Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual and Transgender Homelessness
Lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender (LGBT) people frequently experience significant problems with housing and homelessness.
Most housing providers do not monitor the sexuality of their clients and therefore do not have a clear idea of how many LGBT people are homelessness or how homelessness affects them.
Common difficulties encountered by LGBT people include
- being thrown out by parents because of their sexuality
- verbal and physical harassment inside and outside of the home
- older LGBT people being isolated or marginalised
- people in care or supported housing being ostracised
- homophobic harassment and abuse
- lack of provision for same sex survivors of domestic violence
It is thought that between five to seven percent of the population is LGBT. A study commissioned by Stonewall Housing in 2002 into homelessness amongst young LGBT people found that being lesbian or gay can in itself cause someone to become homeless, even when it is not a direct cause, a young persons sexuality can be a causal factor and that being LGBT can add to housing difficulties.
In 2005 Stonewall Housing working with Shelter produced guidance for the housing and homelessness sector to promote good practice in LGBT housing that highlighted the issues and identified best practice.
The Albert Kennedy Trust (AKT) works with housing providers to achieve consistent and sustainable better services for LGBT people through helping housing providers work towards an organisational change which encourages shifts in knowledge, values and culture, to understand the needs of LGBT clients and promote equality.
In the East London sub region local authority housing advice staff have received training from AKT in supporting and working with LGBT clients. The London Borough of Havering has achieved the AKT Quality Mark.
Presentation
- Sexual exclusion
PDF
Useful links
Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual and Transgender Domestic Abuse Forum - lgbtforum@gldvp.org.uk