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My Address: A Look at Gay Youth Homelessness | Episode 1

The first episode in a multi-part 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

For more information 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

139 Comments

A very powerful series

This story is right from what we are ALL called to do, regardless of our beliefs or spiritual slant. From the New Testament story of what we should expect to hear, upon arriving in Paradise:

For I was hungry and you gave me something to eat, I was thirsty and you gave me something to drink, I was a stranger and you invited me in,36I needed clothes and you clothed me, I was sick and you looked after me, I was in prison and you came to visit me.

Keep the Faith!
- Scribe

Never let any preacher tell you that you're a worthless sinner. www.sacredpauses.com

What a great project. Those

What a great project.
Those kids are wonderful, and I can't help but noticing how beautiful Kate is, inside and out.

not a rant this time

these people are amazing! kudos im glad even if i come out i have a place to stay i would so let them stay at my house!

Leisha And Kate

This video has made me think so much!

Im in the cloest because im scared of what my parents will say im sure my mother will be fine but although my father isnt homophobic i dont think he would want a daughter that likes girl! and it worries me! when ever i hear Leisha speak about it or when Alice says something about being gay it makes me soo proud! and this video and what kate says is the same these two are my heroes and i know they will have a big part in my comming out!

Gosh i dont want to come out in my school because im soo scared about the abuse and the dirty looks not Mention the Arrogant boys asking to watch!

Please can someone give me more advice i really need it im only a kid please!

thanks

Leisha And Kate

This video has made me think so much!

Im in the cloest because im scared of what my parents will say im sure my mother will be fine but although my father isnt homophobic i dont think he would want a daughter that likes girl! and it worries me! when ever i hear Leisha speak about it or when Alice says something about being gay it makes me soo proud! and this video and what kate says is the same these two are my heroes and i know they will have a big part in my comming out!

Gosh i dont want to come out in my school because im soo scared about the abuse and the dirty looks not Mention the Arrogant boys asking to watch!

Please can someone give me more advice i really need it im only a kid please!

thanks

POSSIBILITY

To: Kate Moennig,
I'm a writer, among many things, and your look at gay youth homelessnes has stricken a chord. I've been researching the epidemic as a background for a novel on the subject that I'm planning on writing. I was hoping that you might give me more information on the subject--more in-depth stories or at least a link to some. I'm sure you heard many discoures while doing your investigation. I would highly appreciate any assistance you are able to provide.
Maria Antonia

Kate you are my inspiration

Kate,you are my idol. I love you so much. You have helped me through and through by portraying the character of Shane on The L Word. Because of you I have come out of the closet and I dont let anyone get me down because of who I am. Thank you so much! I love you Kate!

oh my god!

wow...that`s soooooo beautiful!!! There`s a lot of "humans" on this f****** earth and you are one of them. You are amazing!

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Thank you Kate

I just saw this for the first time..and it absolutely warmed my heart to see you lend your name to such a worthy organization. My heart goes out to all the kids we see here..and to the countless others that are in the same situation.
They are all in my thoughts & prayers.

Hey all...

I just wanted to say to Kate, if you're reading this, you seem like an incredibly cool and amazing person! The people on the video also seem amazing. I mean, to live through homelessness and all the prejudice they must face...wow. They have got to be amazing to deal with all of that, and still be strong enough just to keep going and have hope that their situation might improve in time. I also wanted to know if anyone knew of anything I can do to help this cause? Email me at cbrocks36@hotmail.com if you hear of anything, thanks very much.

Hi!

I LOVE THAT PEOPLE CAN HELP OTHERS IN THERE OWN WAY. I WOULD LOVE TO HELP WITH THE LGBT TEAM IN ANYWAY THAT I CAN. I WOULD LIKE TO KNOW HOW CAN I HELP OUT?

ImSoPhly@yahoo.com < this is where you can reach me!

Bernadette

Comment take II

I'm sorry for the first comment, didn't mean to just leave my url.

Well... all I want to say is that it really touches my heart, how you care for those children, Kate. The world needs more people like you to change it into a better one!!!
I really really respect your work!!!

Mira

http://www.miracel.de.tt

i think its great..

That celebs help out i mean just because there famouse dosent cause them to become jerks..

Jesus F***** my unicorn in the neckhole!

hahahahahaha oh god. the

hahahahahaha oh god.
the kelka strikes again.

GREAT KATE...

C O N G R A T U L A T I O N S....that enough i think...KATE U R THE BEST...GREAT GREAT GREAT JOB....I DONT HAVE WORDS TO SAY HOW GREAT IS THAT U DO..AWSOME...KATE AWSOME GREAT BRAVO!!! I CLAP MY HANDS...LGBT community NEEDS THOSE PPL LIKE U TO MAKE US PROUD TO BE GAY...KISSESSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSS

touches me in so many ways..

i got kicked out of my mom's house about a year ago. i was so angry at the time that she kicked me out to where i didn't realize what i was getting into. all i thought about was the fact that i was standing up for who i was and my girlfriend. i didn't feel bad about getting kicked out, even though the reason was because of the fact that i had a girlfriend, and i wanted her to be around my family, but my mother didn't. there;s nothing like being homeless, it was january, and i had to use the the little money i had to take the bus where i needed to go. my fingers got so numb that i could barely do anything with them. i had no where to go. so eventually i went home. sometimes i feel horrible about going back. sometimes i feel like i should have stuck it out. it's a scary world out there. and i know i would have appreciated someone like kate coming in to talk to me. she is the most beautiful soul {{{conformity is poison to the soul}}}

homeless youth

i was a homeless lesbian youth. i lived on the streets in south central L.A. i hung out at San Julian park drinking night train with hobos, i went to hippie kitchen or the midnight mission to eat and i went up to hollywood to visit at the TEEN CANTEEN. teen canteen is or at least was an awesome resource for young homeless people on hollywood. i hope to god that they are still around. the biggest problem is that between the ages of 18-21 there little if any programs in place to help that sector of the homeless population. when i 'aged out" of youth programs i was let on my own. sleeping on the floor in the womens room at the greyhound station downtown with security gaurds who would kick you to wake you up and kick you out. or finding abandoned cars to crash in. dumpster diving if you had to go a few days without eating. whatever it took to survive. it is extremely hard to gain any footing once you become homeless. you cannot get a job when you dont an address or phone number to put on an application.

My Address Video Project

I think this is a great project. I'm lucky enough to have grown up with awesome parents and a safe home. When I came out, my Mom gave me a card that read. "You know we'll always love you, and thanks for finally telling us" :) I wish that my experience was the rule and not the exception.

Two things. I'd love a resource list, ie. Where I could find out more info., donate, volunteer etc. And I'd love to see this aired on Showtime to reach a wider audience.

Thanks for sharing this with us Kate, you rock,

Val

Amazing!

Thank you to the whole team on this project for bringing these lives into full view for us!

I would be jumping outta of my chair and screaming!

I love how the girl asks for a hug and the other says "she is so cute". Man, Katherine has all our attention!

-CKoneLUV-

ABSOLUTELY!!!!!!!!!, CKONELUV,SPOT ON!!!!!!!!!!

ABSOLUTELY!!!!!!!!!, CKONELUV, SPOT ON!!!!!!!!

Not only cool but...

...Ubercool. The whole team on this project rocks.

Great work

I believe that it is very important to educate people about the plight of GLBTQIAT-S youth. In Minneapolis there is a GLBT youth center called "District 202." I encourage you to go to that center and meet with the people there as well. Their courage, strength, hope, and beauty will amaze you and may provide another unique perspective for your project.

Can I help

I like what you are doing and although I don't have the fame and money that you do, I do live here in New York and know of alot gay teens that are struggling. All I do is give them advice and help them in anyway that i can. How can I help you with your project because I want to help. Thanks Wanda

You'll always have a friend in me whether near or far

KATE

YOU ARE SO INCREDIBLE TO BRING THIS ISSUE TO THE FORFRONT I MYSELF WAS A GAY HOMELESS ADULT 5 YRS AGO AND SO I DO UNDERSTAND HOW IT CAN BE FOR THESE KIDS-----HOW CAN I GET MORE INVOLVED IN THIS PROJECT?

incredible

Hey Kate,

I just admire your work and you get my highest acceptance for getting involved with such a brilliant project beside all
the work for the L-Word !! You are just fantastic !!
I hope you go on with that project and keepyour way up !
I look up to you.

SUPERB

It's really admirable what you're doing. It seems to me quite interesting, but unfortunately I can't understand it at all. Is there any possibility of reading in english subtitles?

Thanks and keep on being so lovely :-)

Faithfully,
Lipi

kudos

very nice
rytchez...
when can we see the next 1?
Kate is very sweet, very nice
lovin her more everyday!
such a good person!

x0x
convicted...

Great Job Kate!

Wow, I can't believe I cried a little after 4 minutes of watching this.
I'll be waiting for the next episode!

WOW

That was an amazing project that you shared with us. Thank you so much. This sort of issue needs more attention in the media, and I think vulnerable and at risk kids are much more important to focus on than empty headed megalomaniacs with more money than sense.

I'm doing (well almost finished) a research project on youth inclusive services with at risk young people, and it aims to listen to the voices of young people rather than authority figures. So this video REALLY helps me to get better perspectives.

Thanks again Kate you are an inspiration and someone I really admire and look up to.

Take care...

Laura x

When i'm good i'm very good, when I'm bad I'm better ;)

Wow!

First of all, I applaud all the crew and Kate for taking up this issue. It's not something that a lot of us think about, and utilizing the celebrity factor - if done right - can bring about eventual change.

It also is not too far from my mind that if my circumstances had been different, I would have ended up homeless as well. There were a couple of times in my life where I came close to it, most notably when I came out and lost most of my family and nearly all my friends.

So thank you to all who are working on this project. It's really going to strike a chord with a lot of people.

Thank You

I am so impressed and thankful for what you're doing. I have had many friends who were kicked out of their homes for coming out and bieng themselves, and I think that it's amazing that you are addressing this issue. All I can say is thank you and I hope more people take notice so a change can be brought about.

Peace,
Sara

kate.....

U r a good kid.

And...and ...and what else can u...can we do...to show our love...for u for them... for us...

Kate u r a good kid...help us to help them...to help us...to big them up..u up..us up.

BLINDED...I APOLOGIZE

that was absolutely eye opening...im sitting here like, damn, it's over?! i won't lie, this is an issue that i of course would naturally assume exists, but i honestly never thought of what it must be like for LGBTQ youth. me having had one of the best experiences "coming out" to my family that i have heard of ignorantly didn't even consider. this has opened my eyes to something i wasn't necessarily aware of...thank you for this. please continue all of your efforts to build, teach and help us all...

so inspiring

Its so great to see the amazing positive things that can come out of a show like the L word. fantastic

I want to help!!!

Dear Kate or anybody that is creating this!
I was.. still am these people. I was homeless and now I live in a 4 bedroom house with 9 somtimes 12 people. If there is anyway I can help with this project please let me know!
You can email me at anavrin_728@hotmail.com
Thank you
Cay

married_lez----I just viewed

married_lez----I just viewed the little series that you are doing with homeless or misplaced teens and I think that it is great that you are doing that. You have a really big heart to take the time out of your schedule to do something like that for those kids. If you ever come to Syracuse to do something like that I would like to know.

Hey Kate

wow. my eyes got a little wet. can't wait for next epsiode. :)

Elin

Kate you are my honey, kudos or serious props to you.

Kate you are my honey, you really are. Not just for this awesome project you are doing now, but, the whole Kate Moennig package that is you.

I have been your fan for over 2 years now, I met you at L2 last November in England, & that was the most WICKED COOL BLAST, the best of my life!!! Thank you so much Kate for putting yourself out there. I live in the North East of England about 70 miles south of the border of Scotland, I flew down to Heathrow for the event 'cos it was easier, & it was my very first time away on my own, I am one of your mature fans!, but I don't give a stuff about age. I love you too much to worry about such a trivial thing,!!lol.

I wanted to tell you Kate, that I lost my dog last November, after 5 years. It was right after L2, but he was getting frail anyway, he had turned 15 years old in the September. I was none the less gutted. I am getting used slowly to being without him, but it's hard & weird!

Kate, you are my No.1 girl, you are so real, genuine, honest, humble, gracious, ....GORGEOUS!!!! So HOT,.... there that's got the gush over with!!! Your pictures, of whoch I have tons!!, keep me going & cheer me up! I told you I thought you were gorgeoous at the convention & you were very gracious, full of humility. Thank you so much for that, Kate. You are so special. It was the BIGGEST kick ever to meet you, it was amazing, a bit surreal, after 2 years of being so into you & suddenly I'm standing next to you at the photoshoot!! WONDERFUL!!

Kate, I love you so much, I would love another connection with you, .....if only. I am on your Chart, & you are on mine, babes, but I couldn't send you a PM., which fair enough, you would be deluged. I DO HOPE you see this!!

Love you, oxoxoxo. Real name,..Diana or Di.

everybody seems to have met

everybody seems to have met kate exept me, boehoehoe
why am i stuck here in holland

Ho, hum...bah humbug.

Ho, hum...bah humbug. Neither have I. I'm in Detroit. *sigh* :(

it's a hard knock life for

it's a hard knock life for us.....

It's so Sad

You know, it's so sad what this government sweeps under the carpet, not only this issue but so many others. I'm really glad this documentary is bringing gay youth homelessness to light but I just wish it were being portrayed across other mediums as well. I find it a little unfortunate that it's only being displayed on such outlets as ourchart where most of its viewers are GLBT. Even though I think this is a wonderful opportunity for understanding a problem, acknowledgement needs to come from all outlets for change to occur. Wouldn't it be nice if this country would wake up and help each other? Kate and everyone involved, nice job.

Kate you rock!!!!!!!!!

Kate,

You're amazing absolutely amazing. This project that you've become a part of is truly inspiring and i'm touched by what these people are going through. If there's anything i can do to help while i'm over here in the States please someone let me know. I'm working near Boston as a soccer coach and will be here til Nov 15th so please let me know if there's anything i can do.
For someone like you Kate who is hugely respected and widely loved all over the world i think it's fantastic of you to step up to the plate and use your "fame" for want of a better word to be a voice for these people.
I love you both inside and out, you're a remarkable woman Kate and i'm glad that i've met you ( at L2 ) and look forward to meeting you again ( at L3 )
You Rock!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
Love and hugs,
Shaz
xoxox

My freakin' memory!!, DUH!!

My freakin' memory!! DUH!!

I meant to say also, I'm so glad that I met Kate at L2 also, & hoping to repeat my meeting at L3!! This beautiful chick is so grounded, sweet, humble, gracious, ......& yeah, ..GORGEOUS!!!!!

I ADORE KATE MOENNIG!!!! I really do, she is so special to me, so special.

SHAZUK!!! HEY!!!

SHAZUK!!! HEY!!! Good to see your post! Wow, oh man, girl,..you are so right!! Kate is remarkable with a HUGE HEART & SOUL. This projuect is dauting, because of what is happenning with these kids. Thans to Kate & her awesome, hardworking team, they now know that someone out there does care.

SHAZ., it's lovely of you to offer to try & help. If somone can put you in touch with one of these wonderful places & allow you to give them a hug, please give them a huge hug from me too will ya!!!?

Kudos & props to you, SHAZ!!

Totally OFF TOPIC but would like some feed back/support

So, last Thursday night I lost my best friend of 10 1/2 years. She was my closest friend who knew absolutely everything and spent almost every hour of the day with her. She was my dog...and I am utterly lost with out her. I've never felt such emptiness and depression before. Sunday I felt I could no longer live in the world. I hate that I've given in to medication, but I couldn't even function at work. What makes it worse...is her sister (our other dog). She has never lived life with out Nestle and it breaks my heart even more to see her so lost. I wish OurChart had a chat room and a basic message boards.

I know a lot of the ppl on the cast have dogs and seem to have a little bit of the same relationships with them (especially Ms. Beals), is there any thing to help any suggestions any something...please I don't think my heart can take much more...my life has no meaning right now...

I've also accepted a new job and start next week...I don't want it any more because there is too much change...I don't know what to do...like I said, I am soooo lost!

IN LOVING MEMORY OF
NESTLE NICOAL
8/2/96 - 4/19/07

Jeez, you poor soul.

Jeez, you poor soul. I am completely with you. I am on my Chart with my profile if want to connect with me, become a bud.? Entirely up to you. I lost my West Highland White Terrier, of 5 years, he was a "rescue" dog, "BARNEY", I lost him last November, so I can totally feel for you. Other than losing a best of friend of mine 6 years ago, she would have been 40 in the May & died at the beginning of the March. That scared the shit out of me & gutted me, now I have lost my little "rescue" mutt `Barney', TICOTICO12, please don't give up, life is too precious to start with. You are bound to feel empty, these losses of mine were personal to me & OMFG, it does make your heart cry. I'd feel for you if I had no losses `under my belt', but as I have, REALLY, God Bless you.

I mean it, if you want to connect with me on my Chart, then go into it,please.but try keep it together, huh? Yeah, you are right, most of the L girls have pets. Try putting a post under their podcasts or blogs so they may well see them when they next visit the site,yeah?

Best of luck to you, & lots of love, altho' I don't know you, fuck that, & as for being "off topic", fuck that too. I'm sure the OurChart folks will undrestand,lol.

I´M CRYING

DEAR ticotico12: I OWN A VET AND PET SHOP WITH MY WIFE, AND WE HAVE A THOUSAND DOGS AND CATS. TWO YEARS AGO WE LOST OUR BEAUTIFUL SOUL, OUR COCKER SPANIEL NAMED CACAU WITH 10 YEARS...WE WERE SO CONECTED! HE WAS SUCH AN ANGEL! I STILL CRY...AND I´LL NEVER BE WITHOUT HIM IN ME. I LOVE HIM VERY MUCH. I´M CRYING. I KNOW WHAT YOU´RE FELLING. I KNOW WHAT YOUR DOG´S SISTER IS FELLING. HELP HER, SHE´LL HELP YOU. DON´T BE SO SAD BECAUSE SHE WILL SUFFER. TRY TO OPEN YOUR HEART FOR ALL ANIMALS, THEY´RE ALL BEAUTIFUL SOULS, THEY ALL NEED US TO RESPECT THEM. HUMANKIND ARE SO SELFISH, WE EAT THEM! CONGRATUTATIONS FOR BEING LOVED BY SUCH A PURE SOUL. AND BE HAPPY FOR DESERVING THAT.