Whether substance abuse within this population is a cause or an outcome, it is noted as being related to other factors including mental health issues and the experience of chronic social stigma (Grant et al., 2011; Oliveira & Mullgrav, 2010; Ray, 2009). For the general population, substance abuse is recognized as a coping mechanism and this focal population uses substances at comparatively higher rates (Ray, 2009). An increased risk of substance abuse stems from high levels of stress, victimization, and stigmatization, and from limited access to culturally competent mental health treatment (Spicer, 2010).
Impact
As a result of pervasive cultural transphobia, transgender individuals often face chronic stigmatization and discrimination related …show more content…
In addition, there is a significant relationship between mistreatment in school and homelessness. Grant et al. (2011) found that in a national survey, 25% of transgender individuals who had experienced verbal, sexual or physical assault due to their gender identity had experienced homelessness. More specifically, for those physically assaulted at school, 38% reported experiencing homelessness, and for those who left school due to harassment, 48% were currently or formerly homeless (Grant et al., 2011). Shelton (2016) notes that for some transgender individuals, home life is described as unstable, dangerous, and risky, attributes more commonly associated with homelessness. Some have credited homelessness with saving their lives, as the stress, violence, and depression experienced at home were unbearable (Shelton, 2016). In addition, homelessness may involve increased access to information about authentic living, supports, services, language, awareness of community, and transgender history, all of which may represent a more positive impact of being homeless in this population (Shelton, …show more content…
These services can provide safe, stable, and supportive spaces that address the unique challenges of transgender homeless youth (Ferguson & Maccio, 2015). ‘Host Homes’ are innovative alternatives to the shelter system. This model houses LGBTQ youth for up to 2 years and facilitates the transition to adulthood by providing safety and stability, which allows clients to pursue their education and job aspirations (Ferguson & Maccio, 2015). This program also incorporates existing support networks from the community, including housing surrogate “families” together with adult supervision (Ferguson & Maccio, 2015). Shelton (2016) describes surrogate “families” or “houses” which provide transgender young people with support, protection, and
Impact
As a result of pervasive cultural transphobia, transgender individuals often face chronic stigmatization and discrimination related …show more content…
In addition, there is a significant relationship between mistreatment in school and homelessness. Grant et al. (2011) found that in a national survey, 25% of transgender individuals who had experienced verbal, sexual or physical assault due to their gender identity had experienced homelessness. More specifically, for those physically assaulted at school, 38% reported experiencing homelessness, and for those who left school due to harassment, 48% were currently or formerly homeless (Grant et al., 2011). Shelton (2016) notes that for some transgender individuals, home life is described as unstable, dangerous, and risky, attributes more commonly associated with homelessness. Some have credited homelessness with saving their lives, as the stress, violence, and depression experienced at home were unbearable (Shelton, 2016). In addition, homelessness may involve increased access to information about authentic living, supports, services, language, awareness of community, and transgender history, all of which may represent a more positive impact of being homeless in this population (Shelton, …show more content…
These services can provide safe, stable, and supportive spaces that address the unique challenges of transgender homeless youth (Ferguson & Maccio, 2015). ‘Host Homes’ are innovative alternatives to the shelter system. This model houses LGBTQ youth for up to 2 years and facilitates the transition to adulthood by providing safety and stability, which allows clients to pursue their education and job aspirations (Ferguson & Maccio, 2015). This program also incorporates existing support networks from the community, including housing surrogate “families” together with adult supervision (Ferguson & Maccio, 2015). Shelton (2016) describes surrogate “families” or “houses” which provide transgender young people with support, protection, and