Risk factors of homelessness among sexual and gender minorities in the Southeastern U.S.

Abstract

ABSTRACTHomelessness disproportionately impacts sexual and gender minority (SGM) people, however, few studies have examined factors that predict homelessness among SGM adults. The present secondary analysis of a survey of SGM adults living in the Southeastern U.S. in 2016 (N = 427) assessed factors associated with report of past or current homelessness, which was endorsed by 17% of participants. Congruent with our hypotheses, past socioeconomic status (SES), current SES, mental health, and race were all significant predictors and accounted for 50.5% of variance in homelessness in this population. Discrimination and housing access difficulties did not account for a significant portion of variance over and above these factors. Factors contributing to poverty and psychological distress are needed to address housing disparities for SGM adults. Discrimination factors may have become more salient since 2016. Future research is warranted to better support SGM individuals, particularly those living in the South.KEYWORDS: Homelessnesshousing instabilitytransgenderrisk factorssexual and gender minorities Disclosure statementNo potential conflict of interest was reported by the author(s).Data availability statementData are available upon reasonable request made to the senior author.Additional informationFundingRyan E. Flinn is supported as a Scholar with the HIV/AIDS, Substance Abuse, and Trauma Training Program (HA-STTP), at the University of California, Los Angeles [grant number R25DA035692], and as a Scholar with the Lifespan/Brown Criminal Justice Research Training Program on HIV/AIDS, Substance Abuse, and Trauma Training Program [grant number R25DA037190].Notes on contributorsAmanda A. DraheimAmanda Draheim, Ph.D., is an assistant professor at Goucher College. She received her Ph.D. in clinical psychology from Georgia State University and she completed her clinical internship at Augusta University. She enjoys an ongoing collaboration with Dr. Stepleman's research team, focusing on LGBTQ+ health disparities.Matthew M. KridelDr. Matthew M. Kridel, Ph.D., is a licensed psychologist and Assistant Professor in the Department of Psychiatry and Health Behavior at Augusta University. He received his PhD in Clinical/Counseling Psychology from the University of South Alabama. He is a mental health professional with passion for and experience in resolving health disparities through equitable clinical practice, education, and advocacy.Ryan E. FlinnRyan E. Flinn, Ph.D., is an Assistant Professor of Counseling Psychology at the University of North Dakota. They completed their Ph.D. in Counseling Psychology at New Mexico State University in 2021. Ryan's scholarship addresses the syndemic of trauma, substance misuse, justice system involvement, and HIV transmission. They currently serve as Principal Investigator of the SAMHSA-funded Mountain Plains Addiction Technology Transfer Center (HHS Region 8) and the SAMHSA-funded Opioid Response Network (HHS Region 8).Naganavya RavooriNaganavya Ravoori, MSPH is a fourth-year medical student at the Medical College of Georgia at Augusta University. During and prior to medical school, Navya has worked in several settings serving marginalized communities through various clinical and policy settings. Navya is committed to improving access to care and looks forward to doing so as a future primary care provider.Susan BrandsDr. Susan Brands is an Emergency Medicine Resident at Augusta University. She graduated with an M.D. from the Medical College of Georgia at Augusta University. Her research includes an emphasis on healthcare disparities in marginalized and underrepresented populations, specially the LGBTQ+ community as well as those facing homelessness and addiction.Cameron MosleyCameron Mosley, Ph.D., is a licensed psychologist working for Atlanta CBT, focusing her therapeutic work on children, adolescents, and young adults with anxiety-related, obsessive-compulsive related, and disruptive behavior disorders. As a psychologist, Dr. Mosley is passionate about improving access to quality mental health care.Christopher F. DrescherDr. Christopher F. Drescher, PhD is an Associate Professor in the Department of Psychiatry and Health Behavior at Augusta University and a licensed psychologist. He received his PhD in clinical psychology from the University of Mississippi. His publications span a range of topics; current research interests include positive youth development, LGBTQ mental health, Dialectical Behavior Therapy, and Acceptance and Commitment Therapy.Lara M. SteplemanLara M. Stepleman, Ph.D., is a professor in the Department of Psychiatry and Health Behavior at the Medical College of Georgia at Augusta University. She serves as the inaugural Associate Dean for Faculty Success and Inclusive Excellence. She has dedicated her career to working with underserved and marginalized populations in the Southeast.