homelessness and struggle among LGBTQ+ youth

There is a pandemic of homelessness in the world. LGBTQ+ youth are at least twice as likely to become homeless in their lifetime. One of the main reasons this is the case, is due to 'running away' from abusive or unsupportive households and being kicked out. No one, especially not children should feel like they do not deserve a loving home. Not only are LGBTQIA+ youth more likely to become homeless, statistics show that they are at a higher risk of drug and alcohol abuse. It is found that because of homophobia and transphobia, LGBT teenagers are put in uncomfortable situations that leave them feeling hopeless and ultimately resorting to unhealthy coping mechanisms. Throughout the years of ugly debates over same sex marriage, the youth were taught that they are unnatural, unaccepted and unsafe. We are still working to change these problematic prejudices embedded in society. Research shows that LGBTQ+ people are almost twice as likely to become homeless in their lifetime. Many factors contribute to these statistics, misinformation, unsupportive or abusive family and lack of support from others.

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There are many organisations that work towards educating schools and health services and guiding parents on how to deal with situations. A big factor on this large number of homelessness among the community, is a lack of understanding from outer parties. Parents don't understand what their child is going through and choose to repress their child's feelings, creating an unsupportive and unsafe environment. We are constantly working towards a better education on the LGBTQ+ community. Young LGBTQ+ people deserve to have accessible health care and real same sex education in the same way that straight and cis-gender people do.

what education is needed for and about the LGBTQ community:

• sufficient sex education for all sexualities and gender identities

• access to appropriate health care and services

• better housing and homelessness action plans

• more people willing to open their minds and help out where they can

Young people who are facing homelessness, have many needs. LGBTQ+ youth often have some more unique needs, housing being a given one. For transgender youth, they often need transition-related support (legal support, access to specific healthcare, psychological support, etc) as well as housing support. 26% of LGBTQ+ youth reported parents forcing them to leave the house after coming out to the family.

Transgender and gender-non-conforming youth are most at risk of becoming homeless.

"When we centre the experiences of the most marginalised, we're able to improve the lives of all youth."

- Twiggy Pucci Garcon, Program Director - True Colours United

how can you be an ally to the LGBTQIA+ community?

People often think they have no power in LGBTQ+ issues because they don't work at a shelter or organisation, however anyone can make a difference. LGBTQ+ youth experiencing homelessness interact with more than just shelters, they go to libraries or go to parks or go to school - the point is, we all share this world and we can all do things to support those in need. There are thousands of online and in-person resources that can give you step-by-step instructions on how to help. Donations can make a big difference in the future for the LGBTQ+ community, even as little as a dollar can make a difference.

Even if you find yourself unable to help out organisations, being a good ally is the best first step you can make into change. Things like asking for people's pronouns, calling out homophobia, transphobia, etc and respecting people's identities regardless of whether you understand. We are all learning new things everyday and things can become confusing at times, but just ask questions and stay respectful.

These young children and young adults deserve a home that keeps them safe and supported just as much as anyone else. Homelessness is never good, for any kind of person along any walk of life.

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here are some resources that educate and help the LGBTQIA+ community:

https://vincentcare.org.au/our-services/lgbtiq/

https://truecolorsunited.org/

https://pridefoundation.org.au/

https://www.theequalityproject.org.au/