Although Roy Lee Spearman Jones 's personal story of homelessness is an indication of the utter failure of the American safety net to serve everyone, he never sounds bitter or angry, choosing to focus the piece on the need for change. Roy spent several nights sleeping behind the trashcans at his old high school - even contemplating sleeping inside one - but his tone stays upbeat. "Young, Gay, and Homeless" gives listeners a much needed face for youth homelessness in America, and Roy is able to flesh out his story vividly with interviews with customers at his job, his adopted family, and mentors. He is able to convey his complex personality by showing, not telling. Not once does Roy list off any personal traits or make any bold "I am" statements; he characterizes by using interviews to tell the story for him. This technique works because Roy narrates and interviews chronologically which builds the piece up by revealing small pieces of his personality as he matures from each adversity that faces him (problems with his mother, homelessness, school). I think Roy tackles the bigger picture point of the piece, the connection between gay youth and homelessness, well and creates a sense of urgency. After listening to the piece, I really wanted to take action and call my senator or do anything, which means that Roy's piece was extremely effective. Overall, I enjoyed and learned from this piece. Roy sounds like a wonderful person and he's a great example of a resilient, courageous, and intelligent person.