Cyndi Lauper’s True Colors United partners exclusively with Real Pride Network to help LBGTQ2+ youth experiencing homelessness

True Colors United and Real Pride Network are proud to announce their new partnership. Effective immediately, Real Pride Network’s fundraising efforts in the United States for LGBTQ2+ youth experiencing homelessness will help fund True Colors United’s innovative solutions to homelessness that focus on the unique experiences of LGBTQ young people.

Real Pride Network will serve as True Colors United’s first and only exclusive affiliation with a LGBTQ2+ real estate organization. In addition to an initial $5,000 donation, half of all new memberships through the end of July, went to True Colors United and larger fundraising efforts will be ongoing.

“Real Pride Network is uniquely equipped, as a public charity founded on the core principle of coming together to give back, to advance Cyndi Lauper’s vision of ensuring LGBTQ youth experiencing homelessness are treated with dignity and respect” says Sherry Swift, President of Real Pride Network.

Representing an international network of LGBTQ2+ members who engage with and support one another in best serving their clients and communities, Real Pride Network’s partnership with True Colors United is a natural extension of Real Pride Network members’ values. True Colors United’s presence, which extends through the United States and into Canada and beyond, matches Real Pride Network’s geographic reach and its mission to serve the communities of all its members, including areas outside major cities. For True Colors United, the partnership is an opportunity to expand its constituency of support through access to a large network of real estate professionals who care about their communities and the mission of True Colors United.

"LGBTQ2+ youth have a higher risk of homelessness than their non-LGBTQ2+ peers. There are many reasons people experience homelessness – and there's no-one-size-fits-all solution to it. Youth homelessness is a community issue that will only be solved when people from all sectors of the community work together," said Gregory Lewis, Executive Director & CEO of True Colors United. "That's why True Colors United is proud to partner with Real Pride Network to make an impact on this important issue."

LGBTQ2+ make up 40% of those experiencing homelessness while only comprising 7% of the total youth population. The synergy brought about by this partnership will raise awareness for the challenges facing LGBTQ2+ youth, increase access to inclusive resources and education, and foster community-based, youth-led initiatives that ensure vital funding, policies, systems, and protections are in place to meet the needs of LGBTQ2+ youth experiencing homelessness.

For more information, please contact The Real Pride Network at (202) 964-1569, email us or to to https://truecolorsunited.org

About True Colors United

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.