Lesbian, gay, bisexual, and transgender (LGBT) youth are overrepresented in the homeless population. Research indicates that each year, hundreds of thousands of LGBT youth will experience homelessness. LGBT youth are not only overrepresented in homeless youth populations, but reports indicate that while living on the streets, LGBT youth are at great risk of physical and sexual exploitation. Unfortunately, many LGBT homeless youth resort to trading sex to meet their basic needs. Further, just trying to survive in street environments or with transitory and unstable housing can increase mental health problems and disabilities.

Without access to the residential stability, nurturance, and opportunities for positive youth development provided by homeless youth service providers, LGBT homeless youth are susceptible to further challenges as adults and continued violence and exploitation on the streets, and are at great risk of entering the juvenile or criminal justice system.