Give Back to New York's Homeless Gays This Holiday Season

Are you out of the closet?

If yes, what's your coming out story? Mine was pretty amazing. I won't get into details, but let's just say that it involved a surprise You're Gay! party at my house, thrown by my parents, complete with a rainbow cake and 40 of my closest friends.

But, let's face it, my coming out story is rare. Many gays are lucky to have parents who have any sort of neutral/positive reaction to the fact that their children are gay.

And then, let's face reality: a lot of LGBT kids who come out (whether by choice or by revelation) end up literally thrown out of their homes. Sent packing to the street or a sibling's place or a friend's place, or any place. On their ass.

It's disgusting, but it's true.

I thank the universe every day for my lucky coming out situation, but I don't stop there. I CAN'T stop there.

My biggest pet project - the cause that takes the largest share of my heart and generosity - is housing for homeless gay youth. I give hundreds of dollars a year to organizations whose mission is to put a roof over the head of unlucky gays who lost their families and homes because of who they are.

So, if this holiday season has you feeling generous, allow me to direct you to a place to send your cash: The Ali Forney Center

This organization works every day to give homeless gay youth a place to live, learn, and grow. They are one of the greatest organizations I know of.

Because, yes, there may be many needs that many people have... but I truly believe we need a HOME before we can ask for anything else. When you sleep on the street and can't get something to eat, all of your other problems are just icing.

Consider sending a few dollars towards Ali Forney (the donation button is on the left side of their homepage). I know I will be.

Because everyone needs a place to call home. It's really that simple.

Justin Luke
BoiParty.com