Youth who are lesbian, gay, bi-sexual, transgender, questioning, intersex, or two- spirit (LGBTQI2-S) and homeless may have faced traumatic experiences, like harassment, stigmatization, or abuse as a result of their sexual orientation and/or gender non-conformity. They may become homeless as a result of conflict or abuse in family or foster care situations. In shelters and on the streets they may face further harassment.
It is important for homeless service providers to understand the challenges facing LGBTQI2-S youth. Providers and agencies must strive to provide safe, supportive, and welcoming environments for LGBTQI2-S youth. On this topic page, service providers can access tools such as best practices for serving LGBTQI2-S youth and a tool for assessing an organization’s preparedness for working with this vulnerable youth population.
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