PurposeLesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, and queer (LGBTQ + ) youth are overly represented in the juvenile justice system, which stems from their structural vulnerability. LGBTQ + youths’ structural vulnerability, the societal criminalization of LGBTQ + individuals’ sexual and gender expression, and over-policing place these youth at greater risk of being charged with prostitution and related offenses. In turn, this study examines the relationship between youths’ gender identity, sexual orientation, structural vulnerability, and over-criminalization with the likelihood of being charged with prostitution or related charges, controlling for race/ethnicity and age. In doing so, the study offers insight to the mechanisms producing LGBTQ + youths’ structural vulnerability. MethodsThis study draws on the Criminalization of LGBQ/GNCT Youth data, which contains data on youth incarcerated in 46 of the 48 juvenile detention facilities in California in 2014 (N = 4,033). The data include information regarding youths’ sexuality, gender identity, race/ethnicity, child welfare system involvement, homelessness, and charges leading to detention. ResultsLGTBQ + youth had significantly higher odds of being incarcerated for prostitution and related charges than cisgender and straight youth. Experiencing family rejection and being detained more than once was significantly related to the odds of being incarcerated for prostitution and related charges. ConclusionLGBTQ + youth have significantly higher odds of being incarcerated for prostitution related offenses, which illuminates the nature of their structural vulnerability that place these youth at risk for justice involvement. Findings demonstrate a need for affirming LGBTQ + -specific services and improving the sexual orientation and gender identity and expression (SOGIE) data gathered in juvenile justice facilities.