40% of young people experiencing homelessness in America identify as lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, queer, or questioning (LGBTQ). When you consider the fact that LGBTQ youth make up just 7% of the general youth population, the discrepancy becomes clear. LGBTQ youth experience homelessness at disproportionate rates compared to their straight and cisgender peers.
While these facts and figures can’t be ignored, LGBTQ youth homelessness isn’t about numbers. It’s about people. The True Colors Fund is proud to release our 2016 40 of the Forty list! The second annual list highlights 40 LGBTQ young people from across the country who have experiences with homelessness, giving them a chance to speak for themselves and make a difference for other youth.
In 2015, 40 of the Forty honorees were featured in interviews and blogs on our website, participated in conferences and events across the country, contributed to national research projects, and even spoke at The White House. Our 2016 honorees are already working on big things.
The movement to end LGBTQ youth homelessness begins and ends with young people. Get to know the 2016 honorees!