TRUE COLORS. . . . . .

I received this notice only this morning.  "TRUE COLORS works to create a world where youth of all sexual orientations and gender identities are valued and affirmed. . ."
The Conference [link below] began this morning at University of Connecticut. . . . I invite and encourage you to look thru the multi-paged program with descriptions of sessions for youngsters in middle school thru college, and all in between.  I think just reading thru this can/could give you all sorts of hope and inspiration.. . of what could and can be, of the amazing variety of presentations, of the efforts made to reach and serve ALL of the many members of our Extended GLBTQ Family. . . . .See for yourselves what is being done and dream. . . . . .dreams can become reality. . .. . justin 


http://www.ourtruecolors.org/Programs/Conference/PDF/TC-18-conference-guide.pdf

True Colors, Inc. Mission, Vision & Values
True Colors works to create a world where youth of all sexual orientations and gender identities are valued and affirmed. We challenge all forms of oppression through education, training, advocacy, youth leadership development, mentoring and direct services to youth and those responsible for their well-being. In order to create safe and affirming spaces in which we and our allies may accomplish our mission, True Colors, our members, volunteers, organizers, affiliates and conference participants act according to the following values:
1) Inclusion
 You are welcome and valued here. You are an integral part of our community and we are very glad that you are able to participate in the conference. We will do everything we can to ensure that you feel included – and we ask that you do the same for others that you meet today.
2) Respect
 We respect our similarities and differences; respect our each other’s privacy, personal space, and right to be safe at True Colors functions. And please, clean up after yourself. Let’s leave the space even better than we found it!
3) Safety
 There will be NO alcohol, illegal drugs and sexual contact of any kind at the conference or conference activities including the dance and the drag show.
 TC believes that sexual contact between adults and youth is never appropriate or acceptable, regardless of the conditions or circumstances. In addition to the relative age of individuals, we consider an imbalance of power and authority to be an important factor in the determination of our conduct. Sexual contact is not appropriate or acceptable if one person, regardless of age, has or is perceived to have significantly more power or authority than the other person.
By attending the True Colors conference, all participants agree to abide by these values and policies. Any person(s) who violate them will be asked to leave the conference and may be prosecuted to the fullest extent allowed by law.