However, people connected with both organizations have stressed to GLAAD that the needs of homeless youth far outpaces the capacity. Members of the lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, queer (LGBTQ) community are more likely to become homeless, and once homeless, more likely to endure. The initiative amplifies stories of LGBT people thriving in the South, ongoing discrimination, as well as the everyday indignities endured by LGBT people who simply wish to live the lives they love.įind out more about Lost-n-Found Youth in Atlanta at UPDATE: Another organization serving the needs of LGBT Youth in Atlanta is CHRIS Kids. GLAAD's Claire Pires interviewed Westbrook as part of GLAAD Southern Stories, which aims to elevate the experiences of LGBT people in six of the nation's southern states. Even though my personal story was extreme, I hope my experiences can continue the dialogue about GLBTQ youth homelessness and get people off the street by engaging the community." "Their quick response is proof that there is a safe place in Atlanta for youth like me to turn to for support. "Lost-n-Found was there for support from the earliest moments and they stepped in before I ever got to the first critical 48 hours of homelessness," said Pierce. Now Pierce is using the money to work with Lost-n-Found Youth to build a new shelter for LGBT homeless youth that will triple the capacity of the organization's current shelter. The event raised critical funds in support of GLAAD’s year-round work to rewrite the script for LGBT equality, featuring a special surprise appearance by football player Michael Sam.Īfter the video of Pierce coming out to his family-only to be verbally and physically attacked by them-went viral, he received nearly $100,000 in donations to help support him and keep him off the streets. GLAAD recognized Pierce at GLAAD Atlanta, a celebration of national and local leaders advancing LGBT equality through the media. Lesbian and gay men also reported higher levels of. His appointment is part of a larger effort to bring broad perspectives and skills to the organization's leadership. Bisexual women have a higher prevalence of rape, physical violence, and stalking than heterosexual women. Pierce is the first former client of Lost-n-Found Youth to join the organization's Board of Directors. Last month, GLAAD recognized the newest board member of Lost-n-Found Youth, Daniel Ashley Pierce, a 20-year-old gay man, who was the subject of a viral video showing the violent reaction of his family members after he came out to them. Lost-n-Found Youth is a non-profit organization providing temporary housing, job search assistance, counseling, and other services to homeless LGBT youth. This week, Rick Westbrook, co-founder and executive director of Lost-n-Found Youth, sat down on GLAAD's video series, GLAAD: All Access, to talk about taking in homeless LGBT youth for a living. Take a look at the story of the Lost-n-Found Youth organization in Atlanta, Georgia. All this week, GLAAD is sharing some of the stories behind the GLAAD Southern Stories campaign, which aims to tell the stories of LGBT people and their allies in the American South.