Lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, queer/questioning, gender non-binary and two spirited youth are overrepresented in the homeless community. We strongly believe all youth deserve unconditional love and absolute respect and LGBTQIA2S+ youth are no exception.
- 25%–40% of homeless youth are LGBTQIA2S+
- Family rejection is the most common cause of LGBTQIA2S+ youth homelessness
- LGBTQIA2S+ youth are much more likely to struggle with mental health concerns, including suicide
On May 17, 1990, the World Health Organization declassified homosexuality as a mental disorder.
The International Day Against Homophobia, Transphobia and Biphobia was established in 2004. It is a day dedicated to raising awareness about the violence and discrimination experienced by lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, queer, intersex, asexual, two-spirit, and anyone who identified with different sexual orientations and gender identities.
Why Is This Important?
According to the United Nations’ Global Campaign Against Homophobia and Transphobia, “More than a third of the world’s countries criminalize consensual, loving same-sex relationships, entrenching prejudice and putting millions of people at risk of blackmail, arrest and imprisonment. Many countries force transgender people to undergo medical treatment, sterilization or meet other onerous preconditions before they can obtain legal recognition of their gender identity. Intersex children are often subjected to unnecessary surgery, causing physical and psychological pain and suffering. In many cases, a lack of adequate legal protections combined with hostile public attitudes leads to widespread discrimination against lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender and intersex people —including workers being fired from jobs, students bullied and expelled from schools, and patients denied essential healthcare.”
This year’s theme is “Our Bodies, Our Lives, Our Rights”
Everyone should have the fundamental right to make decisions about their bodies and their lives. However, not everyone has that freedom.
Covenant House Vancouver strives to be a safe and inclusive space for all youth.
Join in solidarity with the LGBTQIA2S+ community and take a stand against homophobia, transphobia, and biphobia.