Local event raises awareness of LGBTQ youth homelessness

Last weekend an event organized by the CTA's West Suburban Chicago chapter brought together an interfaith group to learn about an issue facing young adults across the country: homelessness. The evening included a presentation by staff of Naperville's 360 Youth Services and was attended mostly by straight allies, many of them parents themselves. A dangerous lack of family acceptance means that LGBTQ youth are more likely to become homeless than their straight peers; it is estimated that 40% of homeless youth identify as LGBTQ, which translates to thousands of individuals in the Chicago area.

Will, who attended the event, reported that attendees came from diverse religious backgrounds and some spoke of church experiences. "The issue really isn't about specific beliefs [about homosexuality] though," he said, "it's about what is happening to real people in our community who are struggling with homelessness and need help and support." Donations were collected at the event for 360 Youth Services, which runs a small housing program for homeless LGBTQ youth, but Will says the group stressed the critical lack of services for unaccompanied youth in the city.

Family acceptance is often closely tied to church acceptance. Thank you West Suburban CTA for helping build a church and society that better supports LGBTQ youth!