Today Bisexual Health Awareness Month provides action steps for homeless shelters and social service providers working with bisexual+ youth
A higher percentage of bisexual students reported running away from home one or more times compared to their gay and straight peers. In addition, more bisexual youth stated they were homeless because of physical abuse by parents than their straight and gay peers. Gay, lesbian, and bisexual homeless youth also have greater HIV risks and these risks are greater among bisexual female youth. Therefore, stronger policies are needed to provide bisexual+ youth with safe environments to live that are off the streets.
Bisexual+ youth who are homeless or at risk for homelessness also need:
- Additional education- and community-based support systems, such as affordable housing, job training, and college prep programs
- Social service providers who understand and can address all their unique needs and intersections
- More LGBTQ-specific homeless shelters, like the Thrive Youth Center in Texas
- Programs and services that can care for their sexual, physical, and mental health and wellbeing
- For those at particular risk for HIV, comprehensive sex education, needle exchange programs, and PrEP distribution
Work to end homelessness for bisexual+ youth today! Get involved with the National Alliance to End Homelessness here.