Portraits of NYC's Homeless LGBT Youth

The Huffington Post 's Carl Siciliano profiled a series of young LGBT people who are living on the streets of New York City, vying for a chance at the few available shelter beds.  An estimated 40% of the 3,800 homeless young people (13-18) in NYC identify as LGBT.  Many have been ejected from their home situation due to homophobia or misguided fears about their orientation "spreading" to other children.  Many turn to prostitution as a means of survival.  Some found temporary solace among the Occupy Wall Street protestors.  Despite their dire circumstances, many speak of future goals: education, legitimate work, a normal life.

If you are in a position to do so, please considering support of the Ali Forney Center, which provides services to at-risk LGBT youth in NYC, or The Church, a Saturday evening program at the Episcopal Church of St. Luke-in-the Fields, just off Christopher Street where many LGBT youth from NYC and NJ congregate.