November is National Runaway Prevention Month, an annual campaign led by the National Runaway Safeline to highlight issues facing runaway and homeless youth. The National Center for Missing and Endangered Children (NCMEC) reports that in 2023, of the nearly 29,000 reports of children that NCMEC received, 93% were of children who ran away.
According to NCMEC, the following factors may put youth at an increased risk of running away or becoming homeless:
- Physical or sexual abuse
- Family conflict
- Lack of acceptance of gender identity or sexual orientation
- Struggling to manage mental health
- Substance abuse
- Medical issue/developmental or physical disability
- Pregnancy
- Online enticement
- To be with a friend, romantic partner, or biological family
- Gang activity
- Child sex trafficking
- Social rejection or bullying
LGBTQ+ Youth
LGBTQ+ youth are disproportionately affected by homelessness. The Trevor Project reports that 28% of LGBTQ+ youth reported experiencing homelessness or housing instability at some point in their lives. Youth may face rejection from peers at school, their communities and families, discrimination in housing and employment, and a lack of supportive resources. This environment of rejection and discrimination can lead to mental health issues, substance abuse, and a higher risk of victimization.
Risk of Trafficking
The Polaris Project found that LGBTQ+ people are some of the most likely to be trafficked. Traffickers use this opportunity to provide youth with something they don’t otherwise have or have access to, whether it be a safe haven, housing, access to drugs, or material objects.
In a recent article The Reality of LGBTQ+ Child Trafficking, the organization Our Rescue reports LGBTQ+ homeless youth are 7.4 times more likely to experience acts of sexual violence than their heterosexual peers. Traffickers know that LGBTQ+ youth frequently experience discrimination, bullying, and social stigma. As a result, traffickers befriend LGBTQ+ youth—exploiting them by:
- Offering a sense of family, love, or protection
- Promising acceptance and belonging
- Providing for basic needs
- Providing drugs
- Isolating them from friends or family members
Injury and Violence Disparities between LGBQ+ and Heterosexual Youth
The Children Safety Network recently put out a report on injury and violence disparities between LGBQ+ and Heterosexual Youth. They report that while acceptance, affirmation, and inclusion of youth with these identities has increased, significant yet preventable disparities persist. Data from the 2021 Youth Risk Behavior Surveillance System shows some of these disparities:
Bullied electronically:
- 13% Heterosexual youth
- 27% LGBQ+ youth
Bullied in school:
- 12% Heterosexual youth
- 23% LGBQ+
Seriously considered attempting suicide:
- 15% Heterosexual youth
- 45% LGBQ+ youth
Attempted suicide:
- 6% Heterosexual youth
- 22% LGBQ+ youth
Current alcohol use:
- 22% Heterosexual youth
- 26% LGBQ+ youth
Current electronic vapor product use:
- 16% Heterosexual youth
- 22% LGBQ+ youth
Current prescription opioid misuse:
- 4% Heterosexual youth
- 11% LGBQ+ youth
To view the entire infographic with statistics: Injury and Violence Disparities between LGBQ+ and Heterosexual Youth | Children’s Safety Network
Supporting LGBTQ+ Youth
Here are a few recommendations from the National Runaway Safeline on Ways Adults Can Be Supportive to the LGBTQ+ youth.
- Use Their Preferred Pronouns and Names
- Research has shown that using a young person’s chosen name and pronouns can significantly reduce the risk of depression and suicide. It creates a sense of belonging and affirmation, which is crucial for their mental well-being.
- Educate Yourself and Others
- Understanding the terminology, the challenges they face, and the specific needs they may have.
- Being informed allows you to provide more effective support. It also helps you to challenge misinformation and prejudice when you see it, creating a more inclusive environment for everyone.
- Provide Safe and Affirming Spaces
- Safe spaces provide a refuge from the hostility they might face elsewhere. They offer a place where youth can express themselves freely and connect with peers who understand their experiences.
- Listen and Validate Their Experiences
- Sometimes the best support you can offer is simply to listen. Validate their experiences by acknowledging their feelings and the reality of their challenges.
- Advocate for Their Rights
- Advocacy helps create systemic changes that can protect and uplift LGBTQIA2S+ youth. It shows them that they have allies who are willing to fight for their rights and well-being
- Connect Them with Resources
- Ensure youth have access to resources such as mental health services, housing support, and legal aid. Organizations like the National Runaway Safeline, The Trevor Project, and local LGBTQIA2S+ centers can offer vital support.
- Access to resources can make a significant difference in their ability to navigate crises and find stability.
The National Runaway Safeline is available 24/7 for all youth regardless of their identity or orientation. Hotline – Call 1-800-RUNAWAY (1-800-786-2929) to speak with a trained NRS staff member or volunteer who will listen and support you.
Additional Resources:
National Runaway Safeline: Youth HOPE Month 2024 – National Runaway Safeline
NCMEC: Endangered Runaways
Trevor Project: LGBTQ+ Youth Homelessness & Housing Instability Statistics
Our Rescue: The Reality of LGBTQ+ Child Trafficking
