Content categorized as LGBTQ

Housing program for homeless LGBTQ+ youth to open a brand new 14-bed house

In January 2017, the local nonprofit SMYAL (Supporting and Mentoring Youth Advocates and Leaders) launched its signature youth house, a 2-year, 12-bed transitional living program for homeless LGBTQ+ youth in the D. C. metropolitan area. This July, the organization received a contract to create a second house, which is set to open its doors before the summer ends.

This is one of the few places homeless youth are welcome regardless of sexual orientation or gender pronoun

Casa Ruby offers a variety of services to members of the LGBTQ community regardless of housing or immigration status

D.C. Council stands up to Trump Administration’s attempt to eliminate LGBTQ health data collection

D.C. local government agrees upon LGBTQ health data collection, in opposition to Trump Administration’s attempt to eliminate it.

As living with HIV becomes more common, affordable housing remains out of reach for many seniors

As treatment for HIV has improved over the years, federal funding dedicated to housing for HIV-positive people has not. Service providers are struggling to help new people in need as others continue to age and housing costs skyrocket.

Hospice for homeless people celebrates life with #DragBrunch

On September 16, a hospice for homeless people with late stage HIV/AIDS called Joseph’s House held a drag show in Adams Morgan. Drag queens performed and community members gathered around to celebrate their community.

New Plan for D.C Homeless Youth

D.C. officials released the first-ever plan to decrease youth homelessness on May 22. The plan includes prevention and outreach efforts, increasing housing options and providing youth with mentors. The plan will provide shelter and a support systems for indivduals up to 24-years-old.

D.C.’s Former All-LGBTQ Gang Seeks to Pay It Forward

The new documentary “Check It,” directed by Dana Flor and Toby Oppenheimer, follows the rise of the first known all-LGBTQ gang.

Casa Ruby Learns to Pick Up and Move On After 3 Weeks of Violence

Casa Ruby, an LGBTQ youth community center and shelter in Washington, D.C. falls victim of a hate crime for the third time in two weeks.

Homeless LGBTQ Youth Remain Undercounted in the District

At Friendship Place’s annual Education and Advocacy symposium, attendees discussed LGBTQ homelessness and the lasting effects of adolescent hardships.

“Women’s Rights are Human Rights” Anthem Brings Many Voices to Washington

The day after the inauguration, the Women’s March on Washington brought 500,000 demonstrators to the National Mall to affirm women’s rights and for many, to protest the new Trump administration.

I’m With Her – Because She’s With Us

Hillary Clinton will defend racial equality and if elected, says lawyer and community activist Aileen Johnson.

D.C. Education Act First of Its Kind in U.S., Increases Focus on Suicide Prevention

The Youth Suicide Prevention and School Climate Survey Act of 2016 draws teacher focus to vulnerable student populations via new training programs that will begin October 2016.

Panel Calls for Action on LGBTQ Youth Homelessness in D.C.

The “Out of the Closet, Out of a Home” forum focused on youth homelessness, as 50% of homeless youth in DC identify as LGBTQ.

Has the World Gone Mad?

I have nothing against people that may be going through changes. I work at a gym. Our company does its best not to discriminate. We… Read more »

Homelessness and Hardship for LGBT Youth

When I was 12, my sister told my mother I was gay. I didn’t have the words to express I was transgender. My mom threw… Read more »

D.C.’s Invisible Youth Deserve to Be Seen

D.C. Mayor Muriel Bowser made news in January, announcing $50,000 in grant-funding to support adding more beds and supports to community-based providers serving lesbian, gay,… Read more »

Transgender Job Applicants Face Discrimination in the District

Consuella Lopez, business owner and hairstylist, loves her work. She loves the freedom to be herself, unapologetically. “If you don’t like it, fine. I’m tired… Read more »

I Agree to Disagree

There’s a segment of society that walks around feeling victimized and violated. They view America as a racist imperialist country. You can’t win with that… Read more »

Congressional Caucus Tackles LGBTQ Youth Homelessness

Alcee Hastings (D-FL) and Eddie Bernice Johnson (D-TX) hosted a briefing of the Congressional Homelessness Caucus on homeless lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender and questioning (LGBTQ)… Read more »

“What Are You?”: Finding a Place for Transgender Homeless People

Laze Ma coats her eyes with dark liner, adding a few sparkles for fun. She dabs her lips with plum gloss and picks out her… Read more »