Issues Facing the LGBTQ+ Homeless Community and Resources to Help

This Pride Month, we wanted to make a special effort to look more into the issues that affect the LGBTQ+ homeless community and those at risk of homelessness.

According to research by Chapin Hall at the University of Chicago, LGBTQ+ youth are at more than double the risk of homelessness compared to non-LGBTQ peers. Young LGBTQ+ people face possible rejection from their family and community. Other top reasons for homelessness in the community are financial and emotional neglect as well as emotional or sexual abuse.

There is a large hole in the care that is offered to the LGBTQ+ community and even more so to the LGBTQ+ homeless community. Community-based organizations run by or run for members of the LGBTQ+ community are rare. Just like other marginalized communities, it is very important for queer folks to see representation in their community; that would make anyone more comfortable in seeking help. Community organizations and mental health resources are especially important for marginalized communities such as this one.

An important concept in the queer community is intersectionality, in which individuals who are part of more than one marginalized group are subject to “intersecting” and interwoven forms of discrimination. One of the most marginalized groups in the United States is Black trans women. They face not only the struggles of their race, gender identity, and being part of the LGBTQ+ community; they face unique issues because they are a part of all 3. Because of this marginalization, Black trans women face violence every day just by being who they are. Nearly half (47%) of Black respondents to the 2015 U.S. Transgender Survey reported being denied equal treatment, verbally harassed, and/ or physically attacked in the past year because of being transgender. The same report found that 51% of Black transgender women were likely to have experienced homelessness in their lifetimes. This kind of knowledge is important for us to know so that we can support not only the rights of trans women and Black women but also the rights of Black trans women.

Misconceptions and stereotypes reinforce discrimination and unnecessary hatred against queer folks. One of these misconceptions is that it is not common for members of the community to be in committed, monogamous relationships. Another misconception is that all or most gay or bisexual men have HIV, while in fact according to HIV.gov, “From 2015 to 2019, new infections among young gay and bisexual men (ages 13-24) dropped 33% overall”. Another common misconception is that gender-affirming treatments and surgeries are frivolous and unnecessary. This attitude often comes from cis people who do not understand what it feels like to not belong in your own body. These surgeries and treatments help people to feel like themselves inside and out, that is not frivolous, it is necessary for them.

Several statistics were used in this article, but the people we are talking about are not statistics, these are people with friends and passions and needs. Statistics often dehumanize the group that they are analyzing, but this article intends to do nothing of the sort, rather bring up issues that an individual might face if they are a part of the LGBTQ+ community. The biggest question is how can we help the queer folk that need it. Businesses can show that they are allies with signage and we can all incorporate more inclusive language into our everyday conversations to let people know they are safe and accepted.

Chicago-based Resources for LGBTQ+ People Who Need Guidance or Support

CALOR

773.385.9080

5038 W. Armitage Ave. Chicago, Il 60639

CALOR is dedicated to helping people impacted by HIV/AIDS, particularly Latinos and people of color, as well as family members, improve the quality of their lives.

C2P Youth Center @ Washington Park

773.702.5872

Washington Park Refectory 5530 S. Russell Dr., Chicago, IL 60636

C2P Youth Center @ Washington Park offers services to LGBTQ youth, and youth experiencing homelessness or housing stability. These services include: housing, basic need referrals, STI testing, and assistance applying for public benefits.

Chicago House, Translife center

773.248.5200

1925 N. Clybourn Ave., Ste. 401, Chicago, IL 60614

Chicago House has been supporting individuals and families impacted by HIV since 1985 with housing, health, and employment services.

Trans Life Center provides comprehensive programming and support to transgender individuals.

Ignite

(312)-568-5700

162 W. Hubbard st., Ste. 400, Chicago, IL 60654

Ignite programs serve people ages 13 to 24 who became homeless because of serious family issues, including substance abuse, and physical or sexual abuse, often based on their sexual orientation. They provide stable housing, mental and behavioral health support, education, employment and career planning.

Uhlich Children's Advantage Network (UCAN)

(312) 738-5921

3737 N. Mozart St., Chicago, IL 60618

LGBTQ+ host home program, which is an innovative housing model providing an alternative to the shelter system for LGBTQ homeless youth. This program is made to ease youth into adulthood and try to provide a safe path towards independent living. For 18-24 y/o.

Project Fierce Chicago

Project Fierce Chicago is a grassroots collective of you people who work together to establish identity-affirming transitional housing in Chicago by providing transitional housing and support services to homeless LGBTQ+ young adults