Homeless Youth Advocacy in Los Angeles - Madin Lopez's Journey from Foster Care to Community Leader

Mar 11

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In this powerful episode of Young People to the Front, a homeless youth podcast based in Los Angeles, we sit down with Madin Lopez, founder and executive director of Project Q. Their nonprofit focuses on empowering homeless LGBTQ+ youth of color through haircuts and community support in Los Angeles. Madin shares their personal journey from navigating the foster care system and experiencing homelessness to becoming a leading voice in youth advocacy.

Project Q's mission extends beyond providing haircuts; it represents a vital safe space in Los Angeles where marginalized youth experiencing homelessness can feel seen and celebrated. Through their homeless youth advocacy work, Madin educates parents, policymakers, and communities about LGBTQ+ issues while sharing powerful stories of resilience and the importance of supportive environments.

This episode explores the intersections of identity and social justice in Los Angeles, highlighting Madin's experience as a Black, queer individual driving systemic change. We discuss Project Q's expanding impact across the country, their advocacy for trans and reproductive rights, and their vision for transforming the foster care system to prevent youth homelessness.

Join us for this Los Angeles-focused discussion on youth homelessness, advocacy, and the transformative power of self-expression for LGBTQ+ youth.

Topics Discussed in the Episode + Resources To Go Deeper:

Madin's journey through foster care and how it shaped their mission.

New York Times Guest Essay: I Will Never Forget That I Could Have Lived With People Who Loved Me. Published Sept. 16, 2021

https://www.nytimes.com/2021/09/16/opinion/foster-care-children-us.html

The founding and mission of Project Q to empower LGBTQ+ youth.

The Barbershop Safe Haven: A Lifeline for Homeless Queer Youth

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1OMwKOKONKY

The above video was filmed at Project Q’s previous location. Project Q now shares a space with us! They also share as space with Connie Norman Transgender Empowerment on occasion as well.