Jacksonville's LGBT youth in crisis have people who help

[Shana A]

Jacksonville's LGBT youth in crisis have people who help
Agency helps teenagers find foster care, and deal with sexual orientation.

    * By Adam Aasen
    * Story updated at 11:28 AM on Tuesday, Oct. 6, 2009

http://jacksonville.com/news/metro/2009-10-06/story/jacksonvilles_lgbt_youth_in_crisis_have_people_who_help

In just four years, Jonathan Wilcox has been in 48 foster homes.

The 17-year-old is openly gay and sometimes likes to dress up like his female alter ego, Madame J. When his Baptist preacher grandmother didn't approve of his lifestyle, he entered the foster care system at age 13.

His short temper ensured his stays wouldn't last long, Wilcox said.

A kid at school might make a rude comment to him and he'd end up trading punches.

He'd get into an argument with a foster parent who didn't approve of him wearing a skirt.