I didn’t know gay people existed until I came to England in 2000. When I was a Christian, I was a homophobe, I didn’t just think that gays, lesbians and bisexuals would go to hell but that they could ” change” their attraction like changing shoes. They were just sinful and bad. In fact even while I was blogging about accepting the homeless and not being prejudiced, I was reading and watching materials that condemned anyone who was gay and listened to preachers who predicted San Francisco would be wiped off the map. Mark Horvarth of Invisible People wrote a story about gay homeless youths and instead of being completely outraged and disgusted, I felt sad as a normal human would but also sympathetic towards the parents who could not stand having a child that was different. I also thought that Mark was not a true Christian because he supported gay rights and that he had somehow sold out. I have completely changed my view and considered myself as an advocate and hope one day it will be a norm it would not need defending. Sadly many have not changed, cannot change their view or it is all they know. And there is a huge epidemic happening because parents and guardians, those who are meant to protect children would rather have them live on the street than accept them for who they are. Religion As a Source Most religions have homophobia interwoven into it, they like to take the moral codes and holy texts of thousands of years ago and apply it to 21st century modern life. That is why kids who are attracted to the same sex feel that something is wrong with them, that they are bad because politicians and pastors tell them that GOD hates what you’re doing or will destroy your country because of who you love. Many good religious folk support gay rights and I applaud those who speak out especially in America but those who continue to demonize people, you are losing a battle. Dealing with Homelessness So when a young homeless person has to struggle with loneliness, despair and a really difficult situation a gay homeless person has it even worse. Coming to terms with their sexuality and the withdrawal of love and support from family and friends can lead to emotional or mental health problems, such as low self-esteem and depression. They can put themselves in dangerous or exploitative situations to meet their need for acceptance and affection and they can begin to use alcohol or drugs to try to cope with or block out issues arising from being LGBT and their own homeless predicament Failures of Homeless Services The majority of homeless charities are run by churches or religious groups and though a lot choose to serve out of the kindness many still refuse to serve gay youths if they are aware of their sexuality and as many testimonies I have heard state finding a place to help you or stay has to be based on your safety and whether you will be accepted. Imagine if we were back in Jim Crow times where you could turn away or openly discriminate against someone because of their skin colour.And for those who don’t turn away because of sexuality Stonewall in the U.K says:

Lack of awareness among service providers about the sexuality of their clients can mean they are not always aware of the needs of LGB people and do not appreciate that they are in priority need for housing. This can make it difficult for LGB people to get the right help and support and can lead to increased vulnerability

How to Solve It I want to specififcally speak to Christians because I was as devout as they came, up until a year and a half ago, and I know how scary it seems to accept something when the bible tells you it is wrong, I can never make an argument to convince you but I can tell you that these are people like you, and the point of freedom is that we can’t dictate who should or shouldn’t get freedom, and if you really are walking in love you will love those who don’t walk the same path as you, to love who they want to love. Homeless Services also need to recognize sexuality as an important aspect of people’s lives. They also need to provide sexual information, education and support not just to gay youth but to all people who require it that walk through their doors. Here is an incredible video : Credit: Heather Henry Pim