A comparison of risk factors for various forms of trauma in the lives of lesbian, gay, bisexual and heterosexual homeless youth

Abstract

Numerous homeless youth experience trauma prior to leaving home and while on the street. Bullying and trading sex (i.e. exchanging sexual favors for survival items such as food) are additional forms of trauma experienced by many homeless youth. Although lesbian, gay, and bisexual (LGB) homeless youth experience higher rates of child abuse compared to their heterosexual counterparts, there is a paucity of research comparing these two groups. As such, we compare whether difficulties finding items of necessity (e.g. food) and different forms of trauma including child sexual abuse, being bullied, trading sex, and street sexual victimization significantly differ for LGB and heterosexual homeless youth. Bivariate results reveal that LGB youth have more trouble finding shelter and are more likely to trade sex compared to heterosexual youth. Logistic regression results show that trading sex is correlated with street sexual victimization. In the second model, we find that being female, experiencing more child sexual abuse, and ever having traded sex are all positively linked with street sexual victimization. LGB youth are over-represented among homeless youth populations and are also more likely to trade sex; therefore, these young people need services that are widely accessible and specific to their needs.

LGBTIQ+ Homelessness: A Review of the Literature

“…Survival sex is often a non-cash exchange, rather than a more straightforward transaction, that is a response to poverty, and may result in economic dependence (instead of a professional transaction), the term survival sex is used [69]. LGBTIQ+ homeless populations engage in riskier behaviours and survival strategies while on the street when compared to their non-LGBTIQ+ counterparts [29,70]. Existing literature indicates LGBTIQ+ people who are homeless engage in survival sex and sex work at consistently higher rates than non-LGBTIQ+ people who are homeless [31,34,43,69,71].…”

Promoting Mental Health among Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, and Questioning Youth: Implications for Practice

“…Homeless lesbian and bisexual young women are at higher risk for suicidal ideation and substance abuse [95]. LGBQ youth also are more likely to trade sex for food and cash [96]. Homelessness has long lasting consequences, including an increased risk of future stress ful life events and negative social relationships, even when housing security is attained [91].…”

A Qualitative Community Assessment of Racial/Ethnic Sexual Gender Minority Young Adults: Principles for Strategies to Motivate Action(s) for Realistic Tasks (SMART Thinking) Addressing HIV/AIDS, Viral Hepatitis, Mental Health, and Substance Abuse

“…On colleges and university campuses, racial/ethnic sexual and gender minority students are more inclined to experience chronic minority stressors when negotiating their identities and social functioning during the critical phase of becoming independent young adults (Friedman & Leaper, 2010; Rankin & Reason, 2005; Sheets & Mohr, 2009). Research studies (Brown et al, 2004; Evans & Broido, 2002) report that racial/ethnic sexual gender minority students experience harassment and violence as part of their daily lives in college (D’Augelli, 1992; Waldo et al, 1998) and are associated with high-risk behaviors such as substance use and exposure to chronic stress (Patton & Simmons, 2008; Tyler & Schmitz, 2018). Despite such insights, there is insufficient understanding about how racial/ethnic sexual gender minority students navigate such experiences at a minority-serving institution, where campus dynamics and institutional philosophy and mission are uniquely focused on serving minority students.…”