Challenges Faced by Homeless Sexual Minorities: Comparison of
Gay, Lesbian, Bisexual, and Transgender Homeless Adolescents
with Their Heterosexual Counterparts Objectives. The goal of
this study was to identify differences between gay, lesbian,
bisexual, and transgender (GLBT) homeless youths and their
heterosexual counterparts in terms of physical and mental health
difficulties. (Authors) Methods. A sample of 84 GLBT adolescents
was matched in regard to age and self reported gender with 84
heterosexual adolescents. The 2 samples were compared on a
variety of psychosocial variables. Results. GLBT adolescents
left home more frequently, were victimized more often, used
highly addictive substances more frequently, had higher rates of
psychopathology, and had more sexual partners than heterosexual
adolescents. Conclusions. Homeless youths who identify
themselves as members of sexual minority groups are at increased
risk for negative outcomes. Recommendations for treatment
programs and implications for public heal