![]() When Sitzes was on the streets, they said it was a constant struggle to pivot based on the what essential need was most prevalent that day, and zig-zag different area’s rules on what was considered a “public space,” all so they could sleep for a night. “I just knew, and it was only through teaching myself that I found those models.” “I didn’t have examples (of queer identity) during that time, there weren’t cultural references like there are now … ‘Will & Grace’ was barely on TV,” Sitzes said. They were able to explore their identity mainly with the support of one teacher who didn’t push in any particular direction, but instead “gave the room to talk.” ![]() Sitzes knew from a young age that they were part of the LGBTQ+ community, and they started coming out of the closet, “slowly but surely,” in high school. A study from Lesley University shows that half of all teens get a negative reaction from their parents when they come out to them, and more than 1 in 4 are forced to leave their homes. LGBTQ+ have a 120% higher risk for homelessness and about 40% of youths experiencing homelessness are LGBTQ+, even though LGBTQ+ people only represent about 7% of the youth population. “The first response was ‘you have to leave my house,’” Sitzes told the OCJ.Ī bill passed by the Ohio House in June would compel Ohio educators to out children to their parent or guardian. In the late 1990s, Sitzes came out as queer, and with a parent who couldn’t handle the situation, they were forced out and lived on the streets of Columbus. The Ohio State University campus area is a home many teens choose as they transition to their burgeoning adulthood. The following article was originally published in the Ohio Capital Journal and published on under a content-sharing agreement.
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