#8 A Home is a Home

There are many issues that face the LGBT today. Marriage equality, job discrimination, and homelessness. Yes, although it isn't talked about in the media, the numbers of LGBT youth that are homeless has risen to become a national concern.  LGBT youth are often homeless because they were rejected by their families because of their sexual orientation or gender identity. It has been reported that 40% of all homeless teens identify as queer or transgender. Among this percentage 58% percent are on the streets due to unaccepting families and communities. Not only are LGBT youth at a higher risk of being homeless they are also at a higher risk of being sexually assaulted on the streets. One study showed that 58% of homeless LGBT teens reported sexual assault compared to the only 33% of heterosexual homeless youth. Many of these assaults have occurred at group homes by shelter staff. Sometimes they are just turned away from shelters completely because if their sexuality or gender identify, leaving them on the streets with no support. These statistics show a horrible reality that homeless LGBT youth must face every day. There are some shelters that are specialized for LGBT youth, but not enough to make a substantial difference. Some shelters have already started training staff and foster parents about the needs of queer and transgender youth. This is a step in the right direction but what can we do to fix this problem before it gets out of hand. Maybe the only thing we can do is work to help families, communities, and schools be more accepting of LGBT youth, to take out the problems at its roots. This all goes back to love and acceptance to help solve LGBT issues. Which is why it's important to always remember that #LoveWins

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