Word on the street

Homelessness study finds nearly 20 percent of homeless youth are LGBT

Preliminary results from the 2013 Street Needs Assessment (SNA), which provides information and statistics on shelters, the homeless and the underhoused in the city of Toronto, has asked specifically about respondents’ sexual and gender identity for the first time ever.

“Nearly 20 percent of homeless youth identify as a part of the LGBQT community, more than twice the rate for all age groups,” the study says, with a higher percentage of LGBT homeless females specifically.

Other troubling statistics show that the share of seniors who are homeless has nearly doubled since 2009 and that nearly one third of the outdoor homeless population identifies as aboriginal, which is up from 2009 as well.

Michael Lyons is a queer-identified, chaotic neutral writer, activist, misanthrope, sapiosexual, and feline enthusiast. He is a columnist, blogger and regular contributor with Xtra and has contributed to Plenitude Magazine, KAPSULA Magazine, Crew Magazine, Memory Insufficient e-zine, The Ryersonian, Buddies Theatre blog, Toronto Is Awesome blog and Fab Magazine and more.

Read More About:
Culture, Toronto, Homelessness, Arts

Keep Reading

The cover of Ace Theory; Ryan Fitzpatrick

A new book says asexuality is more radical than you think

“Ace Theory” melds academic research and anecdotal evidence, presenting a bold new portrait of asexuality we desperately need
Black and white illustration of several men in underwear splayed out along a staircase

Inside the scramble to save the Tom of Finland House

Allegations of mismanagement, coastal rivalries and an old Nazi scandal could bring down a vaunted cultural institution 
Marlon James in front of the Disappearers book cover

Marlon James’s disappearing act

The superstar author’s new novel, “The Disappearers,” has gained buzz beyond belief. He’s earned it
Samantha Josephs in front of the cover of 'Carrying'

Samantha Josephs gets dirty

The author of “Carrying” talks writing erotica, trans pregnancy—and her novel’s upcoming movie adaptation
Advertisement