Los Angeles, CA
Los Angeles LGBT Center offers services for queer or questioning youth of all ages. Specifically, the center houses youth from 12 to 24 years of age, These services include Food, education, STI testing, employment opportunities, and even counseling services. What is most important is that these services recognize the marginalization and abuse these adolescents endure.
San Francisco, CA
29% of San Francisco’s homeless population identify as LGBTQ and 48% of those are under the age of 25 (Smiley 2016). Larkin Street in the heart of San Francisco’s Tenderloin, is the city’s largest youth shelter housing more than 1,300 throughout the city’s streets (larkinstreetyouth.org 2018). Larkin Street Youth Services prides itself on not only providing health services, but also ending the homelessness and discrimination cycle through outreach, employment, and education.
Oakland, CA
Lyon Martin in Oakland is special because of their health based services they offer. These clinics not only promote physical health support, but also mental and behavioral support. 76% of their population they serve are identified as LGBTQ, 14% are homeless, and 7% are under the age of 18 (lyon-martin.org 2018) .
AGENCIES
Agencies all over the United States are doing their part in advocating and protecting LGBTQ youth. Agencies such as LA LGBT Center, Ali Forney House in New York, Casa Ruby in Texas, and San Francisco’s very own Larkin Street Services provide resources and support for this population that wouldn’t otherwise have a voice. From support groups and an appointment with a doctor, to a bed to sleep in; youth services agencies are doing their part to provide a space for homeless queer youth.