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Did you know that young people who identify as gay, lesbian, bisexual or transgender (GLBT) experience disproportionately higher levels of homelessness than the general youth population? On any given night 26,060 young Australian’s don’t have a fixed address. Of these, it’s estimated that approximately 24% identify as GLBT.

The process of coming out often forces families to confront their attitudes and beliefs around sexual orientation and gender identity. Sadly, rather than accepting their children’s sexuality or gender identity, family relationships break down and way too many young people are forced out of their support networks and onto the streets.

In an effort to secure a roof over their heads for the night, many same sex attracted and gender diverse young people are forced to put themselves at high risk of abuse and exploitation by hitting the scene and going home with people they barely know.

Here at STREAT, we feel the impacts of this issue first hand. Over 25% of young people accessing our program identify as GLBT.

So what causes a family to push one of their own out of the house and onto the streets? Well if you turn to recent media coverage the answer becomes pretty clear. Everyone from politicians to sports heroes are dishing out homophobic slurs and garnishing them with a good dose of discrimination. It’s easy to see that homophobia and heterosexism are deeply entrenched within Australian society.

Imagine what it must be like for GLBT young people to come out amidst all of this fear and hatred? A recent study provided a sobering reality check…  GLBT young people are five times more likely to attempt suicide than heterosexual young people (21.5% compared with 4.2%).

In the powerful words of the Victorian Gay & Lesbian Rights Lobby - Enough is enough! It’s time that young people who identify as GLBT are provided with an inclusive and supportive social environment in which to be nurtured, so they can reach their full potential, and enjoy the basic human right to live their lives free of homophobia, transphobia and discrimination.

My parting words for you today are - always remember that you are not alone, and it does get better.

If you are a young person questioning your sexuality or gender identity, the Gay & Lesbian Switchboard offer free telephone counseling, information and referrals for the GLBTI community in Victoria & Tasmania. You can give them a call on 9663 2939.

Kylie

This famous quote from an anonymous author pretty much sums up the recent graduation of our second intake of STREAT trainees. Last night as I watched our latest graduates celebrating their achievements with family and friends it became clear just how far on their journey each of these talented young people have come, and their individual transformations have been truly inspiring to all of us at STREAT.

Only eight months ago our new graduates stepped into STREAT for the first time hesitant, distrusting and full of self doubt. Throughout their journey’s they have shown an enormous amount of courage, and resilience and have achieved such a great deal along the way. They have grown into capable, confident and qualified young people, all with amazingly bright futures that await them in their journey’s ahead.