovation Fellow, underwritten by Marriott International
Arlington, VA
As the True Innovation Fellow, Anthony worked with the True Colors Fund to helped develop and create True Access – an app that addresses issues that affect LGBTQ homelessness. The app will help young people find safe housing and other vital resources. Some of his responsibilities include outreach to service providers who will be featured on the app – encouraging them to claim their listings, update their profiles, and to submit photographs of their inclusive and affirming spaces. Antony is also assisting with mobile app wireframes and providing feedback on user experience.
“As someone who has experienced homelessness, I feel it is my duty to pull others up with me. Not duty as in, ‘I have to,’ but duty as in ‘I want to.’”
Aurora Lloyd
True Production Fellow
Washington, D.C.
As the True Production Fellow, Aurora helped plan and co-produce this year’s 40 to None Summit. The Summit is the only national convening dedicated to the issues surrounding LGBT youth homelessness so it’s a big responsibility! That includes behind-the-scenes things like budgeting, planning, and evaluating sessions to coordinating the action in real time during the Summit.
“I’m learning how to strengthen my own brand but also add a new leadership badge in the fight to end LGBTQ youth homelessness!”
Bryson Corbett
True Philanthropy Fellow, underwritten by The Palette Fund
Fairbanks, AK
As the True Philanthropy Fellow, Bryson helped manage several fundraising campaigns to support the True Colors Fund’s work. His work included organizing an online auction to support our work, and developing marketing materials to spread the word!
“This training is setting up a skill that I can use in the future.”
Paola Robles Desgarennes
True Education Fellow, underwritten by Tylenol PM
San Francisco, CA
As the True Education Fellow, Paola worked on the True Colors Fund’s online training content to make sure it is inclusive and up-to-date. This includes collaborating on a toolkit that will act as guide of resources and best practices that service providers can use to develop a better understanding of the specific needs of undocumented LGBTQ youth, to transition them to a better life. This toolkit will be directly informed by youth experiences and community organizers and will be very effective in our work to alleviate and end youth homelessness.
“Undocumented Latinx youth that migrate to United States face an uncertain future, constant fear of deportation, and no legal status, giving them limited or no access at all to healthcare, housing, or government assistance. Because of this reason they are disproportionately affected by homelessness.”
Quintay Knight
True Advocacy Fellow
West Park, FL
As the True Advocacy Fellow, Quintay worked on our new State Index, which evaluates each state’s work to end LGBTQ youth homelessness. Quintay’s work included preparing and writing policy briefs, sign-on letters, and community request letters to present to state administrative and/or legislative bodies to advocate for funding for runaway and homeless youth programs.
“As a youth, I realize and understand ‘I am the future.’ Therefore, if I want to see change I have to step up and grab the torch.”
Congrats, Fellows!
Thank you for everything you do for the cause, and for making our lives shine brighter.
