This week PFLAG NYC Executive Director Drew Tagliabue and Board Chair Suzanne Ramos met with the Family Matters Subcommittee of the New York City Commission for Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Transgender and Questioning (LGBTQ) Runaway and Homeless Youth, which is charged with devising strategies to address the needs of LGBTQ youth before they run away, while they are in need of shelter and support, and, if possible, to help reunite youth with their families.

Many lesbian, gay, bisexual, and transgender youth face regular harassment and discrimination, and for many family is no shelter. LGBT youth are found in foster care, juvenile detention, and on the streets at much higher rates than their proportion of the population. Numerous studies have indicated that 25 to 50 percent of homeless youth are LGBT.

The New York City Commission for LGBTQ Runaway and Homeless Youth was created in October 2009 by Mayor Michael R. Bloomberg and operates under the direction of the Department of Youth & Community Development. The Family Matters Subcommittee looking into ways that homelessness among LGBTQ can be reduced by approaches that strengthen families and provide support and education to foster dialogue and increase understanding.

PFLAG NYC Helps Families Understand

A key aim of PFLAG NYC has always been to help keep families together when someone comes out as LGBT. Our support groups provide information and peer counseling that can help parents and other relatives struggling when they find out. But youth most at risk of being thrown out or leaving home may come from families that won't be reached by support groups, so PFLAG NYC brings its programs into the community. PFLAG NYC believes it is critical to raise awareness early that five to ten percent of all children may grow up to be LGBT. The "Stay Close" Campaign helps people see that there are LGBT people in many, many families, and PFLAG is available to help. PFLAG NYC also speaks to PTA meetings, church groups, and other community organizations. Read more here and contact us if we can speak to your group.

Schools Are Critical

Schools must provide a safe and welcoming environment for all students, including those who are LGBT. When families aren't accepting, LGBT youth may find an understanding community and support from peers, teachers, and other school officials. This may be an essential "safe space" that helps them through troubles at home. PFLAG NYC's Safe Schools Program works with principals, teachers, and counselors to change the climate in schools for LGBT youth, to cut down on bullying, name-calling, and the misinformation, and to make schools an environment in which LGBT youth can succeed.

PFLAG NYC applauds the work of the Commission and the many youth services agencies working to improve the situation for LGBT runaway and homeless youth. We will be presenting to social workers working directly with youth in near future and continue developing ways to work together.

More Information on Critical Services

If you need information on organizations providing essential services to runaway and homeless youth in New York City, see the directory of resources on DYCD's website.