Cast off by their families and discriminated against by law enforcement, LGBTQ+ youth are disproportionately affected by human trafficking, particularly sex trafficking. The Polaris Project found that LGBTQ+ people are some of the most likely to be trafficked.1
LGBTQ+ youth have distinct challenges that lead to increased vulnerability to traffickers.
An estimated 26% of LGBTQ+ adolescents are rejected by their families.1
Without family support, LGBTQ+ kids fend for themselves
Up to 40% of homeless youth identify as LGBTQ+. That means half of the youth living on the street are at heighted risk for trafficking. Some LGBTQ youth engage in “survival sex,” exchanging sexual acts for basic necessities like food and shelter. This can lead to further exploitation by traffickers.
How does this happen?
Family dynamics cause LGBTQ+ youth to run away
According to a 2021 survey by The Trevor Project, only 1 in 3 LGBTQ+ youths think their household is LGBTQ+ supportive. The other two-thirds of LGBTQ+ youth that are unhappy at home. Many receive hate or abuse from their own family members. Some see running away as their only option.
Family rejection leads to homelessness for LGBTQ+ youth
Many LGBTQ+ youth are rejected from their families due to their gender identity or sexual orientation. This situation often leads to homelessness. Without family support, LGBTQ youth often face financial instability, which making them more susceptible to traffickers who promise financial security or basic necessities.2
1 in 3 homeless teens are lured into some type of sex work within 48 hours of leaving home.3
Traffickers know how to engage LGBTQ+ youth
Traffickers know that LGBTQ+ youth frequently experience discrimination, bullying, and social stigma, which can lead to:
- Low self-esteem
- Social isolation
- Mental health challenges
- Increased vulnerability to exploitation
As a result, the traffickers befriend LGBTQ+ youth—exploiting the vulnerabilities of LGBTQ youth by:
- Offering a sense of family, love, or protection
- Promising acceptance and belonging
- Providing for basic needs
- Providing drugs
- Isolating them from friends or family members
LGBTQ+ homeless youth are 7.4 times more likely to experience acts of sexual violence than their heterosexual peers.4
LGBTQ+ youth face discrimination and social stigma
LGBTQ+ youth frequently experience discrimination, bullying, and social stigma, which can lead to:
- Low self-esteem
- Social isolation
- Mental health challenges
- Increased vulnerability to exploitation
Additionally, LGBTQ+ trafficking victims often face additional challenges in reporting their situations or seeking help due to:
- Fear of discrimination or prejudice from law enforcement or service providers.
- Lack of LGBTQ-affirming and inclusive support services.
- Worries that people won’t believe they are trafficked because of their sexual orientation or gender identity.
- There are aware of services in their area that are LGBTQ friendly.
This holiday season, GIVE THEM HOPE
Help individuals trapped in trafficking by providing the support they need. OUR Rescue is dedicated to ending sex trafficking and child exploitation, while helping survivors reclaim their lives and thrive on their healing journey. Together, we can make an impact. Donate today.
- Polaris. “Sex Trafficking and LGBTQ+ Youth.” https://polarisproject.org/resources/sex-trafficking-and-lgbtq-youth/ ↩︎
- The Trevor Project. National Survey on LGBTQ Youth Mental Health. https://www.thetrevorproject.org/survey-2021/. ↩︎
- The Exodus Road. “LGBTQ Youth: At Risk for Human Trafficking.” https://theexodusroad.com/lgbtq-youth-at-risk-for-sex-trafficking/ ↩︎
- Ohio Domestic Violence Network. “LGBTQIA+ young people at greater risk for human trafficking.” https://www.odvn.org/uncategorized/lgbtqia-young-people-at-greater-risk-for-human-trafficking/
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