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.
