Peterson Toscano's A Musing

Homeless and Needy Queer Youth

Nearly once a month I get e-mails from Robin McHaelen, executive director of True Colors, asking help to house or care for queer youth, many of whom have been rejected by their parents or the social welfare system. People think that Connecticut is a bastion of liberalism with GSAs in every school and lots of support. Yet everyday queer youth experience rejection and oppression from their own familes and peers. Robin writes:

Youth looking for homes
S* is a 17 year old, transgender (MtF) youth living and going to school in Manchester. She and her younger brother J* are looking for a new home in the area so they can stay in the same school. They are not responsible for the loss of their current foster placement but have been living in a terrible situation for some time. The siblings believe that they will be able to live with their mom come summer and so may be a relatively short placement.

DI** is a 16 year old female in Hartford whose current placement is ending and who needs a safe place to be. She is a great kid without a lot of behavioral health needs looking for a loving home to grow up in.

Youth looking for a mentors
Sh** is 16 year old introspective black female living in a group home in Litchfield. She is an aspiring writer who loves to read and write poetry. She loves to talk about and process her emotions and has made enormous strides to who to overcome a violent family history. She strongly identifies with African American culture and is looking for someone who will share her interests and will listen. In her own words, she want to learn how to become a "powerful black lesbian".

Cl** lives in Plainfield. He has been waiting for a mentor for a long time. He is 16, has a supportive mother and aunt, but can't live at home because his mom doesn't accept his sexuality. He is shy, but beginning to open up on the yahoo group. There is no GSA or other supports in his area or school and he is very lonely and looking for connections.

If you live in the Hartford, CT area and can help, contact Kamora. If you live somewhere else, chances are there youth in similar situations right now who need you.

posted by Peterson Toscano @ 2:03 PM