Factors contributing to homelessness among LGB youths: A developmental milestone perspective

INTRODUCTION: Lesbian, gay, and bisexual (LGB) youths are at higher risk of homelessness than heterosexual youths, and homelessness is associated with poorer health. However, little is known about why some LGB youths become homeless and others do not. Using a developmental perspective, we compared homeless and non-homeless LGB youths on the initiation of various developmental milestones. METHOD: An ethnically diverse sample of 156 LGB youths (ages 14-21, 49% female) was recruited from LGB organizations in New York City. RESULTS: Of the youths, 48% reported a history of homelessness. Homeless youths initiated nearly all milestones of the coming-out process at significantly earlier ages than non-homeless youths (e.g., mean, M, first awareness of same-sex orientation = 10.9 years vs. 11.9 years; M same-sex activity = 13.8 vs. 15.2). Homeless and non-homeless youths did not differ on ages at puberty, first sexual abuse, and first disclosure of sexual orientation to others. Homeless youths initiated substance use at an significantly earlier age than non-homeless youths (e.g., M alcohol use = 14.0 vs. 14.8); substance use typically coincided or occurred after homelessness; and homeless youths endorsed using substances to cope with many more situations than did non-homeless youths. DISCUSSION: Although ages at initiating puberty, abuse, disclosure, and substance use do not contribute to homelessness, earlier coming-out experiences may contribute to subsequent homelessness. Thus, interventions to prevent homelessness need to target LGB youths very early in the coming-out process, providing them with the coping skills to manage their developing identities.