I always wondered why somebody doesn’t do something about that. Then I realized I was somebody.

-Lily Tomlin

The backbone of societal change is education, a learned truth seen through the ages. Education is the grand equalizer between success and peril. LGBTQIA youth are nearly half of the homeless youth population, thus they are more likely than their heterosexual peers to experience homelessness. Educating ourselves about such a reality can prepare us to act and change the numbers, help with the youth, and become involved allies.

LGBT youth are at higher risk than heterosexual individuals. Greater risk of: facing sexual risk behaviors, substance use, mental illness, victimization, and suicidality than their heterosexual counterparts.