• ELIXHER
• On October 21, 2013

Black LGBT youth are some of our nation’s most vulnerable yet some of the most invisible. In “Why So Many U.S. Homeless are LGBT People,” BBC News examines the high rates of homelessness among LGBT people, particularly youngsters. In fact, 40% of all homeless people are LGBT. Black LGBT youth are disproportionately more likely to be homeless than their white counterparts due to family rejection and the lack of anti-discrimination housing and employment laws.

Comedian Wanda Sykes with Ruth Ellis Center youth

BBC travelled to Detroit where some youth have sought shelter at the Ruth Ellis Center. (In Detroit at any given time, there will be around 1,000 homeless youth on the streets.)

“I left my mom because she was having issues accepting the fact that I was gay,” Aaron Brown shares.

“I honestly contemplated suicide,” says one trans woman named Emani Love. “I thought, well, it would be easier. I wouldn’t have to deal with any of this.”

Later she adds that she struggles finding work because of her gender identity as well as the incorrect gender markers on her ID (it still lists her male given name).

The piece serves as a powerful reminder of the plight, power, and resilience of Black LGBT young people.

(Watch the video here.)