Lgbt, Lesbian, Bisexual, And Queer Identified ( Lgbtq )...

The problem Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual transgender, and queer identified (LGBTQ) runaway and homeless youth are of the most vulnerable groups in this country. Homelessness, particularly among lesbian, gay, bisexual, and transgender, queer youth is an enduring example of a social problem in our society. The LGBTQ youth faces an increasing number of challenges. In disclosing their sexual orientation family conflict arises and plays a huge role in the issue of homelessness among the LGBTQ youth. They face forms of stigma and marginalization that position them as needing not only critical but immediate support from the community; however, communities are not aware of the real issue that these youth face day to day with their struggle in trying to survive on the streets. Homelessness in the United States is a growing issue among our youth, according to the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services homeless and runaway youth is estimated to between 575,000 to 1.6 million (Ray, 2006). The Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Transgender, Questioning (LGBTQ) your experience a higher percentage of homelessness in our society, representing 20% to 40 % of homeless youth across the country (Ray, 2006). This statistic is surprising high even that the LGBTQ youth only represent 10 % of the overall population (National Coalition for the Homeless, 2009). In the state of California, it is estimated that roughly 15 to 25 % of the homeless youth identify as being a member of the LGBTQ population (Milburn,