The LGBTQIA+ community faces challenges every day, and finding safe housing is no exception.

There is an overrepresentation of LGBTQIA+ people experiencing homelessness across the UK, especially among young people.

They face societal challenges that increase the likelihood of homelessness and often lack the specialist support systems needed to help them back on their feet.

Rejection from family

For many people who come out as LGBTQIA+, their family is the first place they turn to for support. Sadly, deep-rooted prejudices often result in rejection, hostility, or even violence from family members. This is a major cause of homelessness for the LGBTQIA+ community, especially among young people, with 77% citing it as the main reason for their homelessness.

Discrimination and violence

Homelessness exposes LGBTQIA+ people to higher levels of discrimination, harassment, and violence. Hostels and other temporary housing options aren’t always properly equipped to address the unique needs of the LGBTQIA+ community, which can create an environment that is dangerous and unwelcoming.

Mental health challenges

The experience of homelessness is awful for anyone who lives through it. But, for LGBTQIA+ people, the added stigma and social isolation due to their sexual orientation or gender can make things even harder. Indeed, there are higher rates of mental health issues and substance abuse among LGBTQIA+ people who experience homelessness.

Limited access to LGBTQIA+ services

Accessing appropriate services that cater to the needs of LGBTQIA+ people can be extremely hard when experiencing homelessness. The UK's first LGBTQIA+ dedicated shelter only opened in 2019, despite the LGBTQIA+ community being disproportionately overrepresented within the homeless population. This lack of support compounds the struggles faced by LGBTQIA+ people, leaving them feeling invisible and neglected.

Intersectionality

For people of colour, with disability, or from lower socioeconomic statuses the experience of homelessness often means enduring overlapping forms of discrimination and bias. Intersectionality further restricts their access to safe and affirming spaces, exacerbating the cycle of homelessness, and perpetuating systemic injustice. 

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At Single Homeless Project, we believe that everyone deserves a safe, secure, and affordable place to call home.

That's why we stand united with the LGBTQIA+ community and strive to do more for our LGBTQIA+ clients and staff. This includes starting our Pride Network, which develops training, policies, and advises our staff and Board on how to best support LGBTQIA+ clients and staff so we can be the most inclusive organisation possible.