The Ruth Ellis Center in Detroit deserves praise for fighting homelessness of LGBT teens, which is reaching epidemic proportions in the united States. It is estimated that 1,600 to 2,000 homeless teenagers are on the streets of Detroit every day, and experts estimte that LGBT youth comprise about a third of them.
Our cover story this week highlights what the impact a loving environment can have for youth, especially one that has been rejected by their family of origin.
It is frustrating, though, to read that the Ruth Ellis Center gets little to no help in its important mission from the City of Detroit. The Ruth Ellis Center is recognized across the nation as a model program; one that is well run, effective and focused. It is appreciated by everyone it seems, except the leadership of the city where it exists. For too long, the LGBT community of Detroit has had to tolerate silence from our city's leaders on the most important issues of our community. It is time – past time – for the City of Detroit to recognize the remarkable work done by the Ruth Ellis Center, and to speak out publicly in support of its LGBT youth.
It reminds us of the cowardice displayed in Lansing last week when the Michigan legislature cringed at the idea of passing legislation that would protect youth from bullying in the public schools, including LGBT youth. The legislature appeared bullied itself, into thinking it would be forced to pay a high political price if it supported legislation that included enumeration, or the list of protected categories. Instead, the Michigan House passed a weaker bill that appears to be in jeopardy in the Seante. No mainstream newspaper editorial page in Michigan wrote to support the Matt's Safe Schools Bill. One would ask, "Who can be FOR bullying?" The answer is, "The bullies themselves."
The Michigan chapter of the American Family Association launched an all-out assault on the bill, implying to legislators that it was a "stealth gay-rights" bill. They threatened, cajoled and pressured until they convinced enough legislators that enumeration was dangerous. We argue that bullying is dangerous, whether it happens in the school halls or the halls of government.
Our community, our allies and especially our elected political leaders have to begin standing up against the bullies in the far-right who believe that any protections for others means less safety for them. It is important that ALL youth be safe, regardless of who they are. We should be shouting from the rooftops that all children are precious, they all deserve the best future possible and that they all deserve to be safe, respected and valued.
Instead, our state legislators and our civic leaders in Detroit are silent and frightened.
But our youth are brave. The voices quoted in this week's story are strong, proud and determined, even against what feels like insurmountable odds. They have lost so much – their families, their support network and their homes. But at the Ruth Ellis Center they are finding all of that and more because they are not judged for being different. They are understood, listened to, helped, supported and encouraged.
All young people need and deserve to be treated that way. It should not be a rationed right – given out to only those who are deemed worthy.
We call on our elected officials to go to the Ruth Ellis Center and experience what it is like to be around these young people – people who are growing up despite huge obstacles. These leaders might learn something about courage and what it means to stand up against tough odds.
