Truth matters. Community matters. Your support makes both possible. LAist is one of the few places where news remains independent and free from political and corporate influence. Stand up for truth and for LAist. Make your year-end tax-deductible gift now.
This is an archival story that predates current editorial management.
This archival content was written, edited, and published prior to LAist's acquisition by its current owner, Southern California Public Radio ("SCPR"). Content, such as language choice and subject matter, in archival articles therefore may not align with SCPR's current editorial standards. To learn more about those standards and why we make this distinction, please click here.
Young, Gay & Homeless In Hollywood
Photo by Lucyrk in LA via LAist Featured Photos pool on Flickr
Photo by Lucyrk in LA via LAist Featured Photos pool on Flickr
According to a story in the LA Times, gay youths make up a "disproportionate share of the at least 4,200 people under 25 who are homeless on any given day" on L.A. County streets.
"A recent study found that 40% of the homeless youths in Hollywood, a gathering spot for these young people, identify themselves as gay, lesbian, bisexual or unsure of their sexual orientation. Five percent say they are transgender," reports the LA Times.
A Times reporter and photographer spent time with several gay homeless men in their 20s who, on the condition their identity be protected, openly discussed drug use, criminal activity, predators, police, family histories and disturbing details of life on LA's streets.
A man named Christopher told reporters that "on his first night without a roof over his head, he shared a drink with two men who took turns raping a girl who had passed out on the side of a highway," and soon began "selling his body on Santa Monica Boulevard to support a methamphetamine habit." Full story here.
You come to LAist because you want independent reporting and trustworthy local information. Our newsroom doesn’t answer to shareholders looking to turn a profit. Instead, we answer to you and our connected community. We are free to tell the full truth, to hold power to account without fear or favor, and to follow facts wherever they lead. Our only loyalty is to our audiences and our mission: to inform, engage, and strengthen our community.
Right now, LAist has lost $1.7M in annual funding due to Congress clawing back money already approved. The support we receive before year-end will determine how fully our newsroom can continue informing, serving, and strengthening Southern California.
If this story helped you today, please become a monthly member today to help sustain this mission. It just takes 1 minute to donate below.
Your tax-deductible donation keeps LAist independent and accessible to everyone.
Right now, LAist has lost $1.7M in annual funding due to Congress clawing back money already approved. The support we receive before year-end will determine how fully our newsroom can continue informing, serving, and strengthening Southern California.
If this story helped you today, please become a monthly member today to help sustain this mission. It just takes 1 minute to donate below.
Your tax-deductible donation keeps LAist independent and accessible to everyone.
Senior Vice President News, Editor in Chief
