Panel to Address Problem of Homeless Gay and Transgender Youth

Homeless lesbian, gay, bisexual, and transgender (LGBT) young people and the best ways to assist them are the topics to be addressed at a panel discussion Sept. 24, co-sponsored by Bloomington PFLAG, White River Valley PFLAG and Bloomington Beacon. Panelists include: Brooke Smith, Field and Policy Coordinator for national PFLAG (Parents, Families and Friends of Lesbians and Gays); Jill Thomas, BSW, former Program Coordinator for Indiana Youth Group and former Outreach Worker for the Homeless Initiative Program in Indianapolis; and an LGBT youth who has experienced homelessness.

Smith will give an overview of the national problem of homelessness affecting LGBT youth and discuss common misconceptions about this population, as well as how to talk to LGBT youth in a culturally competent way. Thomas will focus on policies and procedures that can get in the way of assisting LGBT homeless youth, especially at shelters and Child Protective Services.

“The issue of LGBT youth being disproportionately represented in the homeless youth population is a problem that does not seem to be going away. It is important that we service providers identify and understand the key issues impacting these youth in order to effectively help them,” says Thomas.

“For GLBTQ youth without a family to rely on for support,” adds Smith, “the larger community, in many cases, becomes the family figure. It is imperative that our community and our community organizations offer the critical assistance these young people need in order to survive. There should be no higher priority—at the local, state or national level—than protecting and standing up for young Americans. The time to do that is now.”

The panel discussion, followed by a question-and-answer period, takes place 7-9 p.m. in Fountain Square, Room 310, on the south side of the courthouse square in downtown Bloomington. Event co-sponsors include Bloomington PFLAG, White River Valley PFLAG, and Bloomington Beacon.

The general public is welcome to attend.

For more information, call John at 812-606-4029 or Jackie at 812-345-3663.