Casa Q

It is our mission to provide safe living options and services for lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, queer and questioning (LGBTQ) youth, and allies who are at risk of or experiencing homelessness. Allies are typically people who do not identify as LGBTQ, but support and fight to end the injustices that occur to those who do. A number of national studies have examined lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender and questioning (LGBTQ) youth who are experiencing homelessness. Based on this research, most national figures estimate that between 20% of 40% of all youth/teens experiencing homelessness are LGBTQ. This disproportionate rate is due to family rejection. The national Forty-to-None project, created by Cyndi Lauper, uses the name as they believe the 40% figure to be a realistic national rate. LGBTQ youth who are experiencing homelessness are at greater risk than other young people. Nearly 60% have been sexually victimized on the street, compared to 33% of straight homeless youth. LGBTQ young people are more than 7 times more likely to experience acts of sexual violence than straight homeless youth. They are also more likely to drop out of school and engage in “survival sex” in exchange for shelter — which makes them more vulnerable to pregnancy, HIV infection and other sexually-transmitted diseases. Almost 2/3 (65%) of LGBTQ youth who are experiencing homelessness have mental health issues including depression and anxiety. More than half (53%) have a history of alcohol or other substance use. Almost a third (31%) have dealt with domestic or partner abuse issues. Casa Q is here to help LGBTQ homeless youth in the greater Albuquerque metro area and throughout New Mexico.