After six months of hard work, the 2018 class of True Colors Fellows graduated at the Impact Summit in Atlanta.
Each year, a group of young people who identify as lesbian, gay, bisexual, queer, and questioning (LGBTQ) and have lived experience of homelessness are selected to join our True Colors Fellowship. Fellows partner directly with a True Colors Fund staff member to execute a project that furthers our mission of ending LGBTQ youth homelessness.
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.
Dehkontee Chanchan
Research Fellow, underwritten by Marriott International
Washington, D.C.
“Money is powerful, but a person’s voice is what can move a mountain.”
Dehkontee worked with Program Director Christa Price to update At the Intersections, a collaborative resource that helps service providers and other stakeholders better understand the underlying causes of LGBTQ youth homelessness. The new and improved resource will be released next year! Learn more about Dehkontee’s work here.
Alex Exum
Production Fellow, underwritten by AEG
Hopkins, MN
“I want to be a part of the change that’s about to come.”
Alex worked alongside Program Director Twiggy Pucci Garçon to co-produce the Impact Summit’s Opening Reception and co-plan the Fellowship graduation. Learn more about Alex’s work here.
Lele Exum
Advocacy Fellow, underwritten by The Palette Fund
Hopkins, MN
“I don’t have to apologize for who I am.”
Lele and the True Colors Fund’s Public Policy Director Justin Rush worked together to adapt recommendations from the State Index on Youth Homelessness for her home state of Minnesota. The State Index is a comprehensive document that evaluates each state’s current response to youth homelessness and provides recommendations for improvements. Learn more about Lele’s work here.
Maddox Guerilla
Media Fellow, underwritten by AT&T
Bronx, NY
“LGBTQ young people have the power to re-imagine our worlds.”
Maddox partnered with Senior Communications Officer Nick Seip to organize and host State of Out Youth: Welcome to Protopia, a live-streamed panel discussion where LGBTQ young people discussed their visions for the future. Learn more about Maddox’s work here.
Jae Lange
Innovation Fellow, underwritten by AT&T
Richmond, VA
“I don’t let my past define my future. I live in my truth.”
Jae and Joe Moran, the True Colors Fund’s Chief Creative Officer, worked together to adapt our True Colors Learning Community into an app to give folks an on-the-go learning center about LGBTQ youth homelessness. Learn more about Jae’s work here.
Apply for the 2019 True Colors Fellowship!
Now that the 2018 Fellowship is over, we’ll be accepting applications for next year’s class of Fellows very soon! Service providers and other adult partners are invited to nominate LGBTQ youth who have lived experience of homelessness and are between the ages of 18-24. Youth may also apply directly if they fit this criteria. Stay tuned!
