Finding safe shelter for LGBTQ youth

A 2021 National Survey on LGBTQ Youth Mental Health found that 28% of LGBTQ youth experienced homelessness or housing instability at some point in their lives — even though they represent less than 10% of the population. The impact of homelessness is far reaching. LGBTQ youth who experienced housing instability are more two-to-four times more likely to experience depression, anxiety and other mental health issues.

So what is being done to help LGBTQ youth find a safe place to sleep for the night in Nashville?

The nonprofit Nashville Launch Pad has been working since 2014 to address this issue. Last week, the group restarted its cold weather shelter for LGBTQ youth for the first time since the pandemic began.

In this episode, we'll hear from the executives from Nashville Launch Pad and from two community members about their experiences with homelessness.

First, we talk with the Nashville Scene's Kelsey Beyeler about her cover story on the school-to-prison pipeline.

Guests:

• Kelsey Beyeler, education reporter, Nashville Scene

• Imani Miles

• Andrea Mobley

• Amiee Sadler, vice president, Nashville Launch Pad

• H.G. Stovall, executive director, Nashville Launch Pad

Related episodes:

• The growth of LGBT-affirming churches

• What housing is ‘affordable’ for you?

• Bisexuality in Nashville

• Nashville’s growing need for affordable housing

• Celebrating Nashville’s LGBTQ+ community, past and present