Nicholas Forge

Between 240,000 and 400,000 lesbian, gay, bisexual, and transgender (LGBT) youth experience at least one episode of homelessness each year in the United States (National Alliance to End Homelessness, 2008). In New York City alone, there are 3,800-20,000 homeless youth, 15-40% of whom are LGBT (NYC Commission, 2010).These prevalence estimates have a wide margin of error, as statistics about stigmatized and invisible populations always do, but absence of more precise data would be a poor excuse to not address the problem based on what we do know (Ray, 2006).There is no denying that existing services'capacity is dwarfed by the need, as there are only about 250 LGBT-specific shelter and transitional living program beds in New York City (Anderson-Minshall, 2012). In mainstream, non-LGBT-specific homeless youth services, LGBT youth are often discriminated against and inadequately served (Hunter, 2008). Health disparities are evident, as homeless LGBT youth are at greater risk for vict...

While experiencing homelessness, queer youth are subject to stereotyping, discrimination, and violence that affect their ability to achieve independent living and actualize goals. Lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, and queer (LGBTQ)‐identified youth of color are at greater risk for homelessness when compared to heterosexual counterparts. This study explores lived experiences of queer‐identified youth of color who are currently experiencing homelessness. Using photovoice methodology, a group of 4 participants drawn from an Atlanta‐based service provider for LGBTQ youth were engaged in a series of focus groups to discuss meaningful photographic images and give voice to shared homelessness experiences. From their individual and collective narratives, three key themes were identified: becoming aware, managing inner struggles, and recognizing personal strengths. The participating youth marked the conclusion of the project by presenting to youth service practitioners a poster board disp...

The growing presence of HIV in urban communities with sizable Black commuter congregations demands that social service providers understand niche opportunities for faith-based HIV service delivery. Focus groups were conducted with 16 clergy serving commuter congregations about the feasibility of faith-based HIV service delivery to low-income residents. Using thematic analysis, four major themes emerged: (a) Clergy see the need, but are not sure how to proceed; (b) prioritized sin; (c) push-back; and (d) niche ministries. These findings contribute new knowledge to our understanding of how Black churches with commuter congregations can respond to HIV service needs of low-income residents. Findings from this study suggest that commuter congregations are less likely to support HIV-related activities. Implications for future interventions are discussed.

Although up to 40% of homeless youth identify as a sexual minority, there is little research on homeless LGBT youth residing in Transitional Living Programs (TLPs). The aim of this exploratory study was to describe LGBT youth residing in a TLP, including the reasons for exit from home of origin, abuse and victimization, sexual risk behaviors, physical and mental health, suicidal ideation and attempts, substance use, and resilience. This was a secondary data analysis of a longitudinal design. The study population was a TLP exclusively for LGBT homeless youth age 18-24 in New York City. All eligible residents were selected. The sample size was 30. The response rate was 82%. At one month, 27 participants remained in the study, and at three month measure 16 participants remained. Attrition from the study was due to discharge, or exit, from the program. Data were obtained from the program intake form, monthly client progress reports, and a monthly interview. The sample was racially heterogeneous, the majority was male, and there were only two lesbians. The majority of respondents had left their home of origin by choice (n=16), had experienced verbal (n=25) and physical (n=20) abuse by a parent, and reported a clinically significant depression (n=17) and anxiety (n=10). The number of sexual partners, incidence of sex work, substance use, and suicidal ideation and attempts was very low while in the program. Risky sexual behaviors were reported, including prior sex work (n=17), and not consistently using condoms or other barriers when having sex with someone they just met (n=13) or while drunk or high (n=9). Most had been tested for HIV (n=27) and many had been tested for hepatitis C (n=23). Levels of social support and self-efficacy were moderate when measured at intake, but decreased at one month measure (p\u3c.001). Gay males reported slightly higher self-efficacy at one month measure compared to lesbian, bisexual, and queer participants (p=.02). This exploratory study demonstrates that this population is willing to engage in longitudinal research and found the study measures acceptable. Future studies should include larger samples of LGBT youth residing in TLPs and should examine the effectiveness of different program components so that evidence-supported interventions can be developed for this underserved population

Research suggests that runaway and homeless youth (RHY) in the United States are vulnerable to sex and labor trafficking. In this paper, we report and analyze estimates of sex and labor trafficking collected as part of the Atlanta Youth Count 2018, a community-based field survey of RHY between the ages of 14 and 25 in the metro-Atlanta area. A total of 564 participants were recruited and completed a survey that included questions about their backgrounds as well as the Human Trafficking Screening Tool (HTST). We found that 39.9% experienced some form of trafficking while homeless. While 15.6% of the youth reported commercial sexual exploitation while homeless, coerced labor (29.3%) or fraud (25.2%) were even more common experiences. Women, transgender, and gender nonconforming youth, as well young people who had prior system involvement and those who had been homeless for more than a year were the most likely to report having been trafficked. The significance of these findings for re...

While experiencing homelessness, queer youth are subject to stereotyping , discrimination, and violence that affect their ability to achieve independent living and actualize goals. Lesbian, gay, bisexual, trans-gender, and queer (LGBTQ)-identified youth of color are at greater risk for homelessness when compared to heterosexual counterparts. This study explores lived experiences of queer-identified youth of color who are currently experiencing homelessness. Using photovoice methodology, a group of 4 participants drawn from an Atlanta-based service provider for LGBTQ youth were engaged in a series of focus groups to discuss meaningful photographic images and give voice to shared homelessness experiences. From their individual and collective narratives, three key themes were identified: becoming aware, managing inner struggles, and recognizing personal strengths. The participating youth marked the conclusion of the project by presenting to youth service practitioners a poster board display of photos that visually represented areas of concern and opportunities for ongoing advocacy to benefit this underserved and often misunderstood population. This study also reports on this poster board display and the outcomes identified by the participating young people for better supporting homeless LGBTQ young people.

Social work educators are challenged to adopt innovative instructional methods and pedagogies to prepare students to meet the contemporary needs of diverse client populations. A team-based learning (TBL) approach is a pedagogical strategy that utilizes cooperative and collaborative learning principles to inspire academic, professional, and interpersonal growth for students. This study explores perspectives of 93 undergraduate social work students regarding the benefits and challenges of using a TBL approach to research adult development. Despite identifying several benefits of this method, including in-depth learning and enhanced relationships, students also experienced significant challenges to working in teams.

The growing presence of HIV in urban communities with sizable Black
commuter congregations demands that social service providers understand
niche opportunities for faith-based HIV service delivery. Focus groups
were conducted with 16 clergy serving commuter congregations about the
feasibility of faith-based HIV service delivery to low-income residents. Using
thematic analysis, four major themes emerged: (a) Clergy see the need, but
are not sure how to proceed; (b) prioritized sin; (c) push-back; and (d) niche
ministries. These findings contribute new knowledge to our understanding
of how Black churches with commuter congregations can respond to HIV
service needs of low-income residents. Findings from this study suggest that
commuter congregations are less likely to support HIV-related activities.
Implications for future interventions are discussed.

This article reviews existing information about homeless lesbian, gay, bisexual, and trans-gender (LGBT) youth in New York City. It describes how the frequently heard narrative about them— " kicked out " of familial homes to the streets for being LGBT, heavy involvement with hard drugs and sex work, broad prevalence of HIV and suicidality—misrepresents the majority. It foregrounds issues that really are faced by most homeless LGBT youth, such as trauma, discrimination in foster care and shelters, structural barriers to exiting homelessness, and emerging adult development.

... Left to right: Elton John AIDS Foundation Board member Barron Segar (also an ASP board member), Art of Dining Committee Chair Drew Plant and Lowe Gallery owner Bill Lowe cemented a major sponsor partnership for AIDS Survival Project in late January (see story on page ...