HISTORIC MERGER: The True Colors Conference Becomes a Program of the

Health Collective!

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE – (Hartford, CT)

In a unanimous vote, the True Colors Conference Relaunch Committee (TCCRC) has

decided to officially integrate the conference into the Health Collective, establishing it as a core

program of the organization. This strategic merger signifies a landmark development in

LGBTQIA+ advocacy, youth support services, and education within the region.

Founded in 1983, the Health Collective stands as one of Connecticut’s oldest LGBTQIA+

healthcare organizations. It has played a pivotal role since its inception, being the first

organization to provide dental care for individuals living with HIV/AIDS and among the first in

the state to offer HIV testing during the peak of the AIDS crisis in the 1980s.

David Grant, Executive Director of the Health Collective, expressed gratitude to Robin

McHaelen and the planning committee for entrusting them with this significant event. He

emphasized the commitment of his team to delivering innovative and life-saving programming,

ensuring that next year's conference embodies queer joy and excellence in Connecticut, while

also nurturing the next generation of LGBTQ leaders and their allies. Grant stated, “I am deeply

grateful to Robin McHaelen, and the planning committee, for trusting us with this incredibly

important event. My team and I are committed to meeting people where they are to deliver

innovative and lifesaving programming. Next year’s conference will be the epitome of queer joy

and excellence in Connecticut helping to prepare the next generation of LGBT leaders and their

allies.”

Robin McHaelen, retired Executive Director of True Colors, Inc., and current conference

consultant, emphasized the significance of the decision. She recalled the conference's origins as

'Children from the Shadows' in 1994 and its evolution into the True Colors Conference.

McHaelen highlighted the importance of continuing the conference amidst the challenges

posed by anti-LGBTQ+ bills proposed or passed in the last year. She stated, “Before COVID

pulled the plug on in-person events, we hosted a total of 26 annual conferences and were the

largest LGBTQ+ youth conference in the country with over 3,000 participants each year. When I

retired, COVID ended and True Colors closed, the conference as it had been envisioned ended

too. But with over 500 anti-LGBTQ+ bills proposed or passed in the last year, it has become

clear that we need the conference now more than ever!”

"Health Care Advocates International is honored to be the "Empowered by" sponsor for

the return of the country's largest LGBTQ youth conference. The choice to sponsor an event like

this is an easy one when goals and mission align; both HCAI and the Health Collective are

determined in ending HIV stigma and discrimination and we are dedicated to providing gender-

affirming care for all," said Pattie McKnight, HCAI Executive Director.

"We applaud Robin and the team for their commitment to bringing back this prominent

event to the state of Connecticut". McKnight added, "The True Colors Conference has provided

such a transformative experience for many over the years, we see it as our responsibility to

continue this necessary work. This event truly makes an impact in the lives of so many, we can

only hope to continue to provide a safe space for adolescents to connect, grow and learn for

many years to come."

The True Colors Conference has been a beacon of hope and empowerment for

LGBTQIA+ youth since its launch in 1994. As it transitions to become a program of the Health

Collective, the conference is poised to expand its reach and impact leveraging the infrastructure

and network of the nearly 41-year-old health and wellness institution.

The official relaunch of True Color’s SOGIEcon will take place the weekend of Friday,

March 21st, 2025, at the University of Connecticut, Storrs campus. SOGIE is an acronym that

stands for Sexual Orientation and Gender Identity and Expression.

For more information, volunteer and vendor opportunities, or to sponsor the

conference, please visit www.HealthCollective.org.

Media Contact:

Anthony DiLizia, Chief Deputy Director

Email: anthonyd@healthcollective.org

Phone: (860) 823 - 8160