Coming Out Shouldn’t Mean Sleeping Outside: The Crisis
of the Unhoused LGTBQ+ Youth
By Jose Perez Perez
When we think of the unhoused, we rarely consider the youth, let alone the LGBTQ+ youth. However, across the nation, many young queer and trans people are sleeping on the streets due to the abuse and neglect they face after coming out. LGBTQ+ youth are a small fraction of the general population; however, they experience being unhoused at a much higher rate. According to The Trevor Project, about 40% of all unhoused youth in the U.S. identify as LGBTQ+, even though they make up less than 10% of the total youth population. This shows just how serious and risky coming out can be in America. For many, it means losing access to food, safety, shelter, and even family.
Facing the harshness of the streets, LGBTQ+ youth experience higher rates of violence, exploitation, and mental health struggles. They live without stability, regular meals, and access to basic hygiene or healthcare. Even finding a shelter comes with its own challenges. Many shelter environments are hostile toward LGBTQ+ youth, with issues of bullying, discrimination, or rejection altogether. This shows that being unhoused is about more than lacking a roof over your head. It is about losing the chance to feel safe, supported, and seen.
Being true to oneself should never be a reason to lose access to food, safety, security, shelter or family. No one, especially the youth, should be punished for their identity. If we want to restore dignity to marginalized LGBTQ+ youth, we must create safer and more affirming spaces. This means funding shelters that provide the right support and resources, investing in outreach programs, and challenging the harmful stigma that coming out should not cost someone everything.
Want to Help?
New avenues’ Sexual and Gender Minority Youth Resource Center (SMYRC) offers essential support from food, clothing and hygiene supplies to safe space, support groups and counseling. You can donate directly to New Avenues Here. Your donation will go towards creating a safer, more dignified and hopeful future for the LGBTQ+ youth
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