Today is #TrueColorsDay.
Lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, queer, and questioning (LGBTQ) young people are 120% more likely to experience homelessness than non-LGBTQ youth.
#TrueColorsDay is an international day of action and advocacy around LGBTQ youth homelessness. Across the world, young people in collaboration with adult partners are making significant progress to end youth homelessness. Communities are mobilizing to create change, people are getting involved in new ways, and youth are leading a powerful movement based on LGBTQ and racial equity.
This year, #TrueColorsDay is more important than ever before.
The Trump administration is currently working to roll back a number of policies designed to protect the rights and safety of LGBTQ people and youth experiencing homelessness. As the COVID-19 crisis continues to spread rapidly throughout the U.S., LGBTQ youth experiencing homelessness are left particularly vulnerable by the administration’s actions. On #TrueColorsDay, we will speak out in a unified voice and take coordinated action to defend the health and civil rights of LGBTQ youth experiencing homelessness.
Here's what we believe:
- LGBTQ youth should never have to fear discrimination or violence in seeking services.
- Relief and resources for youth experiencing homelessness must be included in COVID-19 responses.
- Housing is healthcare and healthcare is a human right.
If you agree, use our action center to contact your elected officials asking that they include resources for youth experiencing homelessness in the federal response to COVID-19.
Who's Behind It?
Co-founded by Cyndi Lauper in 2008, True Colors United works to end youth homelessness by generating solutions that meet the unique needs of LGBTQ young people. Our philosophy is 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.
Spread the Word.
Let's make some noise! Speak out on social media to spread the #TrueColorsDay message far and wide.
TWEET NOWThank a Provider.
Show your appreciation for homelessness service providers by creating a “Thank You” message and sharing it online!
GET INSPIREDTake Action Now.
Tell Congress: "Don't leave youth experiencing homelessness out of the federal response to COVID-19."
TAKE ACTIONHere's What's Happening Today
We're going LIVE on #TrueColorsDay with Dyllón Burnside, Cyndi Lauper, Trace Lysette, and young leaders.
Art is a powerful medium to create change and express yourself. We'll be talking about this and more in our #TrueColorsDay livestreams.
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- 1pm ET: Dyllón Burnside, POSE; Twiggy Pucci Garçon, True Colors United & POSE
- 4pm ET: Cyndi Lauper, True Colors United; Rivianna Hyatt, True Colors United; The National Youth Forum on Homelessness
- 6pm ET: Trace Lysette, Transparent; Twiggy Pucci Garçon, True Colors United; The National Youth Forum on Homelessness
Watch it all on our Facebook Live
Post a "Thank You" message to homelessness service providers!
Amid this pandemic, frontline workers and service provider staff are working selflessly to help youth experiencing homelessness get the support they need.
Help show your appreciation by creating your own “Thank You” message and sharing it online today with the hashtag #TrueColorsDay.
Speak Out and Take Action
Resource Released: National Guidance on Emergency Homeless Services for Youth and Young Adults
A Guide to Leveraging Federal Emergency Solutions Grants.
2020 #TrueColorsDay Partners
360 Youth Services
A Way Home America
A Way Home Washington
AIDS Foundation of Chicago
Alder Health Services
ALSO Youth
Ambisextrous Apostate Podcast
Arbor Circle
Athlete Ally
Avenues for Youth
Beta Gamma Chi Fraternity, Incorporated
Birds & Bees
Black, Gifted & Whole Inc.
Brave Heart United, Inc.
Brooklyn Community Pride Center
Capital One
Catharsis on the Mall
CDS Family & Behavioral Health Services
Center for American Progress
Center for Housing and Health
Church Farm School
Cocoon House
Community Alliance for the Homeless - Memphis
Community Shelter Board
Compass House
Compass LGBTQ Community Center
Complete Body Gym
Corrine Drive Counseling Center
Covenant House Florida
Covenant House California
Covenant House Illinois
Covenant House International
Crisis & Counseling Centers
Daybreak Inc.
Doc Society
Doors of Change
Equality California
Equality North Carolina
Family Equality
Free Mom Hugs
Funders Together to End Homelessness
GLASS
GSA Network
Happy Hippie Foundation
HELP of Southern Nevada
Homeless Advocacy Project
Hope and Healing Survivor Resource Center
Housing Alliance Delaware
Huckleberry Youth Programs
imaginePLUR
J bar J Youth Services
Jackson Street Youth Services
Jericho Project
KALEIDOSCOPE YOUTH CENTER INC
Kentucky Youth Law Project Inc.
Larkin Street Youth Services
Los Angeles LGBT Center
LOVEboldly
Mayor's Office of Workforce Development
Michelle Valdez Consulting
MODA Brush
Modern Military Association of America
My Friend's Place
National Alliance to End Homelessness
National Black Justice Coalition
National Center for Transgender Equality (NCTE)
National Law Center on Homelessness & Poverty
New Beginnings, Inc.
NewFest: New York's LGBTQ Film & Media Arts Organization
NLIHC
OutMemphis
OutNebraska
Pink Media
Point Source Youth
Pridelines
Project Community Connections, Inc.
Project Silk
Rising Stars LGBT+ Foundation
Safe Place for Youth
Salt Hotels
SELF, Inc.
SingleMoms Created4Change Advocacy and Empowerment Center
Star House
TAC
The Ally Coalition
The Center for Youth Services
The Mason County HOST Program
The Montrose Center
The National LGBTQ Task Force
The Theater Offensive
The Wayfarer Foundation
Thrive Youth Center
TIA's Place (Transitioning Into Adulthood
Va Home for Boys and Girls
Vermont Teddy Bear
Veterans Multi-Service Center
Visions and Pathways
Vita Nova, Inc
WeWork
Youth Advocates of Sitka
Youth and Family Alternatives, Inc. - RAP House
Youth Outlook
YouthBuild Louisville
Join the Conversation
Header photo credit: Rivianna Hyatt, True Colors United; Editing: Jha’asryel-Akquil Bishop, National Youth Forum on Homelessness.