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The Coronavirus pandemic is a perfect storm for LGBTQ homeless youth - with school closures, reduced services at LGBTQ community centers and a lack of family support, these young Americans are particularly vulnerable. https://www.nbcnews.com/feature/nbc-out/coronavirus-pandemic-perfect-storm-lgbtq-homeless-youth-n1176206 (1/7) #NBCNewsThreads
Nez Marquez, 23, left home at 18 because his family did not accept his gender identity and sexual orientation, he said. Marquez is staying at an emergency shelter for LGBTQ young adults. "If where I'm staying shuts down, I'll be out of options." https://www.nbcnews.com/feature/nbc-out/coronavirus-pandemic-perfect-storm-lgbtq-homeless-youth-n1176206 (2/7)
Recent studies have found that 20% to 45% of homeless youth identify as LGBTQ, and among young adults ages 18 to 25, LGBTQ people have a 2.2 times greater risk of homelessness than their non-LGBTQ peers, according to research by the Williams Institute at UCLA Law. (3/7)
Many centers are reducing their hours and services or closing completely due to COVID-19. "The need for services is increasing, and the availability of services is decreasing," said Kate Barnhart, director of New Alternatives, a NYC-based nonprofit for LGBTQ homeless youth. (4/7)
Amit Paley, CEO of the Trevor Project, which operates a 24/7 crisis hotline, said, "We saw nearly twice the level of young people reaching out, and we know that this pandemic is having an impact, that young people are not sure where they can turn to for support," he said. (5/7)
Organizations are working to accommodate the changing needs of LGBTQ homeless youth. Lilianna Angel Reyes, director of the Ruth Ellis Center's drop-in service, said “Most of our youth have had long histories of trauma, and they're extremely resilient," she said. (6/7)
Paley, CEO of the Trevor Project, says that LGBTQ young people "are deserving of love and respect" and are not alone, saying "social distancing is not the same as social isolation.”
"There are places you can reach out to for support," he said. (7/7)
"There are places you can reach out to for support," he said. (7/7)
