Behind The Lights, an online multimedia project from Baruch College journalism students, is a riveting first-hand snapshot at the oft-overlooked segments of New York City. Particularly homeless LGBT youth, like Zariah. This isn’t a story about misfit kids. It’s about queer youth who have nothing to call home, because they were expelled from their parents’ house, or ran away from abuse or neglect. And as if living on the streets weren’t soul crushing enough, young LGBTs face particularly trying circumstances.
According to Jeffery Ream, a New Alternatives board member, the traditional way of thinking about the LGBTQ homeless community was that those members could simply utilize general homeless services such as soup kitchens and shelters. However, many of these sites have proven to be dangerous for sexual minority youth, who encounter homophobia and violence from staff members and heterosexual homeless youth and adults.
“When they try to access traditional homeless services they encounter homophobia by both the staff and the other homeless people,” said Ream. “They risk getting beaten, harassed, and much worse; this is why they need LGBTQ specific homeless shelters and developmental services.”
Organizations such as New Alternatives help to fill this problematic area. At the very least they provide a weekly meal. At most, they provide peer-to-peer and one-on-one volunteer counseling, workshops for personal development, and most of all a compassionate and caring staff solely devoted to helping their homeless members. However, due to city budget cuts that specifically impact LGBTQ-specific programs as well as a lack of volunteers, New Alternatives and other such organizations are finding it hard to stay afloat and expand their services to reach more LGBTQ homeless youth.
Cam
There is another site in NYC that provides many services to homeless gay youth, including places to sleep for a period of time, drop in centeres and other assitance.
http://www.homelessyouthservices.org/
They can always use additional donations.
KinkyKamikaze
Donated.
Washington
Please make more room for these sorts of posts and try to skimp on the Davey Wavey irrelevant crap.
Fitz
Here in SF, I strongly endorse Larkin St Youth center and Lyric.. both of whom I have donated to, both of whom I have sent kids (that I meet through my work) to.
sal(the original)
nice one queerty!good cause
Keith Kimmel
Why does everyone always have to hate on Davey Wavey? This is a fun site. If you want something serious, go buy The Advocate. I like the Davey Wavey posts just fine.
Washington
You’re right, Keith. Homelessness isn’t very fun.
hyhybt
What’s wrong with having a mix of topics?