Without A Home: The National Youth Homelessness Survey

2.4 LGBTQ2S Youth
Research on youth homelessness in Canada suggests that young people who are lesbian,
gay, bisexual, transgender, queer, and/or two-spirit (LGBTQ2S) are an overrepresented
population (Abramovich, 2013; Cochran et al., 2002; Gattis, 2009; Josephson & Wright,
2000). Depending on the study, the percentage who identify as LGBTQ2S has ranged
between 20-40%, but these statistics have always been based on smaller, communityspecific
research studies. It can be inferred that this overrepresentation is an outcome of
homophobia and transphobia in families, schools, and communities, making it difficult for
young people to remain at home. In spite of progress over recent decades, these forms of
discrimination continue to persist in Canada.
In our study, the percentage of young
people experiencing homelessness
who identify as LGBTQ2S is 29.5%.
Youth who are members of
racialized communities are less likely
to identify as LGBTQ2S (24.8%).
2.5 Indigenous Youth
It is well established that Indigenous Peoples, including First Nations, Métis, and Inuit
Peoples, are significantly overrepresented in the homeless population in virtually every
community in Canada. While Indigenous Peoples only make up 4.3% of the Canadian
population, they account for between 28-34% of the shelter population (ESDC, 2016). This
suggests that to address homelessness among Indigenous youth, we need to look at the
historical roots of this reality. The Truth and Reconciliation Commission (2015) identified that
First Nations, Métis, and Inuit Peoples have experienced historical, systematic, and ongoing
discrimination and cultural genocide. If we expect to develop comprehensive, culturally
appropriate solutions to homelessness among Indigenous youth, we need to heed the work
and calls to action of the Truth and Reconciliation Commission (TRC).
In our survey, 30.6% of the sample identified as Indigenous. There was higher Indigenous
representation in youth from Western provinces, including Saskatchewan (50%), Alberta
(52.6%), and British Columbia (43%), compared to central Canadian provinces such
as Ontario (21.5%) and Quebec (6.8%). The Atlantic provinces, compared to Western
provinces, also had lower Indigenous representation than Western provinces (21.9%).
Among study participants, 21% of Indigenous youth reported growning up in an
Indigenous community or on a reserve, although 6.7% reported they were unsure.
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