The partnership was inspired by the second season of
Pose, the acclaimed and award-winning FX drama series that
includes storylines addressing the consequences of homelessness, ranging
from sexual abuse and exploitation, alcohol and drug abuse, in addition
to challenges entering the job market. 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 (Pulled from True Colors United’s website).
Founded in 2008, True
Colors United implements innovative solutions to youth homelessness that
focus on the unique experiences of LGBTQ young people. Through a wide
array of advocacy, training and education, and
youth collaboration programs, True Colors United is creating a world
where all young people can be their true selves.
"When it comes to homelessness, LGBTQ youth are overrepresented and underserved. We're proud to partner with FX Networks and Pose to
put self-care kits into the hands of young people across the country,”
says Gregory Lewis, Executive Director & CEO, True Colors Fund.
“The organizations we're sending these to provide essential services to
LGBTQ youth experiencing homelessness and make an incredible impact in
their communities. United, we can create a world
where every young person, wherever they live, is celebrated for being
their authentic self."
Following are the 14 organizations that are beneficiaries of the newly announced initiative:
- Housing Works (New York, NY)
- Hetrick-Martin Institute (New York, NY)
- Exponents (New York, NY)
- HEAT (New York, NY)
- Destination Tomorrow (New York, NY)
- Reach LA (Los Angeles, CA)
- NAESM (Atlanta, GA)
- Abounding Prosperity (Dallas, TX)
- Us Helping Us (Washington, D.C.)
- APEB (Oakland, CA)
- Posse Project at CHOP (Philadelphia, PA)
- LGBT Life Center of Hampton Roads (Norfolk, VA)
- Howard Brown Health (Chicago, IL)
- Department of Pediatrics: Adolescent Medicine at Tulane School of Medicine (New Orleans, LA)
“We are very happy to be partnering with True
Colors United on this initiative and appreciate the generosity of the
brands that contributed to this effort.
Pose has fearlessly shined a light on issues facing the LGBTQ
community and we couldn’t think of a better way to mark the return of
the series, than to bring support to those affected. Our hope is that
this program will bring awareness to these amazing
organizations and the incredible work they do,” adds Kenya Hardaway,
SVP of Integrated Promotions at FX Networks.