Frequently Asked Questions
We encourage you to reach out to True Colors via Facebook, Instagram, or sending us a message using the form below if you have questions that are not answered below.
What does True Colors do?
True Colors does quite a bit, and what we do is often changing based on the needs of our youth. Our mission is to provide direct services, advocacy, and education in support o Queer youth. We host a variety of educational opportunities - cooking classes, life talks, therapy referrals, homework support, guest speakers, and more - along with our regular programming where youth may attend True Colors, cook and share meals, play games, watch TV, do arts and crafts, chat with each other, and more. We are involved with our communities and connected with our local Gay/ Straight Alliances to promote educational and involvement opportunities. Our leadership has attended advocacy events at the local and state levels along with a host of community programs. We have a wide range of services and resources that we also provide our youth.
Who does True Colors serve?
True Colors serves middle and high school aged youth in Manhattan, KS and its surrounding area. Youth may begin attending when they begin 6th grade and transition out of True Colors following their senior year.
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For youth who have aged out of True Colors service range, a variety of community partnerships and resources are available for them to belong to other Queer groups, such as UFM, the LGBT Resource Center at K-State, and more.
Where is True Colors located?
The location of True Colors is kept private. This is to protect the safety and confidentiality of the youth we serve, our volunteers, and our staff. Those who are interested in attending can contact liaisons at their schools or reach out to True Colors on our social media.
How can we support True Colors?
True Colors functions on grants and donations. There are many ways to support True Colors financially and with resources, found on our Support True Colors page. Our greatest needs are financial support and donated resources (such as food and meal donations).
Do you have to be Queer to go to True Colors?
NO! Queer youth and allies are welcome and encouraged to spend time at True Colors. All are welcome, permitted that they follow the house rules and are supportive of their Queer and allied peers.
What's it like at True Colors?
If you ask our youth, they'll tell you that it's hard to explain! And what it's like can change depending on the day, how many youth are at the house, etc. Youth like to say that True Colors is really fun and that there are lots of things to do while there. Volunteers and staff provide supervision and support at the house, and programming is offered regularly based on youth needs and what they want. If there are a lot of youth in attendance, the house can get loud (which would happen in any house you try to fit 15-20 or more teenagers in!).
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It's a lot like a big semi-chaotic family! There are games, food, outdoor activities, life talks, puzzles, Nerf wars, Just Dance competitions, and so much more. You would have to stop by to see for yourself.
How does True Colors accommodate sensory needs?
True Colors understands that there is a range of neurodivergent needs in our youth. We have dedicated a room as a sensory friendly space, with dimmed lights, stuffed animals, and reduced noise. Youth are also encouraged to bring sensory tools that they know help them individually (headphones, etc.). We also stock our kitchen with sensory friendly foods to accommodate diverse dietary or sensory needs.
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Youth are encouraged to share with our staff and volunteers other ways we can meet their sensory needs as an organization so that they can be included and engaged at True Colors.