Out of the Closet, Off of the Streets: Understanding Queer Youth Homelessness in San Francisco
During Spring Break, we will travel to San Francisco, California to explore the unique issues faced by homeless queer youth. We will examine these circumstances through the lens of human rights, queer rights, and trans rights. By working with local non-profits, outreach groups, shelters and drop-in centers, we hope to gain perspective on the homelessness epidemic and gather information to bring back to DC in order to serve the homeless queer population here.
why queer?
According to the National Gay and Lesbian Task Force, between 20 and 40 percent of America’s 1.6 million homeless youth are gay, lesbian, bisexual, or transgender. In addition, 1 in 4 teens are told to leave home the day they come out. Queer young people are disproportionately homeless and few services are available that are accepting and understanding of queer and trans folks.
why San Francisco?
San Francisco is recognized as a gay capital, drawing thousands of tourists to the historic Castro district and pride marches, among other inclusive attractions. Many queer youth are drawn to San Francisco when they become homeless, leaving rural and conservative areas for a city of acceptance. Seeing an increase in queer and trans young homeless people, San Francisco’s organizations serving the homeless have created a multitude of programs, shelters, and drop-in centers catering to the specific needs of this population.
why now?
As discussions of tolerance become more widespread and campaigns advocating for marriage equality are getting daily media attention, the basic needs of more marginalized queer and trans individuals are being silence. LGBT people still do not have equal housing or employment rights in many states. While marriage is an admirable goal, the basic needs of many individuals in the LGBT community are not being met. With a recent rise of bias crimes in DC, we see a need to understand what other communities are doing to provide for homeless queer youth, so that we can advocate for better services here now. Upon return to DC, we will bring back our learning to work on LGBT homeless youth issues in our own community.
About the student leaders...
Kathleen McKenna is a senior in CAS, majoring in Sociology and Women’s, Gender & Sexuality Studies. She co-lead the 2010 Summer Alt Break trip to Dharamsala, India and participated in a 2009 service trip to Flatgap, Kentucky. Through research and activism she is fighting for acceptance and liberation of queer and trans people.
Matthew Stewart is a senior in CAS, majoring in Sociology with a minor in French. He participated in the 2009 Winter Alt Break trip to Senegal. He works at the AU GLBTA Resource Center and is actively engaged on campus with Women’s Initiative’s AU Fights AIDS.
Tentative Itinerary (subject to change)
Saturday, March 10
Depart DC/ arrive in San Francisco
Check into youth hostel
Sunday, March 11
Tour of neighborhoods we’ll be working in
Onsite orientation
Reflection
Monday, March 12
Panel discussion with Homeless Youth Alliance
Visit Homeless Youth Alliance drop-in center
Meet with representatives from Queers for Economic Equality Now
Evening activity
Reflection
Tuesday, March 13
Meet with representatives from LYRIC youth center
Service project at LYRIC
Evening activity
Reflection
Wednesday, March 14
Pack lunches at food bank
Meet with Larkin Street Youth Services
Evening activity
Reflection
Thursday, March 15
Service project at Larking Street Youth Services
Afternoon activity
Reflection
Friday, March 16
Meet with TRANS: THRIVE
Service project
Evening activity
Reflection
Saturday, March 17
Visit GLBT History Museum
Afternoon activity
Reflection and post-trip activism brainstorm
Sunday, March 18
Final reflection at airport
Depart San Francisco
