Oscar winner Jamie Foxx has teamed up with Sir Elton John to raise awareness about the struggles facing homeless gay youths in Los Angeles.

The stars have taken part in a short public service announcement (Psa) for the L.A. Gay & Lesbian Center, an organisation which aims to help embattled boys and girls by providing them with shelter, medical care, counselling and job placement in a bid to get them back on their feet.

The film tells the story of a young man whose parents kick him out of their home after learning of his sexuality, leaving him to survive on the streets, where he is brutally raped, turns to drugs and is forced to prostitute himself to make money.

In the clip, Foxx says, "In most parts of the country, life is still enormously difficult for kids who are even perceived to be gay, lesbian, bisexual or transgendered."

John continues, "One of the most popular destinations for abandoned Lgbt youth is Los Angeles, where they hope their dreams might come true."

He goes on to address the fact that some of the homeless youths are forced to have sex in exchange for meals and a place to stay, while some face sexual abuse, adding, "(This) puts them at high risk for Hiv infection and physical abuse... this is not Ok."

Elton's partner David Furnish and actor James Woods also appear in the Psa.