Did you know that people who identify as LGBTQIA+ are more likely to be victims of sex trafficking? Many LGBTQIA+ face rejection from their family members leading to being unhoused. A lack of adequate housing is one of the leading factors that can create a victim of sex trafficking. Of those that are homeless, nearly 40 percent identify as LGBTQIA+, which leads to the increased exploitation of this community. In fact, according to the Polaris Project, homeless LGBTQIA+ youth face 7.4 more acts of sexual violence compared to their heterosexual counterparts.
Being Homeless and identifying as LGBTQIA+ creates vulnerabilities that sex traffickers prey upon; lack of shelter, income, and support. Within 48 hours of being on the streets, 1 in 3 will have made contact with a sex trafficker. Oftentimes, the culprit will contest that they can help in their situation by providing basic necessities.
The intersection of being a homeless youth and identifying as LGBTQIA+ creates the environment that sex traders need to lure in victims. Researches at Loyola found nearly 56 percent of transgender individuals have been trafficked in a way. Those in the LGBTQIA+ community face hardships that may introduce them to the sex trade.
References:
Castile, Eliza. “Homeless LGBTQ Youth Are Disproportionately Affected by Sex Trafficking
& It's Evidence That Discrimination Is Far from Over.” Bustle, Bustle, 19 Apr.
affected-bysex-trafficking-its-evidence-that-discrimination-is-far-from-over-52232.
“How Your Community Can Stop the Trafficking of Homeless LGBTQ Youth.” Polaris, 6 May
trafficking-ofhomeless-lgbtq-youth/.
“Sex Trafficking of LGBT Youth.” Human Trafficking Search, Human Trafficking Search, 11
Nov. 2013, http://humantraffickingsearch.org/sex-trafficking-of-lgbt-youth/.
Here is a resource if you or someone you know is experiencing homelessness in the LGBTQIA+ community:
https://lalgbtcenter.org
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