[ito]

I was reading an article in the newspaper yesterday that stated that among the teenage homeless population over 30% of them are gay or bi-sexual, despite the actual gay population being much less than 30%. It is becoming a big issue in a lot of cities because the teens tend to face violence at homeless shelters and halfway homes, even at their own homes (a big reason they are homeless to begin with).

The article implied that unwanted gay teens found it safer to be on the streets than to remain at home, in a shelter, or at a halfway house. It also went into details of life on the streets for these kids; "survival sex" with strangers and hate crimes. Granted these problems are probably not reserved for gays, but the numbers seem to point at them taking a fairly large portion of the burden.

Anyway, it got me thinking of solutions for this problem. Having gone to school in the Bay Area I met a lot of gay and lesbian students and have had a few high school friends who have come out in recent years. Living in Rochester I've noticed a lot of open dislike and even hatred for gays in the community.

Example: Last week I was talking with a customer at work and I mentioned I was from the Bay Area. One of his first questions after that was "How did you handle all the f*gs living there?".

If there truly is a problem of this magnitude with gay homeless teens facing violence in homes and shelters is there a responsibility to provide gay and lesbian friendly homes or shelters or is it enough to ensure that there are social workers at the current places who are trained and aware of this problem? Obviously it is harder to stop violence on the streets, but we shouldn't be able to provide a safe place to these teens?

So what is it? Homosexual friendly homes/shelters? Social workers at the current places who are comfortable working with the gay/lesbian population? Or education for families so that teens aren't driven out to begin with? A combination?

Anyhow, I'm just wondering if anyone on here has heard of the issue and has any thoughts on it.

The Ito

 

[jimmydean]

My guess is the percentage is much higher in Portland.

A large number of homeless in Portland are teens and most are addicted to black tar heroin. There was a special on a few weeks ago about the number of homeless teens and the ties to heroin. Portland also has a large gay community.

 

[LordOpie]

as sad as it is to say, gays who are not certain that their parents will be supportive should say nothing until they're able to support themselves.

I mean, if the two immediate choices are: keep quiet -or- be homeless. Suck it up for a few years.

As for what to do about the kids already on the streets or those who aren't aware of the consequences of coming-out, well, I have no answer.

 

[$tinkle]

seems to me homosexuality is only a symptomatic of another issue, and is just one of many ways to act out.

i'm seeing a link twix this & prison sex, where there may be a large amount of homosexual acts, but disproportionately less who self-identify as homosexual.

certainly, a hate-free shelter, along w/ a generation's worth of education (for those who are willing; spare the pearls for the swine) would seem to make inroads.

take this from a straight home-owner in fundyville, fwiw

 

[sanjuro]

as sad as it is to say, gays who are not certain that their parents will be supportive should say nothing until they're able to support themselves.

I mean, if the two immediate choices are: keep quiet -or- be homeless. Suck it up for a few years.

As for what to do about the kids already on the streets or those who aren't aware of the consequences of coming-out, well, I have no answer.

That's idiotic. So if you cross one of the parental rules, you get kicked out of the house?

I stole a beer from the fridge
I came home 30 minutes after curfew
I failed math class

I can only imagine the parents who are so parochial that they rather see their kids fend for themselves than accept them for being gay.

And I never blame kids for struggling with what is a tremendously difficult choice, not to be gay but when to tell your family.

 

[Secret Squirrel]

That's idiotic. So if you cross one of the parental rules, you get kicked out of the house?

I can only imagine the parents who are so parochial that they rather see their kids fend for themselves than accept them for being gay.

You don't watch much Springer or Povich do you?

The sad truth is much more astonishing than you'd like to believe. I had two friends in high school that were tossed out of their homes for coming out of the closet when they were about 16. I can only imagine what would happen in a much more intolerable environment than Seattle.

 

[BurlyShirley]

I guess we dont care about the 70% who are strait and homeless.

 

[ito]

seems to me homosexuality is only a symptomatic of another issue, and is just one of many ways to act out.

That might have some truth to it. The article mentions teenage boys who rather than spending a night on the streets will go home with an adult male, aka "survival sex".

Even in the case of parents who wouldn't support a gay child I find it pretty harsh to tell a kid they need to hide who they are until they are 18 or 22 (college grad). Seems to me that there needs to be an awareness of this issue, or the possibility of it, and actions taken on some level.

I don't even know if I have an argument or a debate here, mostly I just figured that if this was news to me then it was news to some of you as well and it is always good to be aware.

The Ito

 

[Secret Squirrel]

I guess we dont care about the 70% who are strait and homeless.

Why??!?! They CHOSE to be homeless....


[/tongue-in-cheek]

 

[ito]

I guess we dont care about the 70% who are strait and homeless.

Only if they are white.

The Ito

 

[LordOpie]

That's idiotic. So if you cross one of the parental rules, you get kicked out of the house?

Absolutely correct.

Parental rules vary by parents. And the level of punishment varies too.

Do I think it's retard and evil to kick a kid out cuz he's gay? Of course.

But if a kid is pretty darn sure that his parents will kick him out cuz he's gay, then he should stay silent until he's got a job and a place to live.

 

[BurlyShirley]

Im still not exactly sure how people manage to become homeless in the first place if they're not already mentally ill or something. Teens, or anyone under 18 for that matter, are virtually assured food and housing from the government if they simply ask for it.

 

[Silver]

Two different things. Homosexual prison sex is an expression of the male sex drive, more than anything else...along with some power issues. A womyn's studies major could probably help you out there.

Acting out is telling your parents to go **** themselves. Or getting drunk. Coming out of the closet and getting kicked out of the house for it is nothing short of shockingly immoral behavior by someone who should have never had kids in the first place.

 

[LordOpie]

Coming out of the closet and getting kicked out of the house for it is nothing short of shockingly immoral behavior...

ironically, these parents are the most "moral" people on the planet.

 

[N8 v2.0]

time for liberals to step up and take them into their homes....

 

[LordOpie]

time for liberals to step up and take them into their homes....

stfu.

 

[BurlyShirley]

ironically, these parents are the most "moral" people on the planet.

Since when are morals universal? Many religions and many cultures denounce homosexuality. Being accepting of it is a fairly new concept in lots of places.

 

[sanjuro]

Absolutely correct.

Parental rules vary by parents. And the level of punishment varies too.

Do I think it's retard and evil to kick a kid out cuz he's gay? Of course.

But if a kid is pretty darn sure that his parents will kick him out cuz he's gay, then he should stay silent until he's got a job and a place to live.

I have a question:

If one's kid dates out of one race, is that grounds to force to live on the street?

You don't need to tell me that if you break the rules, out you go. But to kick someone out because they are gay seems extreme.

I think we need to change people's opinion about homosexuality rather than change homosexuals.

 

[jimmydean]

Im still not exactly sure how people manage to become homeless in the first place if they're not already mentally ill or something. Teens, or anyone under 18 for that matter, are virtually assured food and housing from the government if they simply ask for it.

There are a lot of services here in Portland, but most of them are not requested or require some form of religious involvement (go to church or something). A lot of the kids here would rather pan-handle than go to church I guess.

 

[Secret Squirrel]

I think we need to change people's opinion about homosexuality rather than change homosexuals.

I don't think the intent of the original post was to start a convo about changing homosexuals...

But I'm with your statement!

 

[sanjuro]

Im still not exactly sure how people manage to become homeless in the first place if they're not already mentally ill or something. Teens, or anyone under 18 for that matter, are virtually assured food and housing from the government if they simply ask for it.

I think homeless teens, regardless of sexuality, are on the street for many reasons. Obviously abuse, mental problems, drugs (theirs or their parents), and economics all play a part.

I also think homeless teens are forced into the sex trade, and that certainly affects one's sexuality.

 

[BurlyShirley]

There are a lot of services here in Portland, but most of them are not requested or require some form of religious involvement (go to church or something). A lot of the kids here would rather pan-handle than go to church I guess.

I dont mean just charities, I mean actual state custody. Foster homes and the like. I know those all have their own seperate issues, but if one is choosing to go sleep with some pervert vs. conform to some foster family's rules...what sort of help can you really give?
AND there's the charities as well.

The real issue with homeless people is poor mental health. Does that happen to coencide with homosexuality? I dont know, but these arent kids who got kicked out for being gay in all likelihood.

 

[LordOpie]

I have a question:

If one's kid dates out of one race, is that grounds to force to live on the street?

If your parent is a KKK member and you date a black chick, then yes, you should be kicked out of your parent's house.

 

[BurlyShirley]

If your parent is a KKK member and you date a black chick, then yes, you should be kicked out of your parent's house.

I dont think it really counts if a son dates a black chick, just if a daughter dates a black dude.

 

[ito]

Im still not exactly sure how people manage to become homeless in the first place if they're not already mentally ill or something. Teens, or anyone under 18 for that matter, are virtually assured food and housing from the government if they simply ask for it.

Alcoholism and drug addiction are two major reasons I could see for becoming homeless. Sobriety is a big part of the programs out there and addiction is a tough thing to face with a loving, supporting family, even more so when you don't have that support system and are 16.

Also, education. I can't say that if I was homeless I would know how to find government housing and aid. I could find it, but how long does it take to go through the process of getting food stamps and being ok'ed to live in government provided housing? And then winter comes in and the rain or snow shows up and the kids head south as fast as possible to survive. Or they show up late to their appointment because they have no transportation and suddenly they are at the back of the line.

It isn't so much "ask and you shall recieve" as it is "ask and wait in line for a few weeks to months as our overburdened system tries to find a place for you". With the added issue of being a gay teen I imagine most church groups aren't jumping up and down for them to join the choir. It just becomes another reason to not allow them into your world.

The Ito

 

[ito]

I think we need to change people's opinion about *homosexuality* rather than change *homosexuals*.

couldn't agree more. Sadly, you could insert any number of words between the *'s and it would make sense.

 

[stinkyboy]

and that certainly affects one's sexuality.

So it is a choice afterall.

 

[$tinkle]

I think we need to change people's opinion about homosexuality rather than change homosexuals.

so if having a gay child is a "failure" for a straight household, what's having a straight child from a gay (adoptive) household?

 

[N8 v2.0]

Alcoholism and drug addiction are two major reasons I could see for becoming homeless. Sobriety is a big part of the programs out there and addiction is a tough thing to face with a loving, supporting family, even more so when you don't have that support system and are 16.

Also, education. I can't say that if I was homeless I would know how to find government housing and aid. I could find it, but how long does it take to go through the process of getting food stamps and being ok'ed to live in government provided housing? And then winter comes in and the rain or snow shows up and the kids head south as fast as possible to survive. Or they show up late to their appointment because they have no transportation and suddenly they are at the back of the line.

It isn't so much "ask and you shall recieve" as it is "ask and wait in line for a few weeks to months as our overburdened system tries to find a place for you". With the added issue of being a gay teen I imagine most church groups aren't jumping up and down for them to join the choir. It just becomes another reason to not allow them into your world.

The Ito

i doubt their sexual orientation much to do with them being kicked out of the house by their parents.

seems to me their best case for salvation is to stay out of the drugs and alcohol...

 

[BurlyShirley]

Alcoholism and drug addiction are two major reasons I could see for becoming homeless. Sobriety is a big part of the programs out there and addiction is a tough thing to face with a loving, supporting family, even more so when you don't have that support system and are 16.

Also, education. I can't say that if I was homeless I would know how to find government housing and aid. I could find it, but how long does it take to go through the process of getting food stamps and being ok'ed to live in government provided housing? And then winter comes in and the rain or snow shows up and the kids head south as fast as possible to survive. Or they show up late to their appointment because they have no transportation and suddenly they are at the back of the line.

It isn't so much "ask and you shall recieve" as it is "ask and wait in line for a few weeks to months as our overburdened system tries to find a place for you". With the added issue of being a gay teen I imagine most church groups aren't jumping up and down for them to join the choir. It just becomes another reason to not allow them into your world.

The Ito

So the true issue has nothing to do with being gay, in reality. Its about drugs, alcohol and mental health.

 

[ito]

i doubt their sexual orientation much to do with them being kicked out of the house by their parents.

seems to me their best case for salvation is to stay out of the drugs and alcohol...

Congrats on completely missing the point of my statement. I was just giving reasons that teens/people in general (not just gays) could be homeless besides mental illness.

And did you even read the second paragraph? It isn't exactly easy to get help if you don't have an address or phone number. How does one get help when he/she is a teenager, has no job experience, is pretty sure the whole world hates him/her (how would you feel if at 15 your parents kicked you out?), and, to top it all off, you are gay, which isn't exactly okay with the other homeless guy you are sharing the bridge/freeway overpass/parkbench with?

When only a small proportion of people consider themselves gay and 30% of homeless teens are gay then there is a problem that needs to be brought to the attention of society. At the very least there should be someone at the homeless shelter/social work office who can answer the questions of a gay teenager.

The Ito

 

[ito]

So the true issue has nothing to do with being gay, in reality. Its about drugs, alcohol and mental health.

No, it comes down to if you are ugly. Cause really, who is going to let a hot teenage lesbian with mental health issues and an addiction to coke/Olde English 40s stay homeless? Assuming she is white of course and believes in Jesus.

So really we're just worrying about the gay, ugly male homeless teens with mental health and addiction issues.

The Ito

 

[sanjuro]

So it is a choice afterall.

Of course it is. Some people just take to it easier than others. See Ted Haggard.

 

[sanjuro]

so if having a gay child is a "failure" for a straight household, what's having a straight child from a gay (adoptive) household?

I think the key to successful parenting is acceptance.

 

[BurlyShirley]

So really we're just worrying about the gay, ugly male homeless teens with mental health and addiction issues.

I'm not.

 

[Secret Squirrel]

I'm not.

You will when kizz tosses you out....but you won't have the teen thing goin' for ya.

 

[$tinkle]

I think the key to successful parenting is acceptance.

excepting for the occasional hitler, dahmer, hussein, pol pot, N8

i think there's more to parenting than co-dependency, coddling, denial, enabling, shielding, rescuing...

see a theme here? parents say, "here's how we roll", & if kids say "orly", how successful is that parent (however wicked their value system is).

 

[sanjuro]

homo saywhat

 

[$tinkle]

ok, h8r never used the previous 38 posts to introduce his favorite & highly applicable site: http://hobosexual.com

 

[BurlyShirley]

ok, h8r never used the previous 38 posts to introduce his favorite & highly applicable site: http://hobosexual.com

...could've done without that.