Episode #14 - Doc (Part 1/2)

Doc came to Children of the Night at 16 years old. A gay teen and survivor of sexual abuse in the 1990s, he had already endured violence, rejection, and instability while trying to survive on the streets of Los Angeles.

Before finding Children of the Night, Doc lived in state-funded shelters where he faced anti-gay violence from other youth. He describes how any misstep—substance use, conflict, or rule-breaking—meant being immediately expelled, with no path back. With nowhere safe to go, he prostituted to survive.

Doc shares a moment that stayed with him for decades: arriving at Children of the Night in the only clothes he owned—soiled after fleeing violence and a hotel plumbing failure. Expecting judgment or dismissal, he instead received new clothing, toiletries, a private room, and a warm shower. Later that night, he found his original clothes freshly laundered and folded on his bed.

That moment represented something he had rarely experienced before: dignity.

In this episode, Doc reflects on how Children of the Night’s privately funded model allowed staff to offer second, third, and fourth chances—meeting youth where they were and showing them they mattered. Now nearing 50, Doc shares that he knows if he reached out today, Children of the Night would still show up for him.

Because once a child enters their care, they are always Dr. Lois Lee’s children.

Episode Highlights

• Coming to Children of the Night at 16
• Surviving anti-gay violence in state shelters
• Why state-funded shelters often allow only one chance
• The power of dignity in moments of crisis
• How private donations made long-term care possible
• Knowing support doesn’t expire—even decades later

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