Queer Homeless

I was walking into a store the other day. It was a raining pretty hard. A guy standing off to the side trying to stay dry under the building's overhang. It looked like he had all of his worldly positions with him. I said hello to him and he sadly smiled back at me. He had the weight of the world on his shoulders with no place to go and no hope in sight. He was simply trying to survive. I gave him the few dollars I had for my purchase and he thanked me and looked like he was going to cry. Homeless people are all around us. We hear on the news about all of the people losing their homes through foreclosure. We do not hear about those who lose their homes through eviction. We do not hear about the people who are living with their friends, family or those living in their cars and tents. We do not hear enough about those who are evicted from mental institutions and hospitals because they appear to be no harm to themselves or others.

There is an alarming rate of Transgender homeless. It is hard enough for Trans folks to find work when times are good. Now, there are may Trans people on the street. To compound the issue, the numbers of homeless Transgender - Queer youth is exploding. PRNewswire reports "Foreclosure rates continue to rise, and more Americans are on the brink of homelessness every day. Unfortunately, members of the lesbian, gay, bisexual, and transgender community are at a higher risk for becoming homeless. Youth are particularly vulnerable. Some estimate that between 40%-60% of homeless youth are lesbian, gay, bisexual, or transgender."

We live in the richest country in the world. Billions are being thrown at irresponsible corporations, i.e. Bank of America, GM and AIG who continue to screw the American people. There is no excuse for anyone to be homeless or lack medical care. We elected President Obama with great hopes and then he flies Air Force One plus escorts over the Statue of Liberty for a photo op. Some might make the excuse he was not aware of the $328,835 publicity stunt. Ignorance is not an excuse. He was elected as Chief Executive of this Country. President Harry Truman said, "the buck stops here." There is absolutely no excuse for anyone to be homeless. We waste money and natural resources like there is no tomorrow. Tomorrow is here. Shame, shame on us!