Introduction
The research topic that I am focusing on is youth and young adult homelessness in the Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Transgender, and Queer community and the navigation of social services and resources. I aim to analyze how this marginalized population are at risk and have difficulty being a minority in a heteronormative society. Being of a different sexual orientation and/or gender identity creates a vulnerability for this community which leads to a substantial amount of homeless youth and young adult LGBTQ individuals. Stigma and discrimination of this particular group create difficulties for those who seek assistance from social services. This topic is in need of further research and is crucial because of the risks and negative mental and physical health impacts that are affecting such young individuals. Analyzing the gaps and services and barriers exemplifies the need for reform and/or the creation of LGBTQ specific spaces in order to combat this epidemic.
Statement of the Problem
In 2017, there were an estimate of 553,742 people who identified as homeless, with 14.3% of this population being youth and young adults. During this point-in-time count there were approximately 40,799 unaccompanied children and youth that were homeless in the United States, these minors are considered individuals who do not have a permanent residence and live in unsheltered spaces (National Alliance to End Homelessness, 2018). These spaces include those that are not intended for one to live in such as on the streets or other temporary accommodations like shelters. Of these numerous thousands of individuals 40% of the homeless youth and young adult identify as part of the Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, and Transgendered community (Choi, Wilson, Shelton, Gates, 2015).
Homophobia and transphobia run rampant throughout society even in the homeless populace, this adds to the difficulty of navigating and creating a stable living situation and healthy lifestyle. Whether in temporary housing or on the streets the LGBTQ community are vulnerable to discrimination, abuse, and being neglected by those around them. These traumatic experiences can lead to or further the amount of physical and emotional turmoil of these individuals simply because of their sexual orientation or not conforming to gender norms. Frequently LGBTQ individuals have difficulty finding shelters that accept and do not discriminate against them, in addition have an issue because of others who are in the shelter that do not support them as well. The negative impact of being outcasted can manifest itself through higher depression rates and suicidal thoughts or tendencies. 41.3% of homeless youth and young adults that identify as LGBTQ were described as having major depressive disorder and 73% had suicidal ideation (Whitbeck et al. 2004). In addition to these consequences not having a suitable form of shelter or basic necessities has been linked to “survival sex” which makes those who engage vulnerable to medical health hazards such as sexually transmitted diseases and emotional despair as listed above (Tyler, 2008). Due to lack of acceptance these issues have become problematic to the physical and emotional development of the lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, and queer community which emphasizes the need for more specific services that cater to the unique needs of this marginalized community.
The impacts of homelessness come in a variety of ways and are detrimental both mentally and physically. Inadequate health care, malnutrition, and mental anguish are often found in those who face homelessness (National Coalition for the Homeless, 2011). LGBTQ unhoused youth and young adults face these challenges as well as other particular sets of hardships that are unique to this particular community. The youth of this community are susceptible to having unstable living arrangements due to family rejection, social discrimination and possibly even abuse (youth.gov). While these are issues that lead to homelessness of LGBTQ people there are major complications while trying to seek help from available resources. Assistance based programs and social service agencies seek to provide homeless youth and young adults with shelter, food, clothing, and medical care as well as counseling. Some federal programs were put into place such as the Basic Center Program, Transitional Living Program and the Street Outreach Program(youth.gov). These were created to assist the youth of America who are searching for these basic necessities needed in life that are no longer being provided. While these are public programs aiding homeless as a whole, the LGBTQ individuals are a vulnerable community that are in need specialized spaces that address their specific needs.
Theory
Queer theory is an approach that rejects traditional categories of gender and sexuality, in essence rejecting heteronormativity. Queer theory interrupts the idea that gender and sexuality is not fluid and is fixed which is fueled by how heterosexuality is dominant in American culture. It is assumed that each individual has one sex, one gender, and one sexuality which are set for life (Lorber, 1996). This theory seeks to destroy this notion and explore a world where there are identities which fall outside of what is considered normal and common. With this being seen as the norm in society it creates a source of power for those who fall in line and domination over those who do not (Valocchi, 2005). Queer theory shines light on how the binaries that are socially created do not correctly represent the broad range of differing identities that lie within society. With heteronormativity being seen as normal or “right” within our society it leads to those who do not fit the mold to be marginalized, excluded and stigmatized (Javaid, 2018). This is especially true for the LGBTQ homeless youth and young adults in regards to how they are seen and treated.
A qualitative research study was conducted in order to examine the relation between homelessness and LGBTQ individuals out of concern of the high rates this occurs within this community. Within this study, queer theory was used to analyze LGBTQ homelessness and housing insecurity within a heteronormative society. There are many ways that heterosexual privilege is embedded within society which is why this theory was chosen to enlighten how heteronormativity makes this minority vulnerable to homelessness (Jackson, 2006). By incorporating this theory, the findings were able to expose that homelessness interacts with sexual and gender identity in a complex manner that should be addressed (Matthews, Poyner and Kjellgren, 2018). As this research aligns closely with my topic I will incorporate it as well.
This theory is best used for my topic because the lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, and queer homeless youth and young adults in our society have an enormous amount of stigmatization because they do not live up to the expectations society has. The LGBTQ community face violence and hatred from those who uphold the ideologies of heteronormativity and heterosexism which impacts the daily life of those of this community and who are living on the streets. Discrimination from the services and programs created to help homeless individuals and discrimination from those who use the services as well create a hostile environment. Queer theory seeks to deconstruct the notion of what is normal which in return would help decrease the marginalization of this specific community and could improve the daily life of those who are in this situation.
Literature review
LGBTQ Homeless Youth and Young Adults
LGBTQ homeless youth and young adults in the United States comprise an estimated 40% of the total number of homeless youth and young adults (Durso, 2012). Many factors lead the youth and young adults on a path to homelessness, this includes family conflict, societal and peer rejection and discrimination (Gattis, 2013). Family rejection can come in varying forms, whether it be explicitly being asked to leave or the individual feeling as though they have no choice but to leave even though it was not clearly stated by the parent or guardian. For this specific minority, some parents or guardians cannot accept that their child does not live a heteronormative lifestyle which creates a hostile living environment. (National Runaway Switchboard, 2010). Youth and young adults who have parents or guardians that rejected their orientation have a higher “internalized homophobia” which adds to their fear and hatred of their situation and who they identify as (Katz-Wise et al., 2016). This internalized oppression can lead to emotional anguish as they are not comfortable being who they are or feel like they do not fit in or have a place in this world.
Societal and peer rejection or exclusion adds to the level of pressure these youth and young adults feel. Negative peer relationships further the aloneness one may feel and being ostracized and/or feeling forgotten makes the individual feel as though they do not fit in and do not have a place in society. Stigma and discrimination are significantly higher in homeless LGBTQ youth and young adults in comparison to the heterosexual homeless population. Victimization which includes assaults are a main difference between both of these marginalized communities (Gattis, 2013).
We live in a culture that has homophobic and transphobic beliefs which fuels the discrimination and intolerance of those who do not conform to what society deems normal. Unfortunately this is how the leading factors that introduce the LGBTQ community to a path of homelessness are created and sustained. The feeling of not belonging or having a place in the world is enough to cause panic and eventually lead the individual to run away if they have not already been instructed to leave. Becoming homeless at a crucial point where the individual is still developing can cause serious mental and physical health disparities (Gattis, 2013). This can result in prolonging the time spent with unstable living arrangements or increase the difficulty of gaining access to resources.
Mental and Physical Health Risks
Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Transgender and Queer youth and young adults experience higher vulnerability to negative mental health risks and issues. Compared to heterosexual and cisgender youth they are four times higher to suicidal attempt or contemplation. In addition, they also are more likely to experience depression, post-traumatic stress disorder, and anxiety than those who do not identify as being a part of the LGBTQ community (Rhoades et al., 2018). Increased symptoms of depression, anxiety and other negative mental health disparities stem from the discrimination perceived from their peers and family surrounding them (Almeida et al., 2009). During a time in life where one is transitioning into adulthood, these acts of neglect stunt the development by harboring the feelings of self-doubt and unsureness of their new found situation in the world.
Physical impacts of being a sexual minority can manifest in different ways. A variety of abuse while on the streets can occur because of their sexual orientation or gender identity. Homeless LGBTQ youth and young adults are at an increased risk of being physically and sexually victimized, in comparison to heterosexuals, they are almost two times greater to experience these issues (Tyler and Beal, 2010). Being a minority on the streets all alone, present opportunities for abuse coming from outside forces, whether it be from other homeless individuals or not. These physical altercations leave the LGBTQ homeless youth and young adults vulnerable as they may fear attempting to get health services because of the risk of being neglected or ostracized further (Tyler and Beal, 2010).
Mental and physical health risks also come from what the homeless population may be subjected to doing in order to survive. Survival sex work is not only detrimental emotionally but also opens the opportunity to sexually transmitted diseases, which some may be life threatening such as HIV/AIDS (Marshall, Shannon, Kerr, Zhang, & Wood, 2010). The inconsistent use of condoms and the increase of sexual partners furthers the susceptibility they have to such illnesses. In addition, the use of illicit substances is higher in frequency for sexual minorities and in particular for women. The use of illegal substances is significantly higher than those of homeless heterosexuals (Gattis, 2013). These forms of survival may be how they self-medicate or how they make a living while having nowhere to go, but they are detrimental to physical and mental health and could potentially deny them access to resources.
Barriers in Navigating Social Services and Assistance
After studying service providers viewpoint and opinions on barriers for LGBTQ youth and young adults and assistance based organizations, there were three main sections that were addressed. Societal related barriers include that the youth and young adults of this community are required to state their sexuality and gender identity in order to access services which leads them to be exposed to negative stereotypes and prejudice specifically directed at those who identify as LGBTQ (Acevedo-Polakovich et al., 2011). As health is a major need for this community some may not try to utilize these assistance programs because they fear of what may happen when personal information is given. Policies that some services have require the individual to identify as the sex their genitalia represents, which for the transgender community can cause issue as that is not how they identify or truly are on the inside. Fear of discrimination by loved ones or society as a whole is a specific factor that maintains this barrier because the youth and young adults have to overcome such a huge obstacle, such as having to come out, that may have repercussions in order to get help.
As we live in a society that believes in a heteronormative lifestyle being the “right” one, there are an influx of social service and assistance providers that hold the same beliefs. This creates a struggle and tension to get appropriate help for those who are considered a sexual minority. Some characteristics that service providers may hold are the inability to accept and/or the disbelief that this is a struggle for some may be detrimental to those who decide to seek assistance. It is a fear to be rejected or mistreated while attempting to utilize services and if there is a dissatisfactory experience it can lead to the avoidance of services in the future. In addition, lack of awareness for LGBTQ issues and lack of specific LGBTQ services are provider related barriers (Acevedo-Polskovich et al., 2011). Providers are who hold positions that aim to positively help those who come to them and instead discriminate add to the fear and low utilization of these resources. Regardless of a persons sexual orientation or gender identity, all people deserve the same access to social services and resources from providers.
Issues in resources include, the limited amount of health resources in schools, financial issues, and transportation issues. As there are not an ample amount of services for the LGBTQ homeless youth and young adults specifically or services that are known to be non-discriminating, transportation and funding is an obstacle. By not having enough money one can not use public transportation systems or afford to get services if it requires payment. Without having the ability to actually get to these services it can discourage one from even trying, or forcibly make the individual reveal that they are LGBTQ if they have not already done so (Acevedo-Polskovich et al., 2011). These gaps in services and issues in the availability to seek out resources add to the hardships of navigating services.
By identifying the reasons as to why this community are hesitant or unable to receive services due to their orientation and identity serve as proof as why there are a need for specific resources solely to this group as well as reform to current organizations. Increasing the ability to serve the LGBTQ youth and young adult population, more services to the unique populations needs, having providers be an advocate and creating public awareness that there are accepting services are all ways that can positively impact those of this community that are suffering. As homelessness in the LGBTQ community has alarming numbers, this is a critical issue that needs to be addressed.
Methods
LGBTQ homeless youth and young adults are a minority group who have a variety of needs that are not being met by social services or programs. As there are programs specifically created to aid homeless individuals there are gaps in services and issues that need to be addressed for those who identify as LGBTQ.
Quantitative
My hypothesis predicts that those who are homeless and a part of the LGBTQ community will get less services and assistance and face more hardships than those who do not identify as part of this community. My dependent variable is access to social services and personal satisfaction within their experience. The independent variables include sexual orientation, gender, housing status, age and race. The population for this quantitative study include two differing groups. The first group are those who are homeless and do not identify as LGBTQ, the second group are those who are homeless and self-identify as being a part of the LGBTQ community. I am defining homeless as those who do not have a stable and constant living arrangement(National Alliance to End Homelessness, 2018). Within both groups the criteria will be that they have had to attend or attempted to attend social service and programs and be between the ages of 15 and 25.
Sample
I will be conducting a survey with hopes to get an understanding of the resources that are accessed and their personal experiences. As stated above, the study will be open for homeless youth and young adults that do or do not identify as part of the lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, and queer community and are between the ages of 15 to 25. The demographic portion where they identify themselves will have multiple answers to get an accurate depiction of who is taking the survey. Some questions such as those asking if they are homeless, if they have ever been rejected due to how they self identify, or if they have ever felt the need to hide or change their identify to gain access to services will be yes or no. The last portion which will include their perception of their experiences, access to social services, and their thoughts on the importance of LGBTQ specific services. The answers will be in the form of a rating scale. I plan to sample the homeless youth and young adults in San Diego and go to youth crisis centers as well as the San Diego LGBTQ community center. In addition, I would go to other services that aim to assist the homeless youth and young adults. This will allow me to potentially have enough individuals of both homeless LGBTQ and homeless non-LGBTQ in order to assess whether or not there are differences while navigating social services.
Examples:
1.Do you identify as LGBTQ ? Yes No (circle one)
2. Are you currently homeless? If yes, please explain ________
3. Have you ever attempted to receive assistance from social services? Yes No (circle one)
4. If you answered yes to Q3, and received social services, how would you rate your experience with with those services?
1 2 3 4 5 6 7
Very Negative Experience Very Positive Experience
Explain your answer: _______________________________________________________
4. To what extent do you believe you have been denied social services due to being LGBTQ?
1 2 3 4 5 6 7
Never denied Often denied
Explain your answer: ________________________________________________________
5. If you have experienced homelessness, how important are LGBTQ only spaces in the following:
Ex: Need for LGBTQ only homeless shelter:
1 2 3 4 5 6 7
Not Important Imperative
Ethics
To ensure confidentiality of data I will not be using any names, contact information or anything that will be able to link them to their responses, as I am purely focusing on how they identify and their experiences while navigating resources. In addition I will keep all completed surveys in one place where it will be randomized where it is placed within the other completed ones so I as the researcher will have no way in putting a face to their responses. With having no identity linked to the responses there will be no risks or participant harm to consider.
Qualitative
How do LGBTQ homeless youth and young adults navigate through social services? The method I would use in my study would be interviews. Interviews are one on one conversations that strive to get an understanding of the experiences the interviewee have had. The interviewer essentially aims to create a comfortable environment where the individuals who are being interviewed will be willing to be open and honest. The type of language and questions that are used need to resonate with the population you are speaking with in order to get appropriate responses as well as have the types of questions not be offensive or demeaning. Personally I would like to conduct a Semi-Structured Interview because I would like to have a set of questions that are “open ended” in order to get a sense of their personal experience in depth. This type of interview allows the interviewee the opportunity to discuss what is important to them and what they have been through while at the same time having it still focused on what I am attempting to understand (Clark-Ibañez, 2018).
The population I am interested in are LGBTQ homeless youth and young adults who navigate through social services or programs that are created to aid homeless individuals. I believe that doing a semi-structured interview is the proper way to really let these individuals be able to tell their story and fully paint a picture of how they navigate through the services and the experiences that they have had. Every individual I talk to will have a personal aspect which will give me an insight on how social services and homeless LGBTQ youth and young adults interact with one another. This will also allow the interview to have an outcome that may highlight the gaps in services as well as possibly get an understanding of this populations needs. Some examples of interview questions I will ask are:
Can you please take me on a walkthrough of a typical day?
What are the most important resources you currently need?
Do you feel like your sexual orientation or gender identity has ever effected your ability to obtain services?
Sample
The participants in my study would be the LGBTQ youth and young adults who are homeless and have attended or attempted to attend social services or programs that are created to aid homeless individuals. I am choosing this population because 40% of homeless youth and young adults served by agencies identify as LGBTQ (National Coalition for the Homeless) which makes up a significant portion of homeless youth and young adults in society. I am leaving out individuals who would not self identify or label themselves as Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Transgendered or Queer. In addition I will also be leaving out those who have a stable and constant living arrangement in which they inhabit every day. Lastly, I will also be leaving out those younger than 15 and older than 25.
In regards to the interviews, I would like to conduct 15 one on one interviews of people who fit into my criteria of LGBTQ homeless youth and young adults as described above. To find the participants, I would go to places where homeless youth and young adults go to for services and aid. I had an internship where I was working with homeless individuals, in particular while my time there I was able to get closer to some of those who needed food assistance and had come to find out that a large of them are a part of the LGBTQ community. This is one prime example of how I will start my search for participants. Other than this I will go to drop-in centers and other social service agencies as well as non-profits that I know serve this population. The types of questions will consist of semi-structured open ended questions as listed above (Clark-Ibañez, 2018).
Ethics
The population I am working with are very vulnerable as some may be considered a minor by law, which in return will need the utmost confidentiality. As I am working with this specific population I will ensure that all data and information collected are confidential. In the beginning I will provide an informed consent form or an assent form to ensure that the participants will have an accurate understanding of the study (Bui, 2014). First names will be used but no last names will be collected, in addition where they reside or usual spots where they may go frequently will be incorporated.
Risks with this group include working with minors, others finding out if they are a part of the LGBTQ community, invoking negative emotions that may be harmful mentally. In addition to these risks, another possibility of risks I will consider will be safety and security while conducting the interview. In order to make sure that this does not happen, I believe relocating for interviews would eliminate the possibility of others knowing details about whether or not they self-identify as LGBTQ. In order to ensure that no one is mentally negatively impacted I will make my questions as light as possible with the intention of having the interviewee feeling comfortable enough to open up about personal information. If the participant does not feel comfortable with a question, I will allow the possibility to skip a question if need be (Bui, 2014). All of these ethical issues will be enforce in order for the benefits to outweigh the risks.
Conclusion
In conclusion, the Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Transgender, and Queer community face stigmatization and discrimination in many forms throughout society. Rejection from family and peers are some of the leading causes as to why this population become homeless. Within this population, the youth and young adults create a significant portion when compared to heterosexual and cisgender individuals. Although all homeless face hardships, the continuation of discrimination and abuse from those who are not a part of the LGBTQ community, including other homeless persons, peers, and social service workers and providers create a fear and further the difficulty of gaining access to resources. The need for reform or LGBTQ specific assistance programs is in dire need as the numbers are continuously rising and the mental and physical negative effects are still a prevalent issue to our youth and young adult homeless LGBTQ community.