Sara Ramirez plays Dr. Callie Torres on Grey’s Anatomy and recently she posted a message on Twitter, raising speculation on whether this might be the last season for the spicy Latina. On the same day, she posted a selfie supporting the LGBT youth homelessness problem, which is a bigger issue than her leaving the show.
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The fact is that approximately 40% of youth experiencing homelessness identify as lesbian, gay, bisexual, or transgender (LGBT), yet LGBT young people make less than 7% of the general youth population. The True Colors Fund launched the#40toNoneDay on April 27, which was a day to raise public awareness about LGBT youth homelessness, and as a way to encourage supporters to do things that make a difference.
The Real Issue
Around 1.6 million youth experience homelessness each year. Unfortunately one of the biggest reasons LGBT youth experiences homelessness is due to family rejection because of their sexual orientation or gender identity. It’s difficult enough to come out, but when their parents and family reject them, the results are devastating. The fact is that 1 out of 4 get thrown out of their homes, left with no support, alone to fend for themselves.
This puts them at a higher risk for violence and poor health. Many times when they seek shelter at an organization, they get turned away or face hostility because of their sexual orientation. The True Colors Fund helps educate organizations with various LGBT training programs and resources. They focus on community organizing, public engagement, public policy, research, and youth collaboration. In October they will be hosting a 40 to None Summit to help coordinate their efforts to end homelessness among LGBT youth.