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The need for safe spaces: Exploring the experiences of homeless LGBTQ youth in shelters

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  • Coolhart, Deborah
  • Brown, Maria T.

Abstract

Studies indicate LGBTQ youth are at higher risk of homelessness (2–13 times) than their heterosexual cisgender counterparts and that they represent a substantial portion of youth utilizing housing and shelter services. Some authors have provided anecdotal (rather than empirical) examples of LGBTQ youth experiencing abuse or mistreatment in shelters; most studies focusing on LGBTQ homeless youth have been conducted in large cities and have rarely collected data from both youth and providers. Using an exploratory, grounded theory approach, this study utilized data from interviews with LGBTQ youth with a history of homelessness as well as service providers working with this population in a mid-sized Northeastern city. Findings suggest youth experience multiple challenges, barriers, and mistreatment in the shelters; further, data suggests several ideas about how to transform shelters to better meet the needs of LGBTQ youth.

Suggested Citation

  • Coolhart, Deborah & Brown, Maria T., 2017. "The need for safe spaces: Exploring the experiences of homeless LGBTQ youth in shelters," Children and Youth Services Review, Elsevier, vol. 82(C), pages 230-238.
    • Handle: RePEc:eee:cysrev:v:82:y:2017:i:c:p:230-238
    DOI: 10.1016/j.childyouth.2017.09.021
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    References listed on IDEAS

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    1. Maccio, Elaine M. & Ferguson, Kristin M., 2016. "Services to LGBTQ runaway and homeless youth: Gaps and recommendations," Children and Youth Services Review, Elsevier, vol. 63(C), pages 47-57.
    2. Altena, Astrid M. & Beijersbergen, Mariëlle D. & Wolf, Judith R.L.M., 2014. "Homeless youth's experiences with shelter and community care services: Differences between service types and the relationship to overall service quality," Children and Youth Services Review, Elsevier, vol. 46(C), pages 195-202.
    3. Corliss, H.L. & Goodenow, C.S. & Nichols, L. & Bryn Austin, S., 2011. "High burden of homelessness among sexual-minority adolescents: Findings from a representative massachusetts high school sample," American Journal of Public Health, American Public Health Association, vol. 101(9), pages 1683-1689.
    4. Ha, Yoonsook & Narendorf, Sarah C. & Santa Maria, Diane & Bezette-Flores, Noel, 2015. "Barriers and facilitators to shelter utilization among homeless young adults," Evaluation and Program Planning, Elsevier, vol. 53(C), pages 25-33.
    5. Gwadz, Marya Viorst & Cleland, Charles M. & Leonard, Noelle R. & Bolas, James & Ritchie, Amanda S. & Tabac, Lara & Freeman, Robert & Silverman, Elizabeth & Kutnick, Alexandra & Dickson, Victoria Vaugh, 2017. "Understanding organizations for runaway and homeless youth: A multi-setting quantitative study of their characteristics and effects," Children and Youth Services Review, Elsevier, vol. 73(C), pages 398-410.
    6. Cochran, B.N. & Stewart, A.J. & Ginzler, J.A. & Cauce, A.M., 2002. "Challenges faced by homeless sexual minorities: Comparison of gay, lesbian, bisexual, and transgender homeless adolescents with their heterosexual counterparts," American Journal of Public Health, American Public Health Association, vol. 92(5), pages 773-777.
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    Cited by:

    1. Mary-Catherine Anderson & Ashley Hazel & Jessica M. Perkins & Zack W. Almquist, 2021. "The Ecology of Unsheltered Homelessness: Environmental and Social-Network Predictors of Well-Being among an Unsheltered Homeless Population," IJERPH, MDPI, vol. 18(14), pages 1-22, July.
    2. González Álvarez, Rodrigo & Hofman, Sterre & ten Brummelaar, Mijntje & López López, Mónica, 2023. "Care professionals’ perspectives and roles on resilience among LGBTQIA+ youth in out-of-home care: A multidimensional perspective," Children and Youth Services Review, Elsevier, vol. 150(C).
    3. Elena Tubertini & Agostino Carbone & Massimo Santinello, 2023. "Staff Members’ Experience of Italian Shelters for LGBTQIA+ Homeless and Runaway People: An Exploratory Study," IJERPH, MDPI, vol. 20(13), pages 1-15, June.
    4. Côté, Philippe-Benoit & Blais, Martin, 2019. "Between resignation, resistance and recognition: A qualitative analysis of LGBTQ+ youth profiles of homelessness agencies utilization," Children and Youth Services Review, Elsevier, vol. 100(C), pages 437-443.

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