Usually when people think of the causes of homelessness, they think of unfortunate financial circumstances or mental illnesses that impedes the ability to function in society. It’s hard to imagine that someone could lose their housing situation because they decided to share their true selves with their loved ones. People in the Queer Community face a lot of discrimination, and for many queer kids, being outed means they will be kicked out without a secure place to go.
There are many organizations doing research on how much of the homeless population is part of the LGTBQ+ community. One in specific, True Colors United, an organization dedicated to providing resources and support for homeless youth, has found that 7% of kids identify as LGBTQ+, but up to 40% of the homeless youth population is LGBTQ+. A 2017 study by the University of Chicago revealed that LGBTQ+ youth are 120% more likely to be homeless at some point than non-LGBTQ+ youth.
For more information about why LGBTQ+ homelessness is still an issue and resources to help, please visit The National Coalition for the Homeless, or help directly by donating to True Colors United.
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