LGBTQ Youth

Homeless youth that identify as lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgendered, or questioning (LGBTQ) are often at heightened risk of violence, abuse, and exploitation than their heterosexual peers.
National reports have consistently noted the prevalence of lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender and questioning (LGBTQ) youth in the homeless population. Many experience abandonment and severe family conflict stemming from their sexual orientation and gender identity but other factors are also present: physical abuse, sexual abuse, neglect, substance abuse by parents, and mental health disabilities. A growing body of research bolsters the conclusion that LGBTQ youth represent approximately 20% of homeless youth. This is disproportionate to the number of LGBTQ youth (10%) in the general population. Conservatively estimated, each year over 300,000 LGBTQ youth experience at least one night of homelessness in America.

LGBTQ youth are particularly vulnerable during episodes of homelessness. Once homeless, LGBTQ youth experience higher rates of physical and sexual assault and higher incidence of mental health problems and unsafe sexual behaviors than heterosexual homeless youth. LGB homeless youth are twice as likely to attempt suicide (62 percent) as their heterosexual homeless peers (29 percent).

Sadly, federal funding is inadequate to reach the majority of LGBTQ homeless youth. The majority of LGBTQ homeless youth never receive access to supportive services or housing opportunities, and most community-based providers serving this population cite lack of bed capacity as their primary concern. Further, less than a dozen local nonprofit organizations nation-wide offer focused services to LGBTQ homeless youth, and most are either on the west or east coasts.

Even when beds are available, inclusive and culturally competent treatment services may not be. Research and federal program reviews do not indicate wide-spread discrimination, but LGBTQ youth still report verbal abuse, harassment and personal judgment from peers and staff in homeless youth shelters and drop-in centers. Reports of discriminatory behavior against transgender youth and agency staff lacking skills to meet the needs of youth with gender identity questions are routine.

Spotlight

Federal Policy Brief  |  April 19, 2012
As many as 20 percent of the runaway and homeless youth population identifies as lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, or questioning (LGBTQ). This suggests as many as 80,000 LGBTQ youth are homeless for over a week each year. These young people face particular difficulties. Ending homelessness for LGBTQ youth will require specific policies to address those difficulties.
Federal Policy Brief  |  April 9, 2012
Youth become homeless for a variety of reasons, but the most common cause given is severe family conflict, including physical violence, sexual abuse, chronic neglect, or abandonment. LGBTQ youth often become homeless when their families are not accepting of their sexual orientation or gender identity.
Webinar  |  November 15, 2011
This is the PPT presentation to the webinar held on November 8, 2011, Family Intervention to Address and Prevent Homelessness Among LGBTQ Youth.
Best Practice  |  November 15, 2011
New York City is working to prevent and end homelessness for LGBTQ homeless youth. Recognizing that most runaway and homeless LGBTQ youth will return to their family, New York City is funding two community-based organizations to strengthen youth’s connections to families to prevent and rapidly end their homelessness.
Solutions Brief  |  November 15, 2011
It is commonly estimated that 100,000 children are victims of commercial sexual exploitation each year. In this brief, the Alliance examines the relationship between commercial sexual exploitation of children and youth homelessness.
Solutions Brief  |  April 10, 2009
This two-page brief provides an overview of the prevalence and experience of LGBTQ youth, causal factors, and risks to LGBTQ youth while homeless.
Solutions Brief  |  April 10, 2009
This policy brief provides a brief overview of homelessness among LBGT youth and makes recommendations about improving practice, organizational culture, and residential services.

Library Resources

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Other  |  May 17, 2011
The National Advisory Council on LGBTQ Homeless Youth was created to address these concerns and improve the nation’s response to homelessness among LGBTQ youth.
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Webinar  |  October 27, 2010
Ending Youth Homelessness - Strategies for Increasing Community Support and Improving Your Ten Year Plan.
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Solutions Brief  |  October 30, 2009
Homeless youth surviving day-to-day on the streets are at constant risk of solicitation and sexual exploitation. Homeless youth are far more likely to be physically and sexually victimized than their peers who are housed, and they are more likely to experience repeated episodes of sexual assaults. This publication reviews the research and practice implications for community-based services.
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Conference Presentation  |  July 29, 2009
This presentation by the Alliance provides information on how to use the Homelessness Prevention and Rapid Re-Housing Program (HPRP) to provide housing for homeless and at-risk youth.
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Solutions Brief  |  December 8, 2008
This report highlights the incidence of homelessness among LGBTQ youth and the vulnerability of LGBTQ youth to becoming homeless. As compared to their heterosexual peers, LGBTQ youth face a greater risk of exploitation. This brief explores pathways into homelessness for LGBTQ youth and ways to end homelessness for this group. It also includes a chart on the systems components for addressing homelessness among all youth, including LGBTQ youth.