LGBTQ+ Youth Are:
75% more likely to experience anxiety and depression
3X more likely to abuse drugs and alcohol
120% more likely to experience homelessness
LGBTQ+ youth experience many hardships, but one of the biggest is homelessness. 40% of homeless youth are LGBTQ+, and family rejection is the number ONE reason. Despite these elevated rates of homelessness, response systems do not address LGBTQ+ issues and offer services specifically tailored to their individual needs.
As a result, LGBTQ+ youth are often misunderstood and mistreated, making it difficult to obtain even the most basic needs for survival. In addition to facing stigma, rejection and a lack of social support, homelessness has many detrimental short and long-term consequences for LGBTQ+ youth, including increased rates of substance abuse and incarceration, mental and physical health challenges, and early death.
It is more important today than ever that our community creates safe sanctuaries for our homeless LGBTQ+ youth in which to live and heal, and where they can feel welcomed, appreciated, valued and loved for all that they are.