<!--[if gte mso 9]> Normal 0 <![endif]-->In her foreward to the new anthology Kicked Out--by current and formerly homeless LGBTQ youth-- Judy Shepard (mother of Matthew Shepard) notes that a disproportionate percentage of the youth on America's streets are there in part because they identify as lesbian, gay or transgender.In this special episode of Outloud, Jacob Anderson-Minshall speaks with Kicked Out editor Sassafras Lowrey and four of the contributors to this powerful collection (Jenn, Tenzin, Ksen and Tommi). Hear first hand the painful and difficult experiences these kids face after they are forced from their homes because of ignorance or hate--and learn how little it can take to save a life. Longer versions of interviews with Tenzin, Ksen and Tommi are also available on our site at kboo.fm/outloud

For more information about the book visit kickedoutanthology.com. The site also has a reference section. Those in Portland Oregon can learn more about programs for homeless youth through these fine organizations: SMRYC, Outside In and the Circus Project (founded by Jenn Cohen, one of the show's guests and contributor to Kicked Out)

This program aired live during the Membership drive. It has been edited to remove most of the membership drive pitching, and may have some choppy transitions. We still want to encourage you to make a donation to KBOO, to support programs of this kind. You can do so by clicking on the tip jar on the website, or calling us at 503-232-8818.; Thank you for your continued support!