Describe a current social problem and the vulnerable population it impacts.
One current, and historical social problem is that of the incidents of homelessness among
LGBTQ+ youth. Multiple studies show that LGBTQ+ youth experience homelessness at
disproportionate rates compared to their heterosexual counterparts (Fraser et al., 2019). The
literature shows multiple factors related to homelessness, including breakdown in family
relationships, substance abuse, mental health issues and poverty. Additionally, LGBTQ+ youth
are affected by stigma related to sexuality and gender identity, rejection by family and sexual
abuse, which lead to increased rates of homeless and runaway youth (Fraser et al., 2019).
How/when has this problem been identified historically, and what were the actions taken to
address this concern?
Although homelessness has existed for centuries, the discussion of LGBTQ+ homelessness was
not even begun until 1969, right after the Stonewall Riots in New York (Metcalf, 2019). The
following year, as gay and lesbian individuals began to seek out safe spaces to thrive, Liberation
Houses opened in Los Angeles, CA. These were not homeless shelters, but rather places where
LGBTQ+ individuals could find liberation and safety (Calm and Comfort: “Liberation Houses”
of the 1970s Gave Homeless LGBTQ in L.A. Refuge, 2020). This was significant because these
homes were the first real attempts to address housing needs specifically for members of the
LGBTQ community.
How have the populations affected by the social problem changed over time?
In many ways, the population of LGBTQ+ youth experiencing homelessness have stayed much
the same over the past 50 years. What has changed, it seems, is the availability of services
targeted to specifically address the needs of this vulnerable population. One change is that
dedicated shelters for youth, such as Covenant House, are safe, inclusive, and affirming
programs for LGBTQ+ youth, that provide needed help to promote improved social functioning
(Covenant House New Orleans: Helping Homeless Children & Youth, n.d.).
How might this social problem be incongruent with social work values/ethics?
The marginalization of LGBTQ+ youth is incongruent with social work values. The value of
social justice is explained as the pursuit of social change, particularly with and on behalf of
vulnerable and oppressed individuals and groups of people (NASW, 2021). Although the shift in
thought is progressing in that many social services agencies work to be inclusive, there are still
many throughout the US that lack in this area. By continuing to stigmatize and ostracize the
LGBTQ+ youth, often the beginning points of their homelessness, the dignity and worth of these
individuals is diminished.
Describe the next steps for how you will identify a policy.
I will continue to identify policies through peer-reviewed research and collaborative sessions
with other social workers and social service providers. A multidisciplinary approach is crucial to
developing effective social change for LGBTQ+ homeless individuals. Seeking out opportunities
to engage in community development meetings and inviting other professionals to meet and
discuss this issue can serve to identify policies that are effective and those that are not, and to
make a lasting and impactful policy change.
References
Calm and Comfort: “Liberation Houses” of the 1970s Gave Homeless LGBTQ in L.A. Refuge.
(2020, June 10). PBS SoCal. https://www.pbssocal.org/shows/lost-la/calm-and-comfort-
liberation-houses-of-the-1970s-gave-homeless-lgbtq-in-l-a-refuge
Covenant House New Orleans: Helping Homeless Children & Youth. (n.d.). Covenant House
New Orleans. https://www.covenanthousenola.org/
Fraser, B., Pierse, N., Chisholm, E., & Cook, H. (2019). LGBTIQ+ Homelessness: A Review of
the Literature. International Journal of Environmental Research and Public Health, 16(15),
2677. https://doi.org/10.3390/ijerph16152677
Metcalf, M. (2019, June 1). Research Guides: LGBTQ+ Studies: A Resource Guide: Stonewall
Era and Uprising. Guides.loc.gov; Library of Congress.
https://guides.loc.gov/lgbtq-studies/stonewall-era
NASW. (2021). Code of Ethics. National Association of Social Workers.
https://www.socialworkers.org/About/Ethics/Code-of-Ethics/Code-of-Ethics-English
