{"id":1493,"date":"2022-12-16T16:26:39","date_gmt":"2022-12-16T21:26:39","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/courses.lsa.umich.edu\/english-iui\/?p=1493"},"modified":"2022-12-16T16:27:25","modified_gmt":"2022-12-16T21:27:25","slug":"printing-press-news-andrew-keys","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/courses.lsa.umich.edu\/english-iui\/2022\/12\/16\/printing-press-news-andrew-keys\/","title":{"rendered":"Printing Press News- Andrew Keys"},"content":{"rendered":"\n

A false story on the sad narrative that many young adults must go through simply for being themselves to their parents. Andrew Keys is a made up character based on the events of many LGBTQ+ youth. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

By: Tiamo Shauya<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Who is Andrew Keys? <\/h2>\n\n\n\n

Andrew Keys is a 17 year old boy who is currently homeless. He grew up in a wealthy neighborhood to wealthy parents, and essentially got everything he asked for as a child. However, at age 16, Andrew came out as bisexual to his parents. They couldn’t accept this, thus prompting them to kick Andrew out of the house with nothing but the money he made from his summer job and the clothes on his back. Now at 17 years old, Andrew is still homeless, but the future is looking up for him. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

Throughout the course of his life, Andrew attended private elementary schools, middle schools, and high schools; however, upon coming out to his parents, they withdrew his enrollment from the school causing Andrew to have to drop out of the high school he attended. This saddened him, as he had high hopes of becoming a Nuclear Engineer just like his father. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

He was enrolled in the nearby public high school, but managing school work alongside being homeless and all the hardships that come with that was near impossible. So, unfortunately Andrew had to drop out yet again. Even while enrolled, he found it difficult to stay motivated since college was essentially off the table for him. He knew there was no way to pay for it, and his parents wouldn’t help him with it, so he figured it would be best to get a job. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

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This is an image of Andrew Keys taken by a journalist doing a piece on young adult homelessness. The author wrote a lot about homelessness in relation to LGBT youth, especially those of color. <\/p>\n<\/div><\/div>\n\n\n\n

Homelessness as a Teen- Mental Health <\/h2>\n\n\n\n

There are many difficulties associated with homelessness as an adult, let alone as a teenager. Besides the usual difficulties homeless individuals face, Andrew faces a great deal more. Teens and young adults are often more susceptible to various different types of mental health disorders and issues. Well, homelessness amplifies those issues, so for Andrew mental health is a much bigger issue. He struggles with depression, anxiety, and PTSD; however, he is unable to get the treatment and medication that he needs for it because he cannot afford it. Growing up, Andrew suffered from depression and anxiety, but with the help of his parents and therapist(s) he was able to get on the right path. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

The mental health of the homeless community is twice the rate of the United States. Since being homeless, Andrew’s mental health has declined far more than when he was living with his parents. This is because of the stress he faces on a daily basis as a homeless individual. This stress he faces is also in part due to the trauma caused by his parents. Andrew begged his parents to live with them and they simply would not agree to any of the terms that he provided. They wanted him out, and Andrew was left damaged. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

Homelessness as a Teen- Jobs<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

Andrew has been searching for a job for the last couple of months, but it is extremely difficult to get hired when you appear to be ‘unprofessional.’ Despite his best efforts, Andrew is unable to land most jobs because of the way he looks going into these interviews. He doesn’t really have access to clean clothes, a shower, or any of the amenities most people overlook. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

Currently, he is waiting to hear from a few different fast food restaurants as well as a few convenience stores, but without a reliable form of transportation, getting to his place of work would be difficult. Regardless of that, Andrew is determined to get a job and save some money in hopes of finding somewhere to live more permanently. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

Andrew Keys Submissions<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

Below are journals Andrew Key submitted to Printing Press News<\/em>. These entries are day-by-day run throughs of the difficulties and hardships Andrew must face everyday. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

It is currently December 19th, 2022, and I just woke up. Unfortunately, sleeping on park benches is no longer an option due to the harsh, anti-homeless infrastructure used in most major cities now. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

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These are the types of benches in most places. Types of architecture like this is what is known as hostile architecture, meaning it is designed with the intent of ensuring homeless individuals cannot sleep on them. These are the types of benches available in Andrew’s hometown.<\/p>\n<\/div><\/div>\n\n\n\n

I wake up trying desperately to collect all my gatherings, hopeful that nothing was stolen from me while I slept at night. After confirming all my belongings are mine, I begin the long and arduous walk to the food pantry nearest to me in order to get something to eat. Since becoming homeless, I have become more aware of the homeless pantries and shelters in my area. These are places I would have otherwise never known about. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

Finding new places to get food at has become my new favorite pastime. Instead of playing basketball with my friends like I used to, I now have to scavenge for food in order to eat. When I still lived at home, I would eat everything in my sight, now I am lucky to find anything in sight. Sometimes I will go days without eating, and at the end of the day, there is nothing I can do about it.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

The Next Day <\/p>December 20,2022<\/cite><\/blockquote>\n\n\n\n

It is getting closer and closer to the holiday season, and these times are scarier, especially as a young homeless man. As they creep up, so do crime rates, especially theft. The thought of losing all of my scarce belongings frightens me. I just recently got a new jacket from a shelter that had a program giving them out, and I was able to get a new, thick winter coat. I hate the cold, and so I was ecstatic to be able to get a jacket to keep me warm as the weather kept getting cold. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

It has been extremely difficult for me lately as I haven’t been able to get my hands on any alcohol. Before becoming homeless, I had only ever had sips of my parents wine at the dinner table, but since then, I have become a rather avid drinker. It isn’t something I’m proud of, but it is something that helps make the pain feel numb. It gets rid of all the PTSD, the stress, the depression, everything. I can just be Andrew Keys when I’m drunk, not another stereotype. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

Thankfully, a friend of mine was able to get his hands on some for me. It didn’t matter to me what it is, or what it would do to me, I just needed to stop feeling for a little. I needed to shut my surroundings out for a day. Before getting the bottle, I decided to try and get some money. I set up a station outside of the busiest downtown in my area. <\/strong>I am met with disappointment, as I get stares of disapproval, and nasty comments launched my way. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

You see, that is the issue with being young and homeless. People always assume you’re lazy, because “You’re young, you can find a job anywhere.” Now, while it is true that finding somewhere to work is easier as a young man, it is still extremely unlikely, as I show up to these interviews in tattered up clothing and unkept hair. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

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Andrew sits out on the street for hours before getting any money. People don’t know that he is trying to find a place to work but is having a difficult time doing so. While he sits trying desperately to collect at least a dollar for some food, he gets dirty looks from everyone around him. Some women hold their children near them trying to protect them from Andrew like he is some criminal. He is just a boy who got kicked out for all the wrong reasons. <\/p>\n<\/div><\/div>\n\n\n\n

I sit there until it gets dark, but I need some way of making money before I can get a job. I meet up with my friend when I get back to the part of the sidewalk I always sleep on. He hands me my bottle and I thank him profusely. I really needed this. I begin drinking, so this is probably going to have to stop here. When I drink, I forget about the world, and this “journal” or whatever I’m supposed to call it, is a constant reminder of how terrible the life I am currently living is. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

Some Time Later <\/p>December 21, 6:00 PM <\/cite><\/blockquote>\n\n\n\n

I essentially slept through the entire day. I woke up still hungover from last night, and I just don’t know how I am supposed to do anything when I feel like this. I have thrown up, I have blacked out. I just need to be Andrew again, so I will take anything I am offered at this point. No matter what it is and what it will do to me.As strange as it may seem, drinking makes me feel like I’m my old self again. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

I am out of alcohol though so that makes my day go by slower. (As though my day started out early.) While gathering my belongings, I see my friend, Jackson, who got me the alcohol from the night before. I run to catchup to him and ask him what he is up to. If I’m being honest, I just wanted more alcohol and didn’t care what I had to do to achieve that. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

Twenty seconds into our conversation, he immediately offers me something, but it isn’t alcohol. He tells me he got it from someone else, saying it is supposed to make me feel better than alcohol. I immediately grab it from his hand with no regard for what it is. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

We walked for a little, and I just don’t know what to say. I still have a splitting headache, and processing anything besides pleasantries has become difficult for me to do. When I was still in school, they taught us that after becoming so detached from reality for so long, homeless people generally stop caring about integrating back into the real world. I never really believed that, and now it is happening to me. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

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After writing this, Andrew and his friend decided to do some drugs. Like many young individuals thrown into homelessness, Andrew never did drugs or drank until he became homeless. Many young homeless individuals turn to drugs and alcohol as a way to cope with the stress and the fear that comes with homelessness. However, it generally backfires, as one of the leading causes of deaths amongst the homeless community is drug overdose. <\/p>\n<\/div><\/div>\n\n\n\n

Final Remarks <\/h2>\n\n\n\n

Unfortunately, Andrew, like many other teens on the streets has passed away. After taking that walk with his friend, he and his friend began using drugs together, and he died of an overdose. Drug overdose is a serious issue amongst the homeless population, in fact, around 24.2 percent of homeless individuals die from a drug overdose annually. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

Andrew’s family was informed, and they were filled with regret and guilt for kicking Andrew out. The sad truth is, many families regret kicking out their children when it is too late. This was the case for Andrew. While this story is based off of a fake character, many families and teens experience this. Teen homelessness has become more and more common, especially among teens of color and teens who come out to their parents. Change is happening, but not fast enough. Teens like Andrew are being thrown onto the streets everyday. Teens like Andrew don’t deserve to die. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

Sources Cited <\/h2>\n\n\n\n

Avocado, Laurie. \u201cAnti-Homeless Bench and Trash Receptacle | Laurie Avocado.\u201d Flickr<\/em>, https:\/\/www.flickr.com\/photos\/90809455@N00\/2528899062\/in\/photolist-4RtgzY-5Wq5up-5Wq6Aa-5Wq7uK-5Wq8tH-5Wq9xB-5WqayH-5Wqc12-5WqdEg-5WqeNp-5WqgAK-5WqjcF-5Wqk2r-5WuitE-5Wukbs-5WuwnN-5Wuy55-5WuyZq-5WuBLw-5WuCVf-5WuDXC-5WuFqS-5WuGfQ-6i5NFA-6MF491-6T5EPT-7Y6Rq. <\/a>Accessed 16 December 2022.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Dyan, Paula. \u201cHow does it feel to be homeless?\u201d Street Sense Media<\/em>, 1 October 2018, https:\/\/www.streetsensemedia.org\/article\/how-does-it-feel-to-be-homeless\/#.Y5Fbn-zMKqA.<\/a> Accessed 16 December 2022.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Fullerton, Carman. \u201cUnderstanding the Reality of Holiday-Related Crimes.\u201d HG.org<\/em>, https:\/\/www.hg.org\/legal-articles\/understanding-the-reality-of-holiday-related-crimes-49947.<\/a> Accessed 16 December 2022.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201cGroundcover Special Edition.\u201d groundcovernews.com<\/em>, GroundCover, 2021, https:\/\/groundcovernews.files.wordpress.com\/2022\/06\/gcn-winter-2021-special-edition.pdf.<\/a> Accessed 4 December 2022.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201cHealth and Homelessness.\u201d American Psychological Association<\/em>, https:\/\/www.apa.org\/pi\/ses\/resources\/publications\/homelessness-health.<\/a> Accessed 16 December 2022.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201cHomelessness for Unaccompanied Youth \u2013 MLPP.\u201d Michigan League for Public Policy<\/em>, https:\/\/mlpp.org\/homelessness-for-unaccompanied-youth\/. <\/a>Accessed 16 December 2022.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201cIllegal Drugs.\u201d Drug Free Kids Canada<\/em>, https:\/\/www.drugfreekidscanada.org\/drug-spotlights\/illegal-drugs\/.<\/a> Accessed 16 December 2022.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

McCormick, Erin. \u201c’Homelessness is lethal’: US deaths among those without housing are surging.\u201d The Guardian<\/em>, 7 February 2022, https:\/\/www.theguardian.com\/us-news\/2022\/feb\/07\/homelessness-is-lethal-deaths-have-risen-dramatically.<\/a> Accessed 16 December 2022.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Page, Michelle L. \u201cHomeless LGBT Youth: How We Can Fight Their Invisibility, Including Youth of Color.\u201d Juvenile Justice Information Exchange<\/em>, 22 April 2019, https:\/\/jjie.org\/2019\/04\/22\/homeless-lgbt-youth-how-we-can-fight-their-invisibility-including-youth-of-color\/.<\/a> Accessed 16 December 2022.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Raikes, Tricia. \u201cStaggering New Numbers on Youth Homelessness Demand Action.\u201d The Advocate<\/em>, 30 November 2017, https:\/\/www.advocate.com\/commentary\/2017\/11\/30\/staggering-new-numbers-youth-homelessness-demand-action. <\/a>Accessed 16 December 2022.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Robbins, Kayla. \u201cHow Much Do Panhandlers Actually Make?\u201d Invisible People<\/em>, 4 October 2019, https:\/\/invisiblepeople.tv\/how-much-do-panhandlers-actually-make\/.<\/a> Accessed 16 December 2022.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Saunders, Aliza. \u201cHomeless: Living with stress, and trying to live without it.\u201d Street Roots<\/em>, 3 May 2019, https:\/\/www.streetroots.org\/news\/2019\/05\/03\/homeless-living-stress-and-trying-live-without-it. <\/a>Accessed 16 December 2022.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201cYouth Experiencing Homelessness.\u201d American Youth Policy Forum<\/em>, https:\/\/www.aypf.org\/youth-populations\/homeless\/.<\/a> Accessed 16 December 2022.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201cYouth Topics – Homelessness and Housing.\u201d Youth.gov<\/em>, https:\/\/youth.gov\/youth-topics\/lgbtq-youth\/homelessness.<\/a> Accessed 16 December 2022.<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"

A false story on the sad narrative that many young adults must go through simply for being themselves to their parents. Andrew Keys is a made up character based on the events of many LGBTQ+ youth. By: Tiamo Shauya Who is Andrew Keys? Andrew Keys is a 17 year old boy who is currently homeless. Read More …<\/a><\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":4225,"featured_media":0,"comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"closed","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"_jetpack_memberships_contains_paid_content":false,"footnotes":""},"categories":[9],"tags":[],"class_list":["post-1493","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","hentry","category-fa22-illuminations"],"jetpack_featured_media_url":"","jetpack_sharing_enabled":true,"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/courses.lsa.umich.edu\/english-iui\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/1493","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/courses.lsa.umich.edu\/english-iui\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/courses.lsa.umich.edu\/english-iui\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/courses.lsa.umich.edu\/english-iui\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/4225"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/courses.lsa.umich.edu\/english-iui\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=1493"}],"version-history":[{"count":1,"href":"https:\/\/courses.lsa.umich.edu\/english-iui\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/1493\/revisions"}],"predecessor-version":[{"id":1608,"href":"https:\/\/courses.lsa.umich.edu\/english-iui\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/1493\/revisions\/1608"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/courses.lsa.umich.edu\/english-iui\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=1493"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/courses.lsa.umich.edu\/english-iui\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=1493"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/courses.lsa.umich.edu\/english-iui\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=1493"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}