Rally for Homeless LGBT Youth in NYC

On Monday, June 14th at 6:30PM a rally will be held to support LGBT homeless youth in New York City's Union Square. It's being coordinated by The Ali Forney Center, New York City's leading service and advocacy group for LGBT homeless youth.


As LGBT youth find the courage to come out of the closet at younger ages, thousands are being rejected by their families and forced out of their homes. Most homeless LGBT youth describe having suffered violence and harassment in their homes due to their sexual orientations and gender identities. As many as 40% of the homeless youth in the United States are LGBT. Homeless LGBT youth are subjected to violence and harassment on the streets and in mainstream youth shelters. They face treme ndous risk of HIV infection, drug addiction, and criminalization.

The past year has been brutal for LGBT youth. From the vicious murders of Jorge Steven López and Jason Mattison to the carjacking of three gay Morehouse students and the weekend knife attack in Brooklyn, LGBT youth, especially those of color, remain under attack. The situation is even more dire for homeless LGBT youth.

A number of progressive and LGBT organizations are participating in the rally. It's also being endorsed by a number a politicians, activists, entertainers and media types, including yours truly. Here is the Facebook page. Please come and help make a difference if you can.