LGBTQ Youth Homelessness: Why We Need to Protect Our LGBTQ Youth

Lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, and queer/questioning (LGBTQ) youth are 120% more likely to be homeless than cisgender and heterosexual youth, yet current federal policies are insufficient and exclude LGBTQ youth. Youth homeless shelters are inadequately equipped to serve LGBTQ homeless youth due to poor funding, a focus on heterosexual or cisgender clients in their programs, and a lack of LGBTQ-friendly policies. Given the pervasiveness of this issue, public health and social policy interventions must be considered. In this perspective, the LGBTQ homeless youth epidemic is introduced and described, past policies are analyzed, and policy recommendations are made.

Automated summary

LGBTQ youth are more likely to be homeless than cisgender and heterosexual youth, but current policies fail to address their needs. Insufficient funding, focus on heterosexual and cisgender clients, and lack of LGBTQ-friendly policies hinder the ability of youth homeless shelters to serve LGBTQ youth. Public health and social policy interventions are necessary to tackle this epidemic.