They Should Just Ask: Sexual Orientation, Gender Identity, and Pronouns Among Homeless Youth

Background and Purpose: LGBTQ youth experience homelessness at disproportionate rates. They face barriers to service acquisition and are at increased risk for negative physical and behavioral health outcomes compared to their non-LGBTQ counterparts. The U.S. government has recognized the need to address LGBTQ youth homelessness through initiatives such as the LGBTQ Youth Homeless Prevention Initiative and through encouraging communities to enumerate this population in annual Point-in-Time counts. However, research has not yet been conducted with a population of homeless youth in order to ascertain how and when to best ask questions about their sexual orientation, gender identity (SOGI), and pronoun use. Existing best practice recommendations are based on other populations of LGBTQ people, who may not utilize the same terms to name themselves and who may not be in the midst of a housing crisis when being asked these questions. The current study fills a gap in knowledge by asking formerly homeless LGBTQ youth about their experiences with SOGI questions when accessing homeless youth services, and asking service providers about their experiences asking these questions. The first in a multi-phase study, findings will inform the creation of SOGI and pronoun questions to be tested with a broader population of homeless youth.

Methods: A mixed-methods study was conducted using digital focus groups and secondary data from online surveys collected by a non-profit organization providing technical assistance to homeless youth service providers. Survey respondents were formerly homeless LGBTQ youth ages 18-26. The survey asked about participants’ experiences with SOGI and pronoun questions, how and when they would like to be asked, and whether or not being asked these questions is an important part of their experience accessing services. Survey data analysis included both structured questions and open ended responses. Focus groups included homeless youth service providers, and explored challenges and successes related to asking homeless youth SOGI questions. Focus groups were conducted via Google Hangout, audio-recorded, transcribed, and analyzed using grounded theory by two coders.

Results: Half of the survey respondents (n=32) reported never being asked SOGI questions when accessing homeless youth services. Fewer reported being asked about pronouns. Respondents had mixed views regarding when and how these questions should be asked; the majority stated that they should be asked. They outlined optimal conditions for being asked SOGI questions in homeless youth services, and offered first hand experiences that were not affirming. Focus group data emphasized the need for concrete direction regarding how and when to ask SOGI questions, as well as training opportunities for homeless youth program staff.   

Conclusions and Implications: Findings highlight the need for evidence-informed practices for affirming LGBTQ youth in homeless youth agencies, including procedures for asking SOGI and pronoun questions. Further research is needed to test SOGI and pronoun questions with populations of homeless youth. Knowing what, how, and when to ask youth experiencing homelessness about SOGI and pronouns can lead to more effective data collection efforts, the creation of LGBTQ affirming homeless youth services, and ultimately, better engagement of LGBTQ youth in these services.