According to a 2007 study by the National Gay and Lesbian Task Force (NGLTF), between 20 and 40 percent of the estimated 1.6 million homeless youth in the United States identify as lesbian, gay, bisexual, or transgender (LGBT) — highly disproportionate to their representation in the general population.

(The most common given estimate of LGBTs in the total population is 10 percent, based on sex researcher Alfred Kinsey’s statement in the 1940s that 10 percent of the men he surveyed were “predominantly homosexual.” However, Gary J. Gates, a demographer at the Williams Institute of UCLA School of Law, who specializes in studying the demographic and economic characteristics of the LGBT population, estimated in an April 2011 study that 3.5% of the adult population self-identifies as gay, lesbian, or bisexual, and 0.3% identity as transgender).

Why do LGBT youth become homeless? Here’s what the NGLTF report says:

In one study, 26 percent of gay teens who came out to their parents/guardians were told they must leave home; LGBT youth also leave home due to physical, sexual and emotional abuse. Homeless LGBT youth are more likely to: use drugs, participate in sex work, and attempt suicide. Also, LGBT youth report they are threatened, belittled and abused at shelters by staff as well as other residents.

And so: youth homelessness is an LGBT issue.  Which we suggest is a good reason for members of the LGBT communities of Fairbanks and Anchorage to join in two candlelight vigils for homeless youth taking place today and tomorrow.

(We’re also updating this post with information about vigils in other Alaska communities as we learn of them. See below.)

Fairbanks (Wednesday, November 9)

Every year in November, community members are invited to light a candle for homeless youth and shed a light on this serious issue. It is our greatest desire that lighting these candles will offer beacons of hope to the 500-800 youth currently living on the streets in the Fairbanks area.

The vigil will start at the Street Outreach and Advocacy Program (SOAP) located at 530 Seventh Ave., at 6 PM. and walk down Cushman Street to Airport Way and return to SOAP via Barnette Street. Speakers will include Mayor Cleworth. A reception will follow the Vigil at the Immaculate Conception Church, 115 N. Cushman St.

• Date/time: Wednesday, Nov 9, 4:30-7:30 PM
• Location: Street Outreach and Advocacy Program, 530 Seventh Ave., Fairbanks, AK(see map)
• Further info: see Facebook events page or contact Ashley Jewkes at 379-9913.

Anchorage (Thursday, November 10)

Join Covenant House Alaska for their Candlelight Vigil for homeless youth. We will be standing outside in a sign of solidarity for homeless kids who face the darkness of the streets alone. Please dress warmly and consider bringing a donation of an article of clothing to help our kids survive the long Alaskan winter: gloves, hats and jackets would be greatly appreciated.

So many kids on the streets are LGBTQ: can we show up to support them and the people who are there for them? Join us in lighting up the night for homeless youth. To volunteer: Sheila Parker 339.4406 or sparker@covenanthouseak.org.

• Date/time: Thursday, November 10, 6:00–9:00 PM
• Location: Covenant House Alaska, 609 F Street, Anchorage, AK (see map)
• Further info: see Facebook events page

Soldotna (Thursday, November 10)

Covenant House Alaska reports on its Facebook event wall: “There will be a vigil in Soldotna Thursday night at 6pm in Farnsworth Park off Birch Street. Contact Debbie at 262.5426 for more information.”