This is the final episode in our five-part series on gay youth homelessness.
Don't miss
Part 1,
Part 2,
Part 3,
Part 4, the special
Voguing slideshow, and our exclusive introductory sneak peek
slideshow of the documentary series.
CREDITS
MY ADDRESS: A Look At Gay Youth Homelessness
With Katherine Moennig
Director: Gigi Nicolas
Producer: Lindsay Webster
Editor: Carlos Almonte
Director of Photography: Vitaly Bokser
Second Camera: Hedia Maron
Location Audio: Joram Schwartz
Production Assistant: Tristan Cowen
Enormous thanks to the staff, board and young people of the Hetrick-Martin Institute who made this project a reality.
LEARN MORE
To support or learn more about the Hetrick-Martin Institute, check out their website:
http://www.hmi.org/
For more information on the state of gay youth homelessness, check out the 2006 report issued by the National Gay and Lesbian Task Force Policy Institute and the National Coalition for the Homeless:
http://www.thetaskforce.org/reports_and_research/homeless_youth
137 Comments
Riveting Documentary
Gigi and Kate,
What a devastating truth you reveal in this well done and riveting documentary. I just happened to stumble across this video without knowing what is was all about. When I finished viewing the final episode, I was left numb at the lack of resources provided for our gay youth. It is difficult for many adults who are openly gay in society, let alone when someone is that young and with no resources to get a start in the right direction - what a complete tragedy. I would really like to see this documentary get a wider viewership than just the OurChart viewers. I think it would be represented well on a program such as Frontline. I hope something is being pursued to get it the scope of viewership it deserves. Thank you for the hard work and passion you both obviously brought to the project.
Maybe Ilene would consider mentioning this facility on an episode of the final season to give it and the issue further exposure? Maybe Helena could do a tour of HMI in order to add it as a Peabody Foundation grant recipient.
And the young people featured were fantastic individuals, and what courage!
...
it made me cry...but is a reality..it's a shame they have all this crapy tv shows on air and they don't air this shows who reflect the reality of the world..
great job to kate, the kids, the hmi fundation and the producers..hats off to you
These series really got to
These series really got to me.. I'm from Europe, and I didn't know the US was neglecting GLBTQ rights like this. My heart goes out to those kids, and to everyone in the same situation, I can only hope things will get better. The HMI is doing a great job, and so were you, Kate, in case you might read this. I could see you were really touched, like most of us behind our screens I guess. Keep on showing the world -even through Shane- how hard life can be.
Love from Belgium
x
i've been really touched by
i've been really touched by the documentary, i truly wish people didn't have to go thru any of the sorts of existing discrimination. Why are we so ignorant as a race?
Im glad there're still a few human beings who worry about others... thank you =)
Thank you!
I just wanted to say thank you for doing this, I myself have been living with friends and what not. Those guys are awesome and are going to help change the world we live in. If i could say anything to them it would be that I look up to each one of them for being so Strong and Courageous.
eh? WTH? Where did it go???
Hey what happened to the links for the documentary:-( I do a fansite for Kate on Myspace and I noted they didnt work now, and I thought it was because they didn't want to link it elsewhere (which is odd because it gave a code), so I decided to put the links up for folks instead. But its out completely. Any idea when it will be up and running. If it starts running again, someone give me a shout out as i would love to at least get the links up in a blog for folks who do not navigate Ourchart well yet:-)
Thanks
Lori
Dear Kathrine M.
That is very heart touching, Had tears flowing down my face even till the end of that video, The video is so heart touching, Never thought that there was so many glbt homeless like that, Kathrine i just want to say you have a big loving heart, You are my Idol, You guys done awesome job!!! you are so gorgeous Take Care You!!!!!!! Your Friend Wendy
INSPIRATIONAL
This is without doubt one of the most moving and inspiring documentories I have seen.(was in tears especially at the end!)
A huge well done to the team..gigi and Kate moennig for taking the time to highlight the outrageous injustice and unfairness that so many young people experience.
I do hope and pray The people in this documentary continue to grow, shine and be fantastic role models out there in the wider world as well as in their own community...take the serenity prayer wherever u go.
'GOD,GRANT US THE SERENITY
TO ACCEPT THE THINGS I CANNOT CHANGE,
THE COURAGE TO CHANGE THE THINGS I CAN,
AND THE WISDON TO KNOW THE DIFFERENCE!'
I sincerely hope you all find much happiness and peace in your lives despite the difficulties you have faced.
I am involved with social services and have had alot of volunteering experience working alongside troubled young people,gays/ lesbians, homeless, drug users and people suffering with mental health. The scale of ignorance and apathy in society at large puts shame upon every person who turns a blind eye or judges another in the name of diversity. This MUST CHANGE !!
LIVE LOVE LEARN!
Kat xxxx
Grant Me Patience that take time...
Why is this topic on Ourchart ? I say that serenity prayer everyday. I am so grateful to see it here.
This weekend was really hard.
My mom was hospitalized again for " thinking of hurting herself.
I need to socialize more. thanks
Thank you!
After seeing all those video, i...speachless, its an amazing things that u guys(Kate, gigi, n others) doing with this great kid!! It really relief me that in other part of this world those kid can speak loud to the world who they are, and above of all they are proud being what they are, it needs courage.
I my self never had courage to speak who iam, i grown up in a moslem familly, and very strong culture,tradition also strong society. In here get out of the closet just like suicide, i've seen many gay male (there are no gay women who come out of the closet, )fail and destroy by society. They thrown away from their familly, leave in the street, bcome prostitute,street singer,(from one bus to another bus), humiliated, underestimated by society. There a few sucess stories of gay male but lot of fail stories. Once u show up as gay, you cant finish your school, not to mentioned to get a good job. People think they mentally disorder, sociaty disease and the sources of AIDS. Based on this , no gay women ever get out of closet or even just to talk about it. I burried all my willingness, my passion for 14 years. I have feelings for gal, when i was 14 years old, and i have to cover it till now (iam 28). It hurts to live in lie, pretend to like something that u dont and act what u r not want to, just to be called normall in society. But i never can get out of the closet, i love my familly to much, i cannot let them hurt just bcoz of me, i rather hurt my self than let them hurt. Eventhough it means i have to live for the rest of my life in lie. But still i thankfull that these kid can stand up for what they are, it makes me smile again. Thanks Kate and all u guys, it means a lot to me. And i hope it could inspire people around the world too. Thanks from deepest of my heart
those whole videos are sooo
those whole videos are sooo touching...and i really cant understand ppl who have hate 4 other ppl b/c of the colours of skin or the orientation....straight ..gay..bi....whatever everyones deserve to be happy and loved!!!
and i just wanna say that im really impressed by Kate she has big heart and .....Kate Ur My Idol!!!! U rocksssss
thank you
I don't understand how any parent wouldnt be so proud to be the parent of any one of these youth - they are so wonderful and inspiring and have so much to give to the world! their strength gives courage. thank you for making this documentary!
Heart warming
I absolutely love this series! Thank you guys so much for mustering up this amazing reality. I greatly enjoyed watching it and instead of going on about my experience watching this I will seize and end this comment with the fact that I am left wanting. Awesome job!!!
Acceptance
Austin P
After watching this show about the homeless youth, it touched my heart in many ways. One way though, was a bit of jealousy and anger. I guess because I was brought out of the closet by a teacher at my school. She found a letter written to me by another girl, and read it out loud to the class. Before I knew it, my parents were contacted by other angry parents wanting me out of the school. I was taken out and placed in a mental institution for 6 months. Once released and my parents found out I was still a lesbian out I went. I had no place to go, so I lived in my car. Going from friends homes, or just sleeping in some parking lot.
I guess what I am getting at is I just wish I would have had a place like these kids do now, to go to. I am happy to see that someone is finally helping. I just wonder how different it would have been. How much pain.
It's about time America and the rest of the world start taking care of our youth. Parents need to get outside of there ownselves and learn to love and take responsibility for there own. Kate, your doing a good thing here, don't give up!
that's true
This is just so true.
Thanks for showing not just the glamorous side
of being gay, but showing what it's like to be rejected for your personality,sexuality. Nobody should be judged on the way they feel.
the awesome Kate
Its really good to watch Kate take the time out to get to know these terrific kids. Its nice to see and hear some of the stories from these kids because it makes people better aware of what really goes on. Kate, not only do you have talent, but you have so much heart and compassion.
Such a worthy cause
Wow Kate,
Fab job, this really was an eye opener on something often overlooked. I sincerely hope that this has educated everyone who has watched it and encouraged them to support such groups. It makes me wonder what the situation is with LGBT youth here in the UK. Maybe you should do documentaries about LGBT homeless in other cities, would be interesting to see how the youngsters' experiences have differed geographically x
Hats off to you Kate!!!!!
It's nice to know that a character on TV such as you takes time out of her life to see teenagers. These teens lack love, attention and self-esteem. You brightenned up there lives. You are a gift to many. God will bless you. Thanks Kate.
You are truly a gift.
I watched this video, and tears fludded my eyes. I want to say thank you to every person who put this together and especially to Katherine Moennig because kids look up to you and you give them so much hope. I wish more celeberties would take an active part in issues such as these. It is truly magical how things get better by just letting someone know you care. So thank you! :] -Shawnessa
Learning something new
I only just came across these episodes and I've got to admit that I'm quite ashamed to say that like the rest of world, I didn't even realise that stuff like this was happening. I'm amazed by how strong these kids are, I'm 18 and I know that if put in the position that these kids are in then I would have such a hard time keeping positive like they do. I never realised how harsh people can be, the 'memorial wall' and the stories of people they have lost just because they are GLBT really shocked me and well, it just hit home at how cruel some people are to others just because they're not exactly the same as them. I'm still in the closet, not a fun place to be!, and these kids are sort of like an inspiration and a reminder that even though some people may not accept you, there's a group that will. Just to say thanks really to Gigi Nicolas, Katherine Moennig and the crew that opened my eyes to something that needs as much attention as other helpful organisations already get.
Lisa
Homeless Youth
This is such an important topic and we need more exposure! I have worked with the homeless population for over 8 years and I can’t tell you how many times I have run into homeless LGBT youth who feel completely lost and have been placed in inappropriate housing because there is no other place to put them. It is very difficult to be placed in a residence with people who do not understand you or relate to you because you’re gay. Not only do we need to have shelters that are specifically geared towards LGBT youth, but residential settings where they will feel comfortable and can focus on getting their lives back on track instead of spending their time protecting themselves against the harassment of ignorant hateful people. Thank you for bringing this issue to the forefront. Will this documentary ever be aired on mainstream channels?
omg
Omg Omg....OMg....oh kate...you are a so beautiful human! I love you everyday more and more, you are just gorgeous, and this world need more ppl like you!
kiss*
Amazing
I just came across this and all I can say is it was amazing. As a social worker who has worked with the homeless community, I think this was a beautiful representation of a community that is invisible to most. Thank you, thank you, thank you. I just want to tell each one of them that they are beautful and loved.
a message from down under
Kate, you never cease to amaze me. You've gotten off your arse to do something very important. I applaud you. Keep going strong. I'll certainly TRY to do as good a job as you do in my community in Sydney Australia. xxx
omg
my eyes are filled with tears...it really moved me...thank you for sharing this...God is good!
already more concerned
This is the first project that I have seen on Ourchart.I have been deeply moved by these peers,by the staff working on this project, and they give me immense confidence and hope about practical and realistic equality and understanding on LGBT issues and population in the future not long to come. Knowing that there are so many people who are not only understanding and accepting these kids but also rolling up their sleeves and getting down to earth by contributing and fighting and influencing the people around them makes me feel very optimistic about a truly equal society of freedom someday.There are people that care!Not just for political uses or a sense of "fun" or finacial interest of any kind.But for their beliefs and their senses of social and human responsibilities.That is to be highly praised of.
Thank you everyone for your concern,courage and love.As it is in Buddism, the good shall receive good.Blessings to everyone.
This is Why
OurChart will not fail. Thank you for bringing this. And for lacing the larger picture in with the little side shows. You're really like no other.
I want to get involved
Kate, opening, not only eyes and minds but also hearts to a community in need of it is more than words can express. To open your heart is a gift and to give your heart is a miracle that has the power to change lives. You have the gift of a miracle. For that, I am greatful and thankful. And I would love to get involved with you on this journey of a miracle.
† amg1281@gmail.com †
Respect..
Thank you for sharing and enligthen this problem Kate, Gigi and the rest of your crew.
Respect to you Kate for your actions.
amazing
i've just watched all... i cant believe how blind some people can be, parents shock me the most, and it really breaks my heart to see all this amazing human beings having to suffer for other peoples ignorance...
and about the god part, in my opinion : the bible was written by men which obviously knew nothing about him... in my heart i feel he is much better than what all the popes and churches say, otherwise he wouldn't be god :)
nice job kate
you're just amazing!! you're helping a lot of gay people!!
just love ya!! thx
ABSOLUTELY SHANE IS VERY
ABSOLUTELY SHANE IS VERY HUMANIST PERSON..
I LOVE HER VERY MUCH..
SHANE2
X
Thank You
This is an amazing documentary. Something that is long overdue. Glad to see it addressed on Our Chart. Nice work. Thank you Kate for being a part of this.
I really enjoyed watching,
I really enjoyed watching, thanks to all involved for putting this together and out there. My brother is a Foster Parent, I see all too often the Foster system fail those that they are there to serve. Every time I watch as my brother takes in a new child, and every time he sends the child away because "they're not the 'right' fit" for their family. I get so disgusted with him. He's more a part of the symptom, rather than a cure. I can't even imagine what it must be like to be without a home, a bed to sleep, or any source of stability, especially as a child! Thanks again to everyone involved for so bravely sharing their experiences!
shiver
this is so great.
Thank You!
Kate,
This project let many of us see the continuing problems in our world today. I live in a small town in South Carolina, the buckle of the Bible Belt. There are so many gay and lesbian people in our area that can't express their sexuality due to fear and others ignorance. Many of them become heavily involved in drugs and alcohol that only brings a halt to their future. I wish that there was an outlet for them to come together and see the positive impacts that they can have in this world and become the truly amazing individuals they have within themselves. That everyone can make an impact in this world that we live in, even if you're gay. Thank you for taking the time out of your life to see first hand how many gay and lesbian teens and adults live as you depict in your character on The L Word. I commend you for passion an inspiration.
To the Our Chart Editors
Dear OC Editors,
First and foremost, thank you so much for this site and for featuring Kate's documentary. After reading the comments here, I strongly suggest that the first message below the documentary credits be addressed not to those of us who want to help (as it is now) but to gay kids at risk.
The very first message should say something like "If you are a teenager with questions about coming out or if you just need to talk to someone who understands what you're going through, please know that there are people who are ready to help you. Please call ... "
The HRC must have support systems in place; I know there's a gay teenage suicide prevention hotline ... probably the best resource to find contact numbers and web sites to direct these kids to would be the good people at the Hetrick-Martin Institute.
Thanks again for all your good work,
Melanie
I just have seen all the
I just have seen all the videos for a couple of minutes and..wow. I feel very, really touched. And i admire them for being so strong and continuing to advance..i really admire them..
I'm not sure i would react the same as them, if i was in the same situation..they're...wow!
Now i wish i could tell my family i like girls lol..
[I wanna believe in life.
I wanna believe in truth.
I wanna believe in God.
I wanna believe in freedom.
I wanna believe in love, again...]
Once again...
Once again... bravo!
"Peeper" -- Alice Pieszecki, January 8, 2006
great but....
This was amazing but it did make me even more afraid to come out to my family because of the fear of living on the streets. But at least I know other people have dealt with it and some one like Kate and whoever else worked on this is there for help and support.
Dear Kate
Dear Kate,
I'm just catching up with this and, wow, words fail me; I'm sitting here with tears streaming down my face. This project was so soulfully designed and so beautifully executed. With this documentary you've brought a brilliant ray of hope to a heartbreakingly difficult problem.
I know that Shane's life is glamorized on The L Word (as you say) -- but still -- you're on TV week after week as an iconic heroic protagonist who survived the foster care system and then who survived running away and living on the street, who is troubled, yes, and conflicted, yes, but who is -- above all else -- imminently loveable. That is huge. Your work as Shane and on this documentary is such an incredible beacon of hope, strength and dignity for homeless gay kids.
Thank you; bless you; right on, right on, right on.
Love and light,
Melanie
Do Overs
Okay, oops, I know better than to post when I'm exhausted, but a couple days ago when I was totally sleep-deprived I said that Shane is above all else "imminently loveable." Which makes no sense. I meant eminently loveable. Since you know what loco foco means, you probably knew what I meant.
I stand by the rest of my post, though. Yep.
Be well, be brave, be brilliant,
Melanie
I had goosebumps the whole
I had goosebumps the whole way through this.
Great, great work.
Well Done
Thank you for showing this, it's so important. Hopefully more people will step up and volunteer to help.
Wise Investment!
I think that you've done a lot for yourself more than being a star. There are things that we do that may be deterrent to our souls evolution but what your giving to this people is one of the wisest investment. You've given a part of you. And that's rare, very spiritual. I wish that it will bring more balance to your life. Well prosperity and the other aspects of your life. In one of our talks what you've done is the last and the most challenging act. Making a difference to others. More power and wish to see you in person someday so that I can congratulate you and give you a hug. Just a motherly hug ok!
You Can Do Something!!
Let me first thank the kids, with them there will be a brighter tomorrow!! Then let me thank Kate for having the desire to help a portion of the community that is often without a voice. Lastly, let me encourage everyone to get involved in their local foster care program.
On the video, one of the staff members hit it on the mark when she spoke of witnessing the increase of potential in children. I’ve been extremely honored in witnessing this growth in various children ranging from 3 days to 17 years old. I understand the point of the documentary is helping GLBT youth, but a child is a child and they are all worthy of being loved.
Make a difference in soneone's life!
amazing.
I've watched this from the beginning and this has to be the most moving documentaries I've seen in a very long time. I want to thank everyone involved for doing this project. It has really touched me, as well as many others, this documentary is a real triumph.
Kate
Thank you so much for sharing this documentary with us. I know you made a difference in these young people's lives just simply by showing them that you care. :)
Odyssey - "An intellectual or spiritual quest."
Bravo
Everyone needs to hear I love you, especially from themselves.
Wonderful documentary. I hope there will be more to follow - on a variety of issues and perspectives.
Christine
wow
i don't what to say....
...................................
We start kissing and we can't stop kissing!