Date

Fall 2015

Document Type

Capstone Project

Degree Name

Bachelor of Arts (B.A.)

Department

Liberal Studies

Abstract

Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Transgendered, and Queer (LGBTQ) adolescent homelessness is a serious issue that plagues America today. Out of the total number of homeless youth, 40% identify as LGBTQ. Many are runaways, or are pushed-out of their home due to their sexuality after suffering from verbal, physical, or sexual abuse. Unlike their homeless heterosexual counterparts, this population of youth face particular factors that affect not only their cognitive and psychosocial development, but their physical health as well. LGBTQ adolescents also have a higher incidence of substance use while homeless. The foregoing reasons illustrate how imperative it is to provide a shelter where LGBTQ adolescents can grow and develop without adding to the adversities that they are already faced with. Anonymous interviews with adults who were former homeless LGBTQ adolescents and employees of LGBTQ organizations, provide additional insight into the importance of providing a “safe haven” for homeless LGBTQ adolescents. Although there are currently shelters in place to aid in this pandemic, the need far outweighs what current organizations are able to accommodate

Comments

Capstone Project (B.A.) Liberal Studies Department

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