Services and Strategies to Address the Needs of Runaway and Homeless Youth Who Identify As Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Transgender, and Questioning (LGBTQ)

Background and Purpose:  National studies estimate that there are up to 1.7 million youth ages 12 to 17 who experience homelessness each year.  Among these youth, up to 40% identify as lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, and/or questioning (LGBTQ).  Although all runaway and homeless youth (RHY) face challenges to their well-being, LGBTQ youth face even greater challenges, including elevated rates of victimization, substance abuse, mental health issues, and risky behaviors. Practices have begun to emerge that have shown promise in responding to the needs of LGBTQ RHY.  However, information on these practices has not been systematically collected, and no unifying practice models have emerged.  To facilitate positive outcomes for LGBTQ RHY, additional information is needed on practices that result in positive outcomes.  This current study aimed to develop a comprehensive understanding of the needs of LGBTQ RHY, and the resources, services, and strategies that respond to those needs.

Methods: Focus group interviews were conducted at 10 Transitional Living Programs across the country (N=113).  The 10 sites were selected to represent geographic diversity, population diversity, and varying levels of experience serving LGBTQ youth.  At each site, focus groups were held with LGBTQ youth/consumers, staff who provide direct services to youth, and administrative staff.  Focus groups were audio-recorded and transcribed.  Data analysis was conducted through a series of phases involving an inductive process using Atlas.ti. First-round coding was conducted independently by the researchers to identify emerging themes and develop a conceptual framework for further analyses.  Following this phase, axial coding was conducted by applying the identified themes to each transcribed statement. A final round of analysis was conducted to identify patterns within and among themes.

Results:  Participants identified the unique needs of LGBTQ youth and the services and strategies that respond to those needs to facilitate positive outcomes. Needs identified include physical safety, affirmation of their identities, knowledgeable staff, and specialized services.  Specific strategies that emerged from the data include clear policies that create a safe and affirming space for youth; visible indicators of safety, inclusion, and respect; individually tailored services that address the unique barriers associated with youth’s sexual orientation or gender identity, and specific strategies that address the unique needs of transgender youth in accessing education and employment. 

Conclusions: Understanding and addressing the unique needs of LGBTQ youth is critical to facilitating positive outcomes and reducing the disproportionate number of RHY who identify as LGBTQ.  The results of this study indicate that although providers may believe they are sufficiently addressing the needs of LGBTQ youth, there is a need for identification and dissemination of specific strategies to address these needs.  For example, staff from several agencies stated that their practice philosophy was to “treat all youth the same” to convey that all youth are respected and affirmed.  However, youth strongly conveyed that this practice was detrimental, as they could not be open about who they are and their needs were not met.  This highlights the need for increased awareness and action to ensure the needs of this vulnerable population are addressed.