3 Facts About LGBTQ+ Homelessness and Exploitation in Arizona
This episode’s theme: LGBTQ+ homelessness and trafficking.
According to a study conducted by Arizona State University (ASU), 40% of unhoused individuals who identify as LGBTQ+ have been exploited for labor or sex trafficking.?
Why is this community being targeted?
What can we do to identify risk factors and intercept them before they can take form?
In episode 31 of the McQuaid Mission, we're joined by producers Amy Schwabenlender, Executive Director for the Human Services Campus and Shana Ellis, Executive Director, ASU Action Nexus. We're also visited by Dominique Roe-Sepowitz, Associate Professor, ASU School of Social Work. Rob Podlogar, Chief Community Development & Engagement Officer, Valley Of The Sun United Way?and Tomás León, President, Equality of Health Foundation.?
Here are three things you need to know from the episode.
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Exploitation is Common Among Homeless LGBTQ+
In the survey conducted by ASU about 40% of respondents who identify as LGBTQ+ experienced some form of exploitation. Exploitation can be referred to as sex trafficking or labor exploitation. Over 12 % of respondents experienced both sex trafficking and labor exploitation. The average age of first sex trafficking experience is 16?years old.
Substance Abuse and Mental Health
A different study found that 20% of unhoused people can be classified as severely mentally ill. While 17% of people experiencing homelessness have a substance abuse disorder. There is often a "dual diagnosis," meaning a person has both a mental illness and a substance abuse problem. Cognitive impairment can make these individuals more vulnerable to exploitation.
Building Resilient Communities: Blue Zones
A new initiative is underway to transform nine underserved zip codes in South Phoenix into Blue Zones. Blue Zones are regions where residents have longer lifespans and healthier lifestyles. This is due to nine core commonalities these areas share. The program will operate under a "people support what they create" philosophy.
Watch episode 31 of the?McQuaid Mission.?