2SLGBTQ+

In recent years, there has been extensive research in the area of youth homelessness both in Canada and internationally. We have seen a large number of initiatives aimed at ending youth homelessness. However, there is a lack of knowledge about the problem of two-spirit, lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, and queer (2SLGBTQ) youth homelessness in Canada.

What we do know is that 2SLGBTQ youth are overrepresented in the homeless youth population. It has been estimated that approximately 25% of homeless youth identify as 2SLGBTQ, despite making up only 5% to 10% of all youth. Some researchers have concluded that the difficult housing journeys of 2SLGBTQ people can largely be explained by homophobia and discrimination.

2SLGBTQ youth who experience homelessness have poorer overall outcomes while reporting fewer supports than straight youth. 2SLGBTQ people are more than twice as likely to experience homelessness in shelters or on the street as straight, cisgender people, while queer women specifically were four times as likely. This is tied to the broader issue of women’s homelessness. Queer youths may be less likely to access shelters because of the prevalence of homophobia and transphobia in the shelter system, meaning many youths feel safer on the street.

Even with the legalization of same-sex marriage and the inclusion of gender identity as a Charter-protected class, homophobia and transphobia are still deeply ingrained in our everyday behaviours, language, and in the policies of many institutions. This is also true in the shelter system, though they may be less visible there.

Not only are the risks and barriers encountered by 2SLGBTQ youths different, but their needs differ from those of their heterosexual and cisgender counterparts as well. For example, coming out can result in alienation from family relationships and can lead to stigma in society at large, which compounds the difficult process of forming one’s gender and sexual identity. It is also challenging for homeless youths to access health services, in particular sexual health services, and for trans youths this process is made all the more urgent due to the need for medical support in transitioning. These may be contributing factors to the dramatically higher risk for suicide and mental health difficulties 2SLGBTQ youths experience.

Although there have been a few 2SLGBTQ-focused transitional housing and shelter programs launched in the past few years, this community is still hugely underserved by the homelessness sector. Trans people in particular face added barriers when accessing services in the homelessness sector, as these are frequently gendered.

However, trans people also have a disproportionate need for such services. According to the CMHC, trans people are twice as likely as the general population to experience severe poverty and homelessness. More than half of the trans population has difficulty meeting housing costs, according to the 519. This means when services fail to be safe and welcoming to trans people, it is disproportionately harmful. Fortunately, best practices are emerging and shelters are increasingly finding ways to respect the rights of trans people.

Properly accommodating trans and gender-diverse people in the homelessness sector will require changes to organizational practice (such as intake processes), infrastructure (dedicated shelters or sleeping arrangements), policies (improved accountability for instances of discrimination), and education (for both staff and clients).

Although accommodation within the sector is critical, what can be done upstream to prevent 2SLGTBQ homelessness? To effectively address this issue, it is essential to combat the pervasive forces of homophobia and discrimination that disproportionately contribute to 2SLGBTQ youth homelessness. This includes implementing anti-discrimination policies, providing safe and inclusive environments (such as in schools), and fostering educational initiatives aimed at raising awareness and sensitivity (including with landlords as part of eviction prevention work). Moreover, tailored support programs that consider the unique needs and challenges faced by 2SLGBTQ individuals, such as those related to family dynamics, coming out, access to healthcare, and mental health support, are vital components of a comprehensive homelessness prevention strategy. By recognizing and addressing the distinct factors contributing to 2SLGBTQ homelessness and by promoting inclusivity and acceptance, we can work towards a future where all individuals, regardless of their gender or sexual identity, have access to safe, stable, and secure housing.

NOTE: The majority of research on 2SLGBTQ homelessness is focused on young people. This is true for a number of reasons, including the larger percentage of “out” youths compared to the adult population, the distinct needs youths face compared to adults, and the fact that family rejection is a major contributing factor to LGBTQ2 youth homelessness. However, given that youth homelessness often leads to adult homelessness there is also a need to address similar issues for single adult, couples, and families.