While experiencing homelessness, queer youth are subject to stereotyping, discrimination, and violence that affect their ability to achieve independent living and actualize goals. Lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, and queer (LGBTQ)-identified youth of color are at greater risk for homelessness when compared to heterosexual counterparts. This study explores lived experiences of queer-identified youth of color who are currently experiencing homelessness. Using photovoice methodology, a group of 4 participants drawn from an Atlanta-based service provider for LGBTQ youth were engaged in a series of focus groups to discuss meaningful photographic images and give voice to shared homelessness experiences. From their individual and collective narratives, three key themes were identified: becoming aware, managing inner struggles, and recognizing personal strengths. The participating youth marked the conclusion of the project by presenting to youth service practitioners a poster board display of photos that visually represented areas of concern and opportunities for ongoing advocacy to benefit this underserved and often misunderstood population. This study also reports on this poster board display and the outcomes identified by the participating young people for better supporting homeless LGBTQ young people.
Given that lesbian, gay, and bisexual (LGB) older adults face notable health disparities compared to their heterosexual counterparts, there is a need for understanding how LGB adults cope with health challenges in late life. The current study analyzes narratives from nine LGB adults age 65 and older living in an urban area in the Southeast U.S. Participants spoke of coping strategies related to health promotion behaviors, shifting perspectives of health and body, trusting in spirituality for comfort, and accepting the end of life. We discuss implications for social services professionals who work with older LGB adults and for future research.
Nondriving aging adults are at risk of experiencing mobility barriers that inhibit access to important community resources for managing health and wellbeing. This multimethod study explores bus transportation experiences of older adults who live in extended stay hotels and use faith-based organizations to access resources. Interviews from 17 nondriving older adults were analyzed for perspectives about using faith-based organizations and residents' experiences navigating to faith-based organizations through available bus transportation in their communities. Residents described both favorable and unfavorable experiences when reaching out for help from faith-based organizations. Although they report reliance on faith-based organizations for a variety of resources, residents were challenged by an ineffective bus system that interfered with resource accessibility. Suggestions for improving bus transit systems and providing alternative, aging-friendly transportation options are discussed.
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