Women’s History Month serves as a crucial time to recognize the often overlooked contributions of women throughout history while addressing persistent gender inequalities that continue to shape our society. This commemoration is particularly significant when examining how gender issues directly impact vulnerable populations like homeless youth.
Women’s History Month illuminates the historical context of gender-based disparities that persist today. By understanding women’s struggles for equality, we gain insight into systemic issues that continue to affect young people experiencing homelessness.
For homeless youth, gender creates distinct challenges:
- Young women experiencing homelessness face disproportionate rates of sexual violence and exploitation, with studies showing they are more vulnerable to trafficking and survival sex.
- LGBTQ+ youth represent up to 40% of homeless youth populations while comprising only about 7% of the general youth population, often driven from homes by rejection of their gender identity or sexual orientation.
- Young mothers experiencing homelessness face unique barriers to education, employment, and housing stability while carrying caregiving responsibilities.
- Transgender and gender non-conforming youth encounter heightened discrimination in shelters, healthcare settings, and support services, frequently being misgendered or denied appropriate accommodations.
Supporting gender equality is essential not only as a matter of fundamental human rights but also as a practical approach to addressing homelessness effectively. When organizations embrace gender equity, they create spaces where all young people can access appropriate services, feel safe, and develop the resilience needed to achieve stability.
TGTHR’s beliefs around equity and inclusion exemplify this approach. TGTHR recognizes that addressing youth homelessness requires acknowledging and responding to the unique experiences of individuals across the gender spectrum. By centering equity and inclusion in their work, TGTHR creates environments where all young people are valued, respected, and empowered.
TGTHR’s commitment to equity means that services are accessible to all, regardless of gender identity or expression, creating pathways out of homelessness that honor each person’s full identity and dignity.
The intersection of gender issues and youth homelessness demonstrates why Women’s History Month remains relevant and why organizations like TGTHR that prioritize equity are essential in creating lasting solutions to homelessness among young people.
