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Homelessness Gay Lesbian - 1
Homelessness in Gay, Lesbian, Bisexual, and Transgendered Youth in the Urban Midwest
Cindi A. Knox
Governors State University
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Abstract
As a population, homeless gay, lesbian, bisexual, transgender, and questioning youth
have more stressors than most. Owing to the multi-dimensional pressures of struggles of growth
and against taboos, and the lack of resources due to their disconnection from the various support
structures, this group is at particular risk for a host of problems including disease (especially
HIV/AIDS), abuse, and perpetual poverty. Social service organizations are often ill-equipped to
deal effectively with this population. Strategies are needed to help prevent homelessness and to
support those individuals who do find themselves on the streets.
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Homelessness in Gay, Lesbian, Bisexual, and Transgendered Youth in the Urban Midwest
Adolescence is a difficult time in human development, but the difficulty is increased
geometrically when the problems of homelessness are coupled with sexual and/or gender
identity. For these youth, “at-risk” is an understatement. The fact that discovery of sexual
identity often occurs at this crucial point in development and, too frequently, results in
homelessness creates a group at risk for many social, psychological, and physical problems.
Their success – and even their very survival – depends on the awareness, knowledge, and action
of those who serve the social welfare system.
Definitions
What does it mean to be gay, lesbian, bisexual, and/or transgender?
Gay and Lesbian are terms commonly used to describe same-sex (homosexual) physical
and/or romantic orientation. According to the American Academy of Pediatrics, “homosexuality
is the persistent sexual and emotional attraction to members of one’s own gender and part of the
continuum of sexual expression” (1993). Bisexual refers to people whose orientation allows
partners of same or different sex.
Transgender refers to those individuals whose gender identity (“who they are”) or gender
expression (“how they appear”) is not the same as the sexual identity (male or female)
determined at birth. The term “Gender Identity disorder” was added to the American Psychiatric
Association’s Diagnostic and Statistical Manual III in 1980, defined as “incongruence between
assigned sex (i.e., the sex that is recorded on the birth certificate) and gender identity” (Cooper,
1999).
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These are very broad categories, and may overlap. For instance, a person born female
may identify as a male and be attracted to males. This person would be a female to male
transsexual and also be gay.
Center on Halsted program director Kathleen Neville (MSW, LCSW) defined this group
as “People who are clear in their sexual orientation and people who are questioning their
orientation” (2006 personal communication). It is important to note that the latter group may
eventually identify as heterosexual, but the very questioning of their orientation places them in a
group that is susceptible to abuse. For this reason, the shorthand initialism for this group is often
written GLBTQ, for Gay, Lesbian, Bisexual, Transgender, and Questioning. The order of these
initials is not consistent in the literature, however. Variations include GLBT, LGBT, LGBTQ,
and others. Sometimes I is included for Intersex – persons whose physical and/or hormonal
sexual attributes are ambiguous (Mallon, 1999): GLBTIQ, LGBITQ.
What age group is in the affected group called “youth”?
While the legal definition of youth is usually “people under 18 years of age”, programs
differ in their parameters. At Chicago’s The Night Ministry, Carole Mills (BA, MA) defined
youth as the ages of “12 – 21” (2006 personal communication). While the age of majority is 18,
many young adults also fall into the category of “GLBTQ Youth”. According to Neville, the age
range served by the youth services at Chicago’s “Center on Halsted” is 13 to 24 years of age.
What constitutes homelessness for this community?
While we often think of “homeless” as people living in cardboard boxes or under bridges,
this constitutes only part of the population. Neville’s definition included youth who were
“temporarily moving from one friend’s home to another” (often called “couch surfing”) as well
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as those “truly on the street.” Mills included “living in places not meant for human habitation
(e.g., abandoned buildings, car, the street), those who are doubled up in housing, those at risk of
losing housing, and "couchsurfing" as all being homeless (i.e., we define it broadly).” Even those
in foster care and youth homes often spend time on the street to avoid abuse (Ryan & Futterman,
1998).
Problems
Causes for homelessness that are specific to GLBTQ youth
According to Ryan and Futterman, “Rejection by family and friends and the cumulative
effect of harassment, ridicule, and physical abuse cause some lesbian and gay youth to run away,
whereas others may be forced out of their homes after parents discover their sexual orientation”.
Neville’s observations agree, that homelessness in GLBTQ youth “often relates to them being
kicked out”, and Mills said that “[m]any lgbt youth are kicked out by parents once they come out
or are outed.” In fact, estimates tend toward one quarter or more of street youth being gay or
lesbian. According to Ryan and Futterman, “Agencies serving street youth in Los Angeles
estimate that 25-35% of homeless youth are lesbian or gay, and in Seattle, 40% of homeless
youth are estimated to be gay”, and Neville’s numbers for Chicago are that 25-30% of homeless
youth are GLBTQ.
Part of the problem appears to be a failure on the part of child service agencies to address
the specific needs of GLBTQ youth. According to a 2006 article by Jacobs and Freundlich,
“Services for LGBTQ youth have not focused on permanency and, as a consequence, these youth
continue to leave foster care—often running away or being emancipated— without caring,
committed adults in their lives.” A 2006 article by Woronoff, Mallon, and McHaelen notes a
statistic that “78% of lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, questioning, and intersex (LGBTQI)
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youth” left their placements (voluntarily or involuntarily) because their gender identity or sexual
orientation brought on rejection. Further, transgender individuals have very low placement rate
in foster care, and usually end up in group homes. Unfortunately, they are often unwelcome in
these settings, often do not receive needed services, and risk abuse of a physical and sexual
nature (Jacobs and Freundlich).
A 1998 article by G.P. Mallon, referred to by Jacobs and Freundlich, suggests there are
three groups of GLBTQ youth who are in foster care:
(1) Those who “who disclose their sexual orientation or gender identity while in foster
care.”
(2) Those who are runaways or turned away by their parents because of reasons that are
apparently unrelated to their sexual orientation or gender identity (though a link may later be
revealed).
(3) Those who have been condemned by relatives after their sexual orientation or gender
identity becomes known (whether willingly or unwillingly).
Problems unique to homeless GLBTQ youth
GLBTQ youth have similar problems to other homeless youth: substance abuse, mental
health problems, high risk for suicide, sexually transmitted diseases, pregnancy, untreated and
chronic conditions. (Ryan & Futterman). But this population has additional problems specific to
their gender identity and sexual orientation.
Neville notes that homeless GLBTQ youth suffer more stress and depression and a higher
suicide attempt rate than the regular homeless population. Ryan and Futterman’s findings are in
concurrence:
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The stressors that lead lesbian and gay youth to leave home and school also increase the
potential for exploitation. Without employable skills, some turn to prostitution, drug
dealing, or other illicit activities for survival. Others enter foster care, youth homes, and
social service systems where they are at risk for further discrimination, neglect,
harassment, and violence. A study of lesbian/gay youth in New York City’s child welfare
system, for example, showed that more than two-thirds (70%) had been victims of
violence because of their sexual orientation, while more than half (56%) said they had
stayed on the streets, at times, where they felt safer than living in group or foster homes.
Further, there is almost no transitional housing for youth in general and LGBT youth
often don’t feel welcomed if they do get a bed – especially the transgender (Neville). Mills
pointed out that “lgbt youth are sometimes ostracized by their peers in shelters and housing
programs.” And Ryan and Futterman note “Lesbian and gay youth may also become involved
with the juvenile justice system as a result of substance abuse, prostitution, and running away.
They may cycle in and out of institutions, where few will openly identify, fearful of further
victimization and abuse from both peers and staff.”
Lack of knowledge and understanding is a serious problem for this population. In fact,
Woronoff et al quote two youth in a Connecticut program: “‘A supervisor told me that the Bible
said I was an abomination, but that she had to take care of me anyway 'cuz she works here’, ‘It's
better on the street. You can fight… or run. But in those shelters you're trapped. If you tell the
staff somebody called you a fag, they don't care. They won't usually let people hit you if they see
it happen. But if they stop somebody because you told... you're just gonna get it later...and
worse.’” Clearly, support and safety are issues for this population.
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Transgender youth have even greater pressures. These stressors include pressure to
conform to societal mores from the macro and mezzo systems in which they exist (Burgess,
1999). These include family, friends, and even school. A male to female transgendered youth,
quoted by Klein (1999), says:
I just stopped going to school. One year I was a boy, and then the next, I looked and
talked like a girl.
They didn’t know what to do with me, they were scared. I have no problem with who I
am. But they did.
Even seasoned Social Workers who have a history of working with Gay and Lesbian
individuals struggle with transgendered people. After meeting with a 17 year old transgendered
youth, Mallon (1999) notes his own ignorance:
As a practitioner with almost twenty years of experience, many of them with gay, lesbian,
bisexual, and questioning clients, I felt very inadequate myself in attempting to deal with
clients who identified as transgendered. Apart from its significance as a practice
dilemma, this case also illustrates an important truth about transgendered persons in
contemporary society: That most people, even experienced practitioners, have little or no
accurate knowledge about the lives of transgendered persons.
Solutions
What resources are available in the Chicago area for homeless GLBTQ youth?
Neville notes the few local resources for homeless gay youth. While the Center on
Halsted does not have specific programs for homeless youth, they have a larger homeless project,
outreach every week, case management for GLBTQ youth, and other programming that the
population may use. The Broadway youth center offers medical checks & showers. Neon
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Heartland, while not a homeless facility, allows gay people to get meals & use laundry & shower
facilities. Shower facilities are important for GLBTQ youth because of the fear that they will be
harassed – especially true for transgender youth.
Mills had a brighter view of the situation. She said that all youth-specific shelters with
which she was familiar were accepting of homeless GLBTQ youth and that she believed there
were “agencies on the south side as well”.
What more can be done to prevent homelessness among GLBTQ youth?
Neville, only half-joking, suggested throwing “a whole bunch of money at people.” She
went on to suggest changes in society – combating poverty and homophobia. She called for
diversity training, and gay/straight alliances in schools. Further, she noted the need for social
workers and guidance counselors to be more understanding. Others agree that there is a need for
clear policies against discrimination for GLBTQ youth, training to support those policies, and an
atmosphere that lets this group know they are safe and welcome. (Jacobs & Freundlich). Those
who make placement decisions often lack the knowledge necessary to make quality
recommendations, sometimes due to a lack of necessary research (Berger, 2005).
Mills suggested “Parent education seems to be the biggest prevention tool - but since this
can't be mandated, I don't know how effective it would be. Perhaps the answer is posting more
information in the schools about groups and resources for lgbt youth who may be in jeopardy of
losing their housing.”
Are there adequate resources to meet the needs of GLBTQ youth in the Chicago area?
Here Neville and Mills disagree. Mills noted focus groups several years ago in
preparation for a new housing program, where the youth at that time indicated they did not want
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a shelter specifically for GLBTQ youth (this was primarily the GLBTQ youth saying it) and that
she believed resources were adequate. Neville disagreed, saying there was “not anywhere near”
adequate resources. She said that most of the money comes through HIV prevention and, because
many youth end up doing sex trade, HIV prevention very important. “That funding is
dwindling,” said Neville.
Conclusion
Homeless gay, lesbian, bisexual, transgender, and questioning youth are in crisis, with a
need for action on multiple levels. On an individual level, there is a need for safe shelter, food,
education, and healthcare. More funding must be found to finance those services. Education in
schools and communities will help people more appropriately deal with GLBTQ youth. These
are just a few of the needs of a vulnerable population that can either become productive members
of society or long-term clients of healthcare and social services. Their future will be decided by
how we care for them.
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References
American Academy of Pediatrics (1993). Homosexuality and Adolescence. Pediatrics 92:63
Berger, C. (2005). What becomes of at-risk gay youths? Gay & Lesbian Review Worldwide 12:6
24-25
Burgess, C. (1999) Internal and External Stress Factors Associated with the Identity
Development of Transgendered Youth in Mallon, G. P. (Ed.) Social Services with
Transgendered Youth 35-47 Binghamtom, NY: Harrington Park Press
Cooper, K. (1999) Practice with Transgendered Youth and Their Families in G. P. (Ed.) Social
Services with Transgendered Youth 111-129 Binghamtom, NY: Harrington Park Press
Jacobs, J., & Freundlich, M. (2006). Achieving Permanency for LGBTQ Youth. Child Welfare,
85, 299-316
Klein, R. (1999) Group Work Practice with Transgendered Male to Female Sex Workers in
Mallon, G. P. (Ed.) Social Services with Transgendered Youth 95-109 Binghamtom, NY:
Harrington Park Press
Mallon, G. P. (1999) Foreword in Mallon, G. P. (Ed.) Social Services with Transgendered Youth
xiii-xv Binghamtom, NY: Harrington Park Press
Mallon, G. P. (1999) Appendix A in Mallon, G. P. (Ed.) Social Services with Transgendered
Youth 143-145 Binghamtom, NY: Harrington Park Press
Ryan, C. & Futterman, D. (1998). Lesbian & gay youth: care and counseling. New York:
Columbia University Press
Woronoff, R., Mallon, G. P. & McHaelen, R. P. (2006). Bridges, Barriers, And Boundaries.
Child Welfare, 85, 407-438