THE 40 OF THE FORTY LIST GIVES LESBIAN, GAY,

BISEXUAL, TRANSGENDER, QUEER, AND QUESTIONING

YOUTH WHO HAVE EXPERIENCES WITH HOMELESSNESS

AND/OR HOUSING INSTABILITY A CHANCE TO SPEAK

FOR THEMSELVES. YOUTH ARE THE EXPERTS OF THEIR

OWN TRUTHS, AND WE AIM TO HONOR THEIR VOICES

AND THEIR STORIES. OUR GOAL IS TO INSPIRE HOPE AND

HELP REDUCE THE STIGMA OFTEN ASSOCIATED WITH

HOUSING INSTABILITY AND HOMELESSNESS.

The young people on the list were nominated by

homeless youth service providers, social workers,

educators, individuals, and other folks throughout the

country. We asked each young person four questions

that focus on their daily lived experiences, aspirations,

and unique qualities. Throughout the interviewing

process we learned that there is more to the youth

experience of homelessness than what is commonly

shared. There is a thread that connects their unique

experiences, but there are also distinct differences

behind each person’s story. Each youth allowed

themselves to be vulnerable, and took the risk of sharing

their story because they felt the need to be heard.

We’ll be releasing one full length interview on our

website each week over the course of forty weeks.

Subscribe to the True Colors Fund’s YouTube channel to

watch our in-depth True Views interviews highlighting

some of the 40 of the Forty!

AMASHA GREYSONNorth Hollywood, CA

“If you never go after what seems impossible what are you living for?”

ANGEL VANSTARKSan Francisco, CA

“I wake up and I’m grateful for the sky above me and the ground below me. If the sun can do it, I can, too!”

ACSanta Cruz, CA

“I dream to live on my own, attend the appropriate graduate school program (M.A./PhD) or law school to ultimately obtain an administrator position for an organization serving immigrants, LGBT and/or incarcerated people.”

ANTONAnchorage, AK“I try to make my goal everyday to make somebody smile at least once. It makes me happier, it makes my life easier. I like the funny aspect of a lot of things. I have to make something funny even if it’s the worst joke in the world.”

AUBREYLos Angeles, CA

“My biggest dream is to open up a coffee consignment shop that sells high end pieces, and I also want an art gallery inside.”

BEN BURDICKBillings, MT

“I am currently writing a novel, and I want to have it published.”

BREEZYChicago, IL

“I want to advocate here (Chicago) for gender non-conforming folks.”

CAMERON PATTERSONSeattle, WA“My biggest dream is to use my own insights and experiences as a queer non binary, formerly homeless, state dependent youth, to change the lives of youth who are experiencing some of the same hardships and discrimination I did.”

TRUE COLORS FUND WWW.TRUECOLORSFUND.ORG DECEMBER 2014

CHRISTIAN AGUILARMiami, FL

I think of life very positively, and I am a happy individual that always has adventures on a daily basis regardless of what has or may occur in life. I look at it as a journey not a destination.”

CHRISTIAN JOSEPH-BRADFORD ROSSKansas City, MO“I think about where my life is going to take me today and what struggles will I have to face. I also think about how I can be and impact on someone’s life.”

CYNTHIASacramento, CA

“You’re stronger and smarter than you think you are.”

DANIELLA CARTERNew York, NY“In the future I see myself happy, affirmed.”

DARYL BALLIETColumbus, OH“I am constantly juggling all of my commitments. I have an active social life and balance that with my busy work schedule. I also try to stay close with my family. On top of that I am finishing my second bachelor’s degree in health care administration. I have a Bachelor’s of Science in Nursing and an Associate degree in business already. I am also balancing my diagnoses of ADD and HIV on top of all that.”

DECLAN CANTESan Francisco, CA

“I was reintroduced to my mom when I was 14. We have a relationship now and we talk about my advocacy work. She said she knew that I was going to be somebody helpful.”

HENLEY JEWEL ULYSSENew York, NY

“My goals are forever changing the more I learn about the world. I love to learn and experience new things in life.”

GRACENew York, NY

“My big dreams are to go back to college to be a veterinarian and then take the firefighters exam and be successful at whatever career I choose.”

TRUE COLORS FUND WWW.TRUECOLORSFUND.ORG DECEMBER 2014

GIANNINew York, NY

“My biggest dream is to bring together everyone I’ve met on my journey being homeless, from my hometown to NYC, where they don’t have to leave me anymore, where I don’t have to be alone.”

INDIE LANDRUMSan Diego, CA

“Back in the day when queer was first starting there was more of a “family” … and my dream is to bring that back.”

JACOBColumbus, OH

“Being a survivor and overcoming those traumas have shaped me to be stronger and more determined and kind of gave me direction.”

JOSH LOWESeattle, WA

“Living, surviving, thriving in a world/systems NOT meant 4 me: Advocating 4 world/institutional change #LifeOfAPreviouslyHomelessYouthWhoIsQTPOC”

KAL ROCKETMemphis, TN

“I wish #cisgendered LGB’s would realize there’s more to this fight than #marriageequality like #transyouth being on the streets.”

KARTERBoston, MA“I think that all humans, regardless of race, age, sexual orientation, gender identity should have same access and opportunities and life.”

KEEGAN DEBORDHenderson, CO

“I have been homeless for one month shy of 2 years and in those 2 years I have been asked to leave where I stayed at 7 times.”

KIEFER PATERSONWashington, DC

“The work that I wanted to do with advocacy was helping low-income, trans folk, people of color. And if I wasn’t doing that, then I wasn’t doing what I wanted.”

TRUE COLORS FUND WWW.TRUECOLORSFUND.ORG DECEMBER 2014

KRISTOPHER SHARPHouston, TX

“I think it is absolutely necessary that we have folks like myself in places where we can make a difference. If we don’t have a seat at the table, then we’re most certainly going to be on the menu.”

MICHAEL HODGESAtlanta, GA

“Find people that love you for you and are willing to show you some tough love. Those people will get you where you need to be.”

MICHAEL SYDLIKSan Francisco, CA

“I want to change the stigma of LGBT youth homelessness. I want to be a voice for people who don’t have one or are afraid to use it.”

NIGERIA TOMLINSONNew York, NY

“Being an LGBTQ youth isn’t a curse or anything bad, its just the way we know how to live.”

RAFAEL “ROCKY” FERGUSONWashington, DC

“My biggest dream is to become an overall entertainment mogul. I want to be known around the world as an entertainer in every aspect. Except singing. LOL. I can’t sing though I love music.”

RIVIANNA HYATTOakland, CA

“The older I get, the more I recognize that there is no shame in growing up the way I did. In fact, it is essential to the person I have become.”

RONNIMiami, FL

“I want people to know they should never ever give up and know that with rejection comes acceptance!!“

RYAN PATTERSONAtlanta, GA

“...so when I wake up and get to experience the world, connect with people that love and care for me, and thank god for a another day clean and sober I am always reminded of where I was and how far I have come.”

TRUE COLORS FUND WWW.TRUECOLORSFUND.ORG DECEMBER 2014

TRUE COLORS FUND WWW.TRUECOLORSFUND.ORG DECEMBER 2014

STEFHANNIE-JOSEPHINEPortland, OR“One of the biggest dreams that I have is to be able to do something for somebody without a consequence. Whether that’s helping them find a job, clothes on their back, food in their stomach, or a roof over their head. I want to help them to help themselves.”

TEDDY BANKSLos Angeles, CA

“Your heart knows best! You have all of the answers, everyone has all of the answers already.When we finally settle in those feelings and accept them, everything becomes much easier. Everything is a cycle, and it flows. Life flows right beneath you.”

TEVIN JAMAY BRUNNERCincinnati, OH

“[Being me] is a unique challenge, fun, sometimes difficult, but I love me the most.”

THOMAS WILSONNew York, NY

“You don’t have to accept the hand you’ve been given, you have the power to draw a new hand.”

TRAI WILLIAMSSeattle, WA

“I want to go to school for business management and help my friends open their own businesses.”

Y’ANNIC JAEDENNew York, NY

“I always think of how blessed I am, how l lucky, how fortunate I am to have a place after the struggle that I’ve been through.”

ZIGGY KEYESNew York, NY

“I will try anything twice – because the first time may not have gone the right way.”

ZIZI PHILLIPSChicago, IL

“[When I wake up] I think about things I can do to be successful. I think about my safety being a trans woman living in Chicago.”