Safety for LGBTQ+ youth in Florida requires immediate action
This Pride Month, we celebrate progress toward equality and inclusion, but it’s also important to recognize the ongoing challenges facing LGBTQ+ youth. One of the most heartbreaking issues is the significantly higher risk of homelessness these young people face—an alarming 120% higher risk, in fact. Many are rejected, rejected, and abandoned by their families simply for being true to themselves.
Our first encounter with this harsh reality was when a friend approached us and told us the story of a high school 10th grader who was kicked out of his home after coming out to his family. Since then, we have heard so many similar stories: young people being abandoned, forced into homelessness, and even driven to suicide. The situation is horrific and demands our immediate attention and action.
Child and youth services workers in our community are experiencing this crisis firsthand. They report that many LGBTQ+ youth are forced to sleep on friends’ couches or rely on the kindness of other families for shelter. The hateful rhetoric and discriminatory attitudes prevalent in our society contribute to this harm, creating an environment where too many young people feel unsafe and unsupported.
That’s why we’re passionate about advocating for the rights of LGBTQ+ youth. We believe in shining a spotlight on their issues and creating a world where they are accepted and loved. Since the Supreme Court legalized same-sex marriage in 2015, we’ve seen increasing hostility towards the LGBTQ+ community, especially in states like Florida, which is ranked as the second worst state for LGBTQ+ safety.
Organizations like Children’s Home Society of Florida (CHS) play an important role in addressing these issues. CHS is committed to providing a safe, welcoming and inclusive environment for all youth. Their dedicated team provides critical support to LGBTQ+ youth, ensuring they feel seen, heard, valued and have the resources they need to succeed.
CHS programs in the greater Pensacola area provide stable housing, resources, education, and a safe place for homeless youth. This Pride Month, we want to raise awareness about the challenges LGBTQ+ youth face and the importance of standing up against hate and discrimination.
At CHS, the M-Power transitional housing program provides safe housing, life skills, case management, education, employment and healthcare for these youth. When asked, a social worker shared that the most important needs for these youth are clothing and shoes, job opportunities, housing/accommodation fees, bus passes and gift cards to cover hygiene and food needs. Celebrate your pride and join us in supporting these youth by organizing a clothing and shoe drive, being open to hiring youth with no experience as often they are hard working but do not have the experience to get the job, or consider donating for their safe housing and transportation. For more information, contact the team at 850-266-2700 or to make a donation visit chsfl.org/donate. If you or a youth you know needs these services, please contact CHS.
It’s time for more of us to take action. We must work together to prevent harm from coming to these vulnerable young people. By fostering a culture of acceptance and support, we can ensure that everyone feels safe, loved, and encouraged to be their authentic selves. Let’s honor Pride Month by supporting this cause and making a tangible difference in the lives of LGBTQ+ youth.
Beverly Pica and Gary Michaels have served as board members of the Children’s Home Society of Florida in the greater Pensacola area for over 15 years.
B&M European Value Retail (LON:BME) receives an “underweight” rating from JPMorgan Chase & Co.
Which of the top 5 sang like they were on their way to the winner’s circle?
Woman takes love at first sight to a new level when she falls in love with her husband from a phone booth
About The Author
