Growing up lesbian or gay is a difficult
time for anyone. All you see around you
is people's prejudice and countless
negative images. There are few positive
role models, no one you can turn to for
advice and no one you know who really
understands. Loneliness and depression
are all too common.
For
some
teenagers,
life is
even
more
difficult.
They
came
out, or
their parents found out they were gay,
and now they are homeless or living in an
abusive or hostile environment. Often
they have been totally rejected by their
families and friends. Those brave enough
to go to Social Services or homelessness
charities for help often face just as much
homophobia there as they did in their
own families.
Homophobia expresses itself in many
forms. Many teenagers are not believed if
they say they are lesbian or gay or it is
assumed to be a phase. Often
professionals are unwilling to work with
young people having sex against the law.
It can also be plain ignorance assuming
that lesbian and gay teenagers have no
special needs.
It was against this background that The
Albert Kennedy Trust was set up. In
1989, 16 year old Albert Kennedy fell to
his death from the top of a car park in
Manchester whilst trying to escape a car
load of queerbashers. Albert was a
runaway from a children's home in Salford
and was depressed. His short tragic life
had been filled with rejection and abuse.
For more advice on leaving home if you
are under 25 and describe yourself as a
young LGBT person you can contact:
The Albert Kennedy Trust
Tel: 020 7831 6562
Fax: 020 7405 6929
Email: london@akt.org.uk
www.akt.org.uk |
