Serving LGBT* Homeless Youth
The Problem Lesbian, gay, bisexual, and transgender youth are at a disadvantage compared to their straight peers when they are faced with homelessness. According to the 40 to None Network, forty percent of homeless youth in the United States identify as LGBT*. Currently, only a few high profile individuals and a number group organizations are working to solve this issue, and there is little cohesiveness among the parties in how to address homelessness among LGBT* youth.
The Research Previous research has shown that because this demographic is extremely transient, data tends to vary widely. According to the National Alliance to End Homelessness in their report Incidence and Vulnerability of LGBTQ Homeless Youth …show more content…
This will be accomplished by determining whether or not the homeless youth is attending school and if they feel safe there; working within the schools to prevent bullying and harassment of the vulnerable youth; connecting school staff to training, consultation services, and youth service professionals to provide training on creating a safe, welcoming, and appropriate school environment for transgender youth. We must commit to contract only with health and mental health providers who are appropriately trained on the specific needs of LGBT* youth and who are open and comfortable with youth of all orientations and identities. Materials about safer sex practices which are affirming to the LGBT* community at large, and which include information that is medically accurate must be available. Assumptions about the sexual orientation of gender non-conforming youth must be avoided; transgender youth must be allowed express their gender identity through their chosen attire, hairstyle, and mannerisms for as long as they require our services. We must respect transgender youth and use their chosen name and pronouns (if they do not volunteer this information, it is acceptable to ask their preferences). A basic knowledge of Gender Dysphoria and the recognized standards for diagnosing and treating youth with Gender Dysphoria are required of all of those who work with the youth. We must ensure that transgender youth are able to access all transition related treatment recommended by the health care provider’s assessment. In the third sphere, we must ensure that those we serve are aware of local LGBT* programs and services. We must develop and regularly update lists of community resources, especially services directed to the LGBT* community. These lists must be made available to everyone within the agency, but especially to youth who may wish to access resources
The Problem Lesbian, gay, bisexual, and transgender youth are at a disadvantage compared to their straight peers when they are faced with homelessness. According to the 40 to None Network, forty percent of homeless youth in the United States identify as LGBT*. Currently, only a few high profile individuals and a number group organizations are working to solve this issue, and there is little cohesiveness among the parties in how to address homelessness among LGBT* youth.
The Research Previous research has shown that because this demographic is extremely transient, data tends to vary widely. According to the National Alliance to End Homelessness in their report Incidence and Vulnerability of LGBTQ Homeless Youth …show more content…
This will be accomplished by determining whether or not the homeless youth is attending school and if they feel safe there; working within the schools to prevent bullying and harassment of the vulnerable youth; connecting school staff to training, consultation services, and youth service professionals to provide training on creating a safe, welcoming, and appropriate school environment for transgender youth. We must commit to contract only with health and mental health providers who are appropriately trained on the specific needs of LGBT* youth and who are open and comfortable with youth of all orientations and identities. Materials about safer sex practices which are affirming to the LGBT* community at large, and which include information that is medically accurate must be available. Assumptions about the sexual orientation of gender non-conforming youth must be avoided; transgender youth must be allowed express their gender identity through their chosen attire, hairstyle, and mannerisms for as long as they require our services. We must respect transgender youth and use their chosen name and pronouns (if they do not volunteer this information, it is acceptable to ask their preferences). A basic knowledge of Gender Dysphoria and the recognized standards for diagnosing and treating youth with Gender Dysphoria are required of all of those who work with the youth. We must ensure that transgender youth are able to access all transition related treatment recommended by the health care provider’s assessment. In the third sphere, we must ensure that those we serve are aware of local LGBT* programs and services. We must develop and regularly update lists of community resources, especially services directed to the LGBT* community. These lists must be made available to everyone within the agency, but especially to youth who may wish to access resources