Currently, LGBTQ+ youth have a 120% higher risk of reporting housing insecurity compared to youth who identify as heterosexual and cisgender. It is estimated that LGBTQ+ youth make up to 40% of the unaccompanied housing insecure youth population (while only 5.6% of the total US population identify as LGBTQ+). This exponentially increases the risk of suicide, drug abuse, and risky sexual encounters. Oftentimes, LGBTQ+ youth become housing insecure from being forced out of their nuclear homes, leaving them with no access to a support system.

 

Frequently, homeless shelters or community centers do not focus directly on sexual orientation or gender identity when providing resources or shelter. This can lead to dangerous situations for housing insecure LGBTQ+ individuals who are often stigmatized in these areas or placed into shelters that do not designate their gender identity. Additionally, not all resources available are LGBTQ+-affirming, making it difficult for these at-risk youth to have access to safe and unbiased services/resources. 

 

Most often, the community at large is unaware that these gaps exist. In addition to providing assistance, the Dorian Gray Youth Foundation seeks to bring awareness to the general public that the LGBTQ+ housing insecure community is underserved in the resources provided while encompassing a disproportionate percentage of those in need. Awareness is important to help those outside the community better understand our struggles and to help educate service providers (homeless shelters, community centers, religious institutions, etc) on where the gaps exist so that they can work to close them..