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Unstable Housing Among Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Questioning, and Other-Identifying (LGBQ+) Youth - National Youth Risk
Izraelle I McKinnon1, Kathleen H Krause1, Michelle Carman-McClanahan1
1Division of Adolescent and School Health, National Center for HIV, Viral Hepatitis, STD, and TB Prevention, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Atlanta, Georgia.
Purpose:
To examine differences in unstable housing and health-risk behaviors and experiences by sexual identity among U.S. high school students.
Methods:
Using data from the 2021 Youth Risk Behavior Survey, a nationally representative survey of U.S. high school students, we calculated prevalence estimates and prevalence ratios of unstable housing by sexual identity (lesbian, gay, bisexual, questioning, and other-identifying [LGBQ+] vs. heterosexual). Among students experiencing unstable housing, we calculated prevalence estimates and prevalence ratios by sexual identity for substance use, violence victimization, mental health, and suicidal behaviors.
Results:
LGBQ+ students were twice as likely to experience unstable housing, including sleeping in shelters or emergency housing, compared to heterosexual students. Among students experiencing unstable housing, LGBQ+ students were more likely to use substances and experience violence victimization, poor mental health, and suicide ideation and attempts.
Discussion:
LGBQ+ youth experience a disproportionate burden of unstable housing and related health-risk behaviors and experiences.
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