San Francisco: There's No Place Like Home

Thanks to the equality rights work of pioneers such as the politician and activist Harvey Milk, San Francisco has a reputation as the gay capital of the world. But as the city recovers from its 43rd gay Pride festival at the weekend, attended by more than 1.5 million people [sic], it must confront an uncomfortable issue. The streets through which about 200 colourful parades – from drag queens to the motorcycle-riding Dykes on Bikes – travelled, are also home to increasing numbers of gay homeless people, many of whom are exceptionally vulnerable to prejudice and violence.
Research produced by the Human Services Agency of San Francisco (SF-HSA) has revealed that 29 per cent of the city’s homeless population are from the lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender (LGBT) community. “Strawberry” is now living in a shelter but says his sexuality places him at risk.
“I feel that eyes are on me and they’re watching every move I make. Even in the shelter I’m confronted with being gay – it’s a really difficult situation.”

The Independent.

A depressing article - but is anyone surprised by this?
I wonder how many homeless queers there were back in Harvey Milk's day?
The media love "Trouble in paradise" and/or Declinism features like these.
And Fagburn has to ask the obvious question, why is a British newspaper running a story on LGBT homelessness in San Francisco, and not in London, Brighton, Glasgow, Manchester...