Who We Are
A Lifeline for Today. A Foundation for Tomorrow.
The VIVID Initiative is a bold, unapologetic nonprofit dedicated to protecting LGBTQIA+ lives, expanding access to resources, and building stronger communities. We go beyond raising awareness by delivering direct support, providing leadership training, and equipping individuals with the skills to create positive change in their own communities. Our mission is clear: educate and mentor LGBTQIA+ youth, develop inclusive programs, provide rapid assistance to those in crisis, and highlight inequities that threaten our community’s well-being. We are here to protect, empower, and inspire progress.
A Mission Forged in Purpose
The VIVID Initiative was not built overnight. It grew from resilience, compassion, and the refusal to ignore injustice. What began as a grassroots response to urgent needs in the LGBTQIA+ community has evolved into a powerful source of education, protection, and support.​
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The work began long before us, and we are here to carry it forward — with dedication, courage, and an unwavering commitment to creating a safer, more inclusive future for all.
Our Origin
From We March We Rise to VIVID
VIVID was born from We March, We Rise, a grassroots effort created in response to growing hostility toward the LGBTQIA+ community across the United States. We saw our dignity, safety, and inclusion being challenged — not only by public policy, but also by cultural narratives and institutional neglect.
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We realized that awareness alone wasn’t enough.
We realized that waiting for others to act meant falling further behind.
We realized that our community needed protection, education, and support now.
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That’s why we became The VIVID Initiative — a nonprofit organization that is bold, unapologetic, and committed to real impact. We do not exist to maintain the status quo. We exist to provide resources, create safe spaces, and equip LGBTQIA+ individuals with the tools to thrive. Our work is driven by the belief that every person deserves to live authentically, safely, and with full dignity.
What Sets VIVID Apart?
Beyond Advocacy.
Beyond Awareness.
We Strengthen Communities.
We are not a passive organization. We do not exist to simply “raise awareness.” We exist to create tangible impact. We are here to equip and protect LGBTQIA+ communities so they can thrive.
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Unlike traditional nonprofits, we do not wait for change to slowly arrive. We focus on immediate support, strategic education, and direct community services. Our work spans several key areas that drive real impact.
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We provide leadership development programs for LGBTQIA+ youth, giving them the confidence, skills, and networks they need to grow into strong leaders. We offer rapid-response crisis assistance for individuals facing discrimination, harassment, or unsafe living conditions, ensuring support is available when it matters most. We conduct research and publish reports on corporate, institutional, and community practices that affect LGBTQIA+ inclusion, shedding light on both progress and inequities.
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We also build resource networks that connect LGBTQIA+ individuals with affirming legal, medical, and mental health professionals. And we fund community-based programs that improve safety, inclusion, and well-being for LGBTQIA+ people, ensuring resources reach the ground where they are needed most.
The VIVID Initiative is built on the belief that safety, dignity, and equality are not optional — they are essential. We are committed to delivering programs and services that protect lives, strengthen communities, and create the conditions for every LGBTQIA+ person to live fully and freely.
The Leaders Behind the Movement
VIVID is powered by those who refuse to accept the status quo — educators, advocates, and community leaders dedicated to protecting and supporting LGBTQIA+ people. We don’t just lead. We create impact.
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Our leadership is built on experience, resilience, and an unshakable commitment to education, crisis response, and accountability. Meet the people guiding The VIVID Initiative toward a safer, more inclusive future.
President & Co-Founder
Joe Matthews is an LGBTQIA+ advocate, author, lyricist, and IT professional based in Northern Virginia, originally from Delaware County, Pennsylvania. Coming out at a young age, he committed himself to supporting and uplifting the LGBTQIA+ community through education, storytelling, and direct support.
For decades, Joe has worked to amplify voices, challenge inequality, and create spaces where LGBTQIA+ people can live authentically and safely. He has been present at pivotal moments in the community’s history, including national gatherings, cultural events, and landmark celebrations of progress. His focus has always been on showing up for his community and ensuring that those most at risk are seen, heard, and supported.
Joe co-founded The VIVID Initiative with Josh Goodrich out of a shared determination to ensure LGBTQIA+ youth are never left behind. While some organizations focus solely on awareness, VIVID is built to provide direct resources, create inclusive spaces, and strengthen networks of support. Joe’s drive fuels the mission, blending compassion with determination to make a measurable difference in the lives of those they serve.
At the heart of his work is a simple belief — no LGBTQIA+ young person should ever feel they have to face life’s challenges alone. And no matter how busy things get, Joe’s constant companion, his dog Eva, is always by his side, ready to provide a little joy and a lot of love.
Vice President & Co-Founder
Josh Goodrich is a proud member of Washington, DC’s LGBTQIA+ community who has experienced its challenges, setbacks, and triumphs firsthand. But simply observing was never enough. Today, he works to strengthen the safety, visibility, and well-being of LGBTQIA+ people everywhere.
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Believing that solutions come from asking hard questions and taking purposeful action, Josh co-founded The VIVID Initiative alongside Joe Matthews. The VIVID Initiative is a nonprofit dedicated to providing resources, education, and direct support for LGBTQIA+ individuals and communities in need.
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At VIVID, Josh helps turn vision into measurable impact. Together with the team, he is committed to building a future where LGBTQIA+ people are valued, supported, and able to thrive in every aspect of life. For Josh, standing still has never been an option — every day is an opportunity to create meaningful change.
Director, Community Outreach
Melody Tremallo hails from the Lone Star State of Texas and serves as Director of Community Outreach at The VIVID Initiative. With deep roots in community work, she brings a wealth of experience in building inclusive programs and fostering strong partnerships.
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A devoted supporter of transgender inclusion, Melody has worked tirelessly to uplift and protect trans communities across the United States. Through leadership roles with organizations like Hands Off Central Texas, she has helped develop educational workshops, launched community initiatives, and strengthened support networks across diverse environments.
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At VIVID, Melody channels her experience and empathy into building bridges with local groups, schools, and organizations—ensuring programs are accessible, impactful, and rooted in mutual respect. Her drive and lived experience make her an essential part of our mission to support and empower LGBTQIA+ communities nationwide.
Operations Manager
Grace Baker is originally from Delaware County, Pennsylvania, and brings years of operational management experience, primarily in service-based industries, to The VIVID Initiative. A longtime supporter of the LGBTQIA+ community, Grace is passionate about applying her skills to work that directly benefits others.
While this is her first role in the nonprofit sector, Grace’s dedication, attention to detail, and commitment to excellence make her a key part of VIVID’s mission. She focuses on ensuring that programs run smoothly, resources reach those who need them most, and the organization operates with efficiency and integrity.