Our Issue.

In the United States, 4.2 million youth experience homelessness each year. Together, we can change that.

LGBTQ+ Youth are 120% More Likely to Experience Homelessness.

According to a study from Chapin Hall at the University of Chicago, LGBTQ+ young people are 120% more likely to experience homelessness than non-LGBTQ+ youth. Right off the bat, these young people are presented with an uneven playing field. True Colors United is working to ensure LGBTQ+ young people are centered in the solutions so that no young people are left out in the movement to end youth homelessness. 

"It is important to create a setting where young people feel like everyone is working collectively."

– Anthony, Former Innovation Fellow

Why Do LGBTQ+ Youth Experience Homelessness?

Family conflict is the most common cause of all youth homelessness. For LGBTQ+ youth in particular, family conflict often is related to a young person’s sexual orientation or gender identity. 

While family rejection is the most frequently cited reason LGBTQ+ youth experience homelessness, it’s not the only one. Additional reasons include aging out of the foster care system, poverty, and conflict in the home not related to identity. Often, it’s not one thing that causes homelessness, but a combination of many.

"I feel that I was placed here on this earth to advocate the best way I can."

– Aurora, Former Production Fellow

Everyone has a role in ending LGBTQ+ youth homelessness.

People often think that, because they don’t work at a shelter or housing agency, they don’t have a role to play in the effort to end LGBTQ+ youth homelessness. The reality is that everyone can make a difference! LGBTQ+ youth experiencing homelessness interact with more than just the people working at shelters. They also go to coffee shops and libraries, ride public transportation, go to school, use social media… To put it simply: They live life! We all share the same world – and we all could do a better job at making that world a better place for young people.

"When we center the experiences of the most marginalized, we're able to improve the lives of all youth.”

– Twiggy Pucci Garçon, Chief Strategy Officer 

Needs of LGBQ Youth

What do lesbian gay bisexual and questioning youth experiencing homelessness need? Our reseach identified housing and identity-related supports as the two greatest needs for lesbian, gay, bisexual, and questioning youth experiencing homelessness.

Needs of Transgender Youth

For transgender youth, housing was the most frequently cited need, followed by access to transition-related supports. Transition-related supports include access to legal support, name/gender marker change, access to healthcare specific to transgender youth, access to hormones, and emotional support.

"I made my future my own. I face whatever comes at me with no fear."

– Bryson, Former Philanthropy Fellow

Physical and Mental Health of LGBTQ+ Homeless Youth vs Non-LGBTQ+ Homeless Youth

In terms of health care, LGBTQ+ youth tend to be underserved due to a shortage of clinics and facilities that cater to their unique health needs – and because some healthcare providers refuse to treat minors without parental consent. We asked homeless youth service providers what they thought about the physical and mental health of the LGBTQ youth they serve. Overall, they reported the physical and mental health of LGBTQ youth experiencing homelessness are worse than that of non-LGBTQ youth. Notably, providers were more likely to report that transgender youth experienced these disparities.

"It's crucial that we create safe and affirming spaces for all young people."

– Christa Price, LMSW, VP of Innovation 

Interested in learning more? Check out our Resources, where you'll find our suite of online courses and toolkits.

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