Living
Combatting scourge of LGBTQ youth homelessness in D.C.
There are many local resources available to help
LGBTQ youth homelessness is a significant problem across the United States, but it is particularly acute in Washington, D.C. According to government statistics, a significant percentage of homeless youth in the country identify as LGBTQ. These vulnerable individuals face unique challenges due to their sexual orientation or gender identity, which often leads to estrangement from their families and communities.
In the lively, flashy streets of our hometown, Washington, D.C., and amid the city’s well-heeled new complexes like the D.C. Wharf in Southeast and City Centre Downtown, an alarming number of our youth find themselves without a place to call home, facing discrimination, abandonment, and societal neglect.
According to a 2022 article in DCist, “Queer and transgender youth are vastly overrepresented in the unhoused population. Nationally, 7% of people between the ages of 13 and 25 years old identify as LGBTQ+, while 40% of unhoused people of those same ages do. D.C.’s most recent Youth Count, which surveys the number of youth experiencing homelessness and housing instability, reports that the same is true in the District, with 40% of youth experiencing homelessness identifying as LGBTQ.”
Helping our youth may require more than just a simple annual or monthly donation. When you consider what you can do to help the District’s LGBTQ youth, you will want to do your homework to make sure the services you believe you are contributing to are reaching the youth in need. Below, you’ll find a few key elements to know to be informed and a few actions you can take to make a meaningful difference.
Discrimination isn’t the only cause of LGBTQ youth homelessness in our area. Several factors contribute to the high rates in Washington, D.C. One primary cause is family rejection, as many young individuals are forced out of their homes when they come out as LGBTQ.
Some families struggle to accept their child’s sexual identity or gender expression, leading to emotional or even sometimes physical abuse.
Discrimination in housing and employment also can play a significant role, making it difficult for LGBTQ youth to secure stable housing or find sustainable employment opportunities.
Additionally, the intersectionality of LGBTQ identities with race, ethnicity, and socioeconomic status may tend to exacerbate the issue.
LGBTQ youth from marginalized communities — African American and individuals of Latin American descent — are disproportionately affected by homelessness due to familial expectations and social stigma within ethnic or racial communities.
Homeless LGBTQ youth in Washington, D.C., confront numerous challenges that hinder their ability to thrive. These challenges include a lack of access to safe and affordable housing, limited educational opportunities, higher rates of substance abuse, mental health issues, and an increased risk of experiencing violence on the streets, or even exploitation.
Importance of support and resources
Addressing the scourge of homelessness for our youth requires a multi-faceted approach involving the government, community organizations, and individuals like you. The provision of safe and inclusive shelters is crucial, offering a supportive environment where young LGBTQ individuals can find refuge without fear of discrimination or harassment.
Moreover, comprehensive support systems must be established to address the unique needs of LGBTQ homeless youth. This includes mental health services, educational support, job training, and access to healthcare. Collaborative efforts between local organizations, policymakers, and the community can ensure that these individuals receive the care, resources, and opportunities they need to rebuild their lives.
Advocacy and policy changes
Advocacy plays a vital role in raising awareness and pushing for policy changes to combat LGBTQ youth homelessness in Washington, D.C. Organizations dedicated to LGBTQ rights and homelessness prevention actively work to promote inclusive policies, advocate for increased funding for support programs, and provide training to service providers to ensure they are equipped to address the specific needs of this vulnerable population.
LGBTQ youth homelessness in D.C. is an ongoing crisis that demands attention and action from individuals, organizations, and policymakers alike. Here are a few things you can do to help:
• Use Your Voice. Establish an ongoing voice in your ANC or your Ward on these matters. Reach out to your ANC commissioner if you feel your ANC can help. Start an ongoing conversation with the Constituent Services employees in your Ward member’s office and those offices of the At-Large Councilmembers. And reach out to the Mayor’s office when you have information that can help.
• Volunteer and Contribute. Volunteer your time and (when possible) financial support to organizations in the District that are making an on-the-ground difference. Volunteering can provide you a starting point to learn how the organization you seek to support operates and to see how efficient and effective they are internally at providing direct services to our youth.
• Know Your Partners. SMYAL does yeoman’s work working to establish healthy relationships with community organizations nationwide helping homeless LGBTQ+ youth. Learn about their work and see where supporting them makes sense for you. SMYAL does a lot to help housing providers exercise cultural competencies to address the needs of those homeless youth from our community. And SMYAL is just one group helping. Learn who your partners are.
So while significant progress has been made, there is still more work to be done to fully address the issue of LGBTQ youth homelessness in D.C. and nationwide. Ongoing advocacy, funding, and community involvement can be your leverage to help create sustainable solutions and ensure that all LGBTQ youth have access to safe housing, supportive services, and a chance to thrive in our great city.
Join CPM in contributing to local and national organizations focused specifically on LGBTQ+ youth homelessness such as the True Colors Foundation and SMYAL. Even the Salvation Army has a special program designed to reach our youth.
Resources and partners
True Colors Foundation. ”True Colors United,” founded by Cyndi Lauper and its executive director, Gregory Lewis focuses on addressing homelessness among LGBTQ youth. True Colors United works to raise awareness, provide resources, and support initiatives that aim to end homelessness among this population.
They collaborate with various stakeholders, including individuals, communities, government agencies, and service providers, to develop innovative solutions and implement policies that can effectively address the unique challenges faced by LGBTQ+ homeless youth. True Colors United also provides training and technical assistance to service providers, helping them create safe and inclusive environments for LGBTQ youth experiencing homelessness.
The Salvation Army. In the past, some LGBTQ activists and organizations have criticized the Salvation Army for discriminatory practices, specifically related to its treatment of LGBTQ individuals. Concerns have been raised about the organization’s position on same-sex relationships and its history of lobbying against LGBTQ rights.
It’s important to note that the Salvation Army is a decentralized organization, and its policies and practices may vary across different regions and locations. Some individual Salvation Army centers and programs may have taken steps to be more inclusive and supportive of LGBTQ individuals.
In recent years, the Salvation Army has made efforts to address concerns and improve its relationship with the LGBTQ community. They have stated that their services are available to all people, regardless of sexual orientation or gender identity.
SMYAL. SMYAL (Supporting and Mentoring Youth Advocates and Leaders) is an organization based in D.C. that focuses on supporting and empowering LGBTQ youth. While SMYAL primarily focuses on providing a range of services to LGBTQ youth, including support groups, counseling, leadership development, and advocacy, they also address LGBTQ youth homelessness.
SMYAL acknowledges that LGBTQ youth are disproportionately affected by homelessness due to various factors, including family rejection, discrimination, and lack of supportive resources. To address this issue, SMYAL offers specific programs and initiatives:
Housing Support: SMYAL provides assistance and support to LGBTQ youth who are experiencing homelessness or housing instability. They work with local partners to help youth find safe and affirming housing options, navigate the housing system, and access necessary resources.
Emergency Housing: SMYAL operates an emergency housing program known as the SMYAL House. This residential program provides temporary shelter and support services for LGBTQ youth experiencing homelessness. The program aims to create a safe and inclusive environment where youth can access resources, receive counseling, and work toward securing stable housing.
Outreach and Education: SMYAL engages in community outreach and education efforts to raise awareness about LGBTQ youth homelessness. They work to educate the public, service providers, and policymakers about the unique challenges faced by LGBTQ youth and advocate for policies and practices that ensure their safety and well-being.
Supportive Services: SMYAL offers a range of supportive services to LGBTQ youth, including case management, mental health counseling, employment assistance, and educational support. These services aim to address the underlying issues that contribute to youth homelessness and help young people build resilience and self-sufficiency.
Wanda Alston Foundation. The Wanda Alston Foundation is dedicated to ensuring that LGBTQ youth have access to services that improve their overall quality of life. Donations naturally continue their work to change the lives of LGBTQ homeless and at-risk youth for the better. Remote volunteer opportunities are available until we resume in-person volunteering. Current volunteer projects include: Social media management, website management, fundraising, policy review and development, and communications. Check out their website for ways to get involved.
Scott Bloom is senior property manager and owner, Columbia Property Management.
Technology
E-INFOSOL leaders encourage youth to pursue tech careers
Service-disabled, veteran-owned business based in Rockville
The technology field can be a gateway to economic mobility.
At E-INFOSOL, a service-disabled, veteran-owned business based in Rockville, Md., CEO and co-founder Fredy Pesante and Vice President of Service Delivery Charles Barnett say internships, mentorship and free online resources can help young people break into IT. The U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics projects an average of 317,000 job openings per year in the field until 2034.
Led by Iraq War Army veteran Pesante, E-INFOSOL stands out for its efforts to increase opportunities for veterans, people of color and others in under-resourced communities to find careers in tech and its mental health support for employees.
Pesante and Barnett spoke with Youthcast Media Group about technology careers. The executives also talked about the value of government security clearances, stressing that the choices youth make today — including their digital footprints and personal conduct — can shape tech workforce opportunities.
The interview has been edited for clarity and length.
Can you describe what E-INFOSOL does and what your role is there?
BARNETT: We focus mainly [on] providing IT services to the federal government. And those IT services consist of cloud engineering, cloud development, cloud security, app development and cybersecurity, and a lot of infrastructure virtualization-type work. My role is [vice president] of service delivery, responsible for ensuring that we are providing great customer service to our customers [and] that we are meeting our deliverables and our requirements to our customers. But also, one of the key focuses is ensuring that our employees have the tools [and] resources to be successful, and that includes coaching, training and developing our employees, and obviously treating them like they want to be treated.
Is IT a career that can help reverse the cycle of poverty in low-income parts of the D.C. area? What more would need to be done to potentially get more youth access to the right technology and training?
BARNETT: One thing we’ve got to ensure is that we, as professionals that have been through it, that have had a lot of experience in the IT space, provide that mechanism to bring folks along with us. That is, exposing our youth to information technology at a young age. If we can show that it’s very interesting, and it’s beneficial, and if they are committed to it and they show a sense of pride and commitment, I think it works out for a lot of people that are coming up from disadvantaged communities that don’t have technology within the house and who don’t have mentors that come from the technology field.
PESANTE: I still think internships work well for high school, even college. IT certifications are still something in demand in specific areas … Charles and myself, we’re part of the Technology Advisory Board at [Montgomery College] and they offer free resources as well to give an advantage to students that don’t have a career path. So find a way to leverage those local resources that are available and try to capitalize on those. IT is such a great field because even though it’s great to have an undergraduate (degree), that is not always a full basis into having an IT career. So you could start in high school … There’s a lot of free stuff online. There’s a lot of YouTube videos. There’s so many resources. To be honest, there’s even now AI that can really teach you [and] it’s free to a certain level that you could use.
As a veteran-led company with a significant veteran workforce, how does E-INFOSOL support employee well-being and mental-health awareness?
PESANTE: Approximately 35 percent to 40 percent of our employees are veterans. Veterans often gravitate toward working with one another because we share a mission-focused mentality and a commitment to getting the job done.
Mental health has always mattered to us, but it became even more personal after we lost one of our respected leaders, a fellow veteran who had battled mental illness. I worked closely with his family to help honor his story and legacy.
That experience reinforced the importance of supporting mental health across our entire workforce. We encourage managers to maintain meaningful contact with employees, provide appropriate training, and connect people with available resources. We want our actions to match what we say about being a people-first company. Our employee retention has remained strong, and I believe the way we care for our people has contributed to that.
How does getting or having a U.S. government security clearance help? How would a young person pursue getting a security clearance, and what should they keep in mind if they plan to do so?
PESANTE: We live in a world of social media. Make sure you’re … not going to be concerned with somebody finding you on the Internet behaving a certain way. Even though, in some locations, drugs like medical marijuana and what not are considered legal, [that is] not [the case] in the federal government. The use of any substances that could be mind-altering, that’s not a thing [that’s allowed] in the federal government. Also, from a legal perspective, from a criminal background perspective, that’s something that any checkup is going to come up [with], so [make] sure that you’re behaving in a manner exemplifying honesty, reliability, sound judgment, responsible conduct, and trustworthiness. The best thing for getting clearances at that early jump is internships. We’ve been able to get people clearances through the internship process. After a person fits a specific requirement, you train them and they get a government clearance, and that helps them have a head start. When I moved out here after living in Puerto Rico and I was in the Army, I had a clearance. I was able to find a job quickly.
Any other advice for young people considering this path?
PESANTE: I would say go for it. As minorities, there are a lot of external factors we can’t control, but nobody can ever stop you if you’re great at what you do, if you have a strong work ethic and if you put a lot of effort into making the best out of yourself. It’s never too early to work on yourself and look for ways to work on your professional career, work on your soft skills… Make sure you are working with peers and surrounding yourself with the right people throughout your whole life. I had a mentor myself when I started in the business — Carlos Rivera. He’s from Puerto Rico. He was a veteran. And that always helped me out, having somebody that you want to aspire to [be].
BARNETT: Do not be afraid to fail. You know you’re going to make mistakes. People around you are going to make mistakes. Learn from it, and learn from that, and don’t allow people to impact your goals and objectives. You set your path and if you set your path, you’re going to go a very long way, and if you’re really committed and continue to establish relationships along your entire path, you’re going to reap the benefits of ensuring that you are in a position to take advantage of opportunities that are in front of you.
Joseph Jackson is in the class of 2027 at Bard High School Early College DC, one of Youthcast Media Group’s partner schools. Shreya Jyotishi, YMG Assistant Manager of Content and Programs, also worked on this story.
Remember when buying a new car didn’t require the financial stamina of a “Succession” character? This summer, the average new-vehicle price hit $49,758—basically $50,000 with a little lipstick on it. That makes the Kia K4 hatchback and Nissan Kicks especially refreshing. Neither requires a second mortgage, a trust fund or a makeover to look good. And both prove you can still buy a new vehicle without selling your soul — or your vacation plans.
KIA K4 HATCHBACK
$25,000
Mpg: 28 city/34 highway
0 to 60 mph: 9.1 seconds
Cargo space: 22.2 cu. ft.
PROS: Edgy exterior. Roomy interior. User-friendly controls.
CONS: So-so base engine. Pricy turbo. No all-wheel drive.
WHAT’S NEW: Basically everything. The K4 hatchback debuted earlier this year, joining the K4 sedan.
Kia’s stylish five-door K4 boasts three trim levels. The first two use a capable four-cylinder engine, while the top-of-the-line model comes with a turbo.
That turbo provides some genuine zip, though it won’t blow your socks off. Think Janelle Monáe in a tailored suit, not Brad Pitt arriving at the F1 racetrack in a fireproof jumpsuit.
The real star, though, is the design. Sleek. Upscale. A tad mysterious.
Inside, another surprise: vast legroom and storage. Fold the backseats and you can toss in the usual road-trip clutter, plus that regrettable piece of furniture you bought after watching one too many HGTV shows.
Technology is also a bonus, including a digital key that lets you use a smartphone or smartwatch as a direct key fob. You can even share this digital key with friends or family. Just don’t share it with anyone who often loses their actual keys.
Despite some SUV vibes, the K4 remains unapologetically car-like. It sits lower. Feels more conventional. And offers hatchback practicality without itching to conquer the Rockies.
The biggest downside? No all-wheel drive.
Still, for shoppers who crave style, space and gadgetry, the K4 won’t break the bank. To me, it’s like finding a designer jacket at a thrift shop.
NISSAN KICKS
$23,000
Mpg: 28 city/35 highway
0 to 60 mph: 8.9 seconds
Cargo space: 23.9 cubic feet
PROS: Dashing design. Safety gear galore. All-wheel drive.
CONS: Bit pokey. Noisy engine. Limited rear visibility.
WHAT’S NEW: Redesigned last year with a bit more power, bigger cabin and bold looks, Nissan leaves the winning formula alone.
Like the Kia K4, the Nissan Kicks comes in three trims levels. But it also includes all-wheel drive — a nice plus when navigating snow, sleet or cratered alleys.
There’s an extensive suite of active and passive safety features. And the high ground clearance improves driver visibility, which is somewhat hindered in the back by thick roof pillars.
Styling is tastefully flamboyant. Dramatic lighting. Two-tone finishes. Cheerful, without being cartoonish. Miranda Priestly would approve.
Power, though, is more akin to Miranda’s art director Nigel Kipling. Dependable. Functional. Just not enthusiastic.
Inside, the mod cabin has large 12.3-inch displays, wireless smartphone connectivity and charging, and “zero gravity seats” designed to reduce driver fatigue and stiffness. Add in the stunning Bose Personal Plus audio system, with 10 speakers—including those integrated into the headrests—for an immersive 360-degree sound experience.
The Kicks doesn’t try to be rugged or luxurious. It simply offers a lot of everyday usefulness in a small package.
There is a trade-off. The engine gets noisy when pushed, and there are sportier (often pricier) competitors. But that’s hardly a crime. Not every vehicle needs to perform catwalk struts down the street.
Hi Michael,
When is it worth stopping being friends with someone, or more than one person?
Lately I feel like my friends aren’t being very nice to me. In fact it reminds me of high school, and junior high school, when I was being bullied.
I’m not the most attractive in the group, I know that. They are always ribbing me about not working out enough or that I should get a hair transplant (I am balding) or making fun of the way I dress. I am not that stylish, I just don’t have a good sense for clothes. I thought about asking for some advice but I worry that would just lead to more mocking.
That I am not having as much sex as they are—it’s actually my preference, but of course I get comments about not being able to get someone to hook up with because of my appearance, clothes, low-key personality etc.
As I’m writing this I could go on and on. I think I’ve just tried laughing with them or ignoring it, but it does really get to me.
There’s a standard in this town that I know I don’t fit. Great body, handsome face, overall hot, witty and sarcastic sense of humor, make a lot of money in some impressive job. I am sure you know the type I am describing.
Some of the things I can’t help (appearance), some I don’t really want to fix (hooking up a lot). My brother died of an overdose so I don’t use drugs or alcohol, which, no surprise, evokes more judgment.
My job is my job, I like it a lot and it is meaningful to me but I’m never going to be rich.
The problem with that is, all my friends like to take a lot of expensive vacations. I can go on some but not on all. When we go I am watching my expenses, which provokes more judgment and jokes, always delivered as if they are “kidding” but it hurts.
I started off by saying I feel like I’m back to being a bullied kid. You know, laugh it off so that they don’t see you crying. But it doesn’t feel like I am respecting myself when I do that.
If I speak up and ask them to stop, I just get more jokes. I am NOT taken seriously.
The idea of walking away is scary, though. Who else would I have to spend my weekends with? I am afraid of being lonely.
I could write more but I think I’m conveying why I am feeling pretty hopeless about these friendships.
Michael replies:
I think it’s a bad idea to spend time with people who are mean or abusive toward you.
But before you walk away from your friend group, do you think it’s worth talking to them, individually, or as a group? In a serious way, without joking, laughing, or minimizing your pain so as not to make them uncomfortable.
Their behavior sounds very junior high school, but they are adults. Telling them how their behavior affects you might lead them to confront themselves, but it might not.
You didn’t write anything about what you actually like about these friends. Is it just that they allow you to spend time with them? Or do they have some good qualities? Getting clear about this would help you figure out if you want to push for change here.
I know what you mean about “the standard” in D.C. (and very likely in other locations). I hear from clients over and over about the hierarchy of attractiveness and success. When people don’t feel they measure up, it is easy to feel less-than, and invisible.
There are lots of reasons why gay men can be mean to other gay men. (Of course, everyone can be mean, and for all sorts of reasons). One biggie: it’s nice to feel like part of the in-crowd, after growing up feeling like an outcast. But this means establishing a pecking order so that there are others to look down on and exclude. It’s understandable, all too common, and unkind.
It’s also true that the heterosexual world tends to value beauty in women and financial success in men. Gay men hit themselves with a double whammy, glorifying both.
Still, you’re not going to single-handedly change the problematic aspects of gay culture. You may be able to influence some of your friends, however. That remains to be seen, and would take some courage on your part if you want to tackle that.
It does sound like it’s time for you to make some new friends. This may seem even more scary than speaking up to the friends you have, but it also might give you a sense that you are taking control of your life.
True, in D.C. (and elsewhere), there are a lot of gay men focused on the attributes you say you lack. But “the scene” is not the only game in town. There also have to be a good number of guys out there who are looking for other qualities that you may possess, and that you may also admire in others. These are the people for you to find and befriend.
I can’t tell you exactly how to go about that. You’re going to have to be creative and try some new things. Activity groups, hobbies that involve other people, sports. You never know whom you might meet, where. Don’t forget that you might enjoy meeting and hanging out with people who aren’t gay, as well.
You didn’t mention anything about looking for love in your life. Maybe that’s not your interest; maybe you don’t feel like adequate partner material (if so, I hope you will work to challenge that belief); or maybe you’re doing just fine in that area. I don’t know. But if you would like to find a good guy, I hope that widening your field will help.
Michael Radkowsky, Psy.D. is a licensed psychologist who works with couples and individuals in D.C., Maryland, Virginia, New York, and all PSYPACT states. He can be found online at michaelradkowsky.com. All identifying information has been changed for reasons of confidentiality. Have a question? Send it to [email protected].
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