Those of us who are LGBTQ+ are more likely to be pushed into homelessness. Find out more and how to access support.
All of us should have a safe, decent home. But pressures like low incomes and high rents put many of us under constant strain – which can build up and push us into homelessness.
Some of us face additional pressures because of who we are, which put us at greater risk of experiencing homelessness. Those of us who are LGBTQ+ are more likely to experience homelessness.
When we experience social disadvantages, rejection or discrimination because of who we are, we are less likely to have the resources we need to withstand the pressures that can push us into homelessness.
All of us have the right to a safe and decent home. That’s why it’s vital that our support systems work for and include everyone in society.
LGBTQ+ is an umbrella term for lesbian, gay, bi, trans, queer, questioning and ace people. All of us are defined by many things. There are many other aspects of our identities and lived experiences that can increase our risk of homelessness – such as our income, race, age and any time we’ve spent in institutions – including prison and the care system.
All of us need to be treated with decency – whatever our identity or background.
If you’re experiencing homelessness, Crisis can offer you expert help to find safe housing, an opportunity to gain new skills plus wellbeing and safety advice at our Skylight centres.
There are also specialist LGBTQ+ homelessness services that work across the UK:
Stonewall Housing are the leading national charity supporting LGBTQ+ people of all ages in the UK who are experiencing homelessness or living in an unsafe environment. They provide safe accommodation, housing advice, mental health advocacy and support for people fleeing domestic abuse. A self-referral form is available on the Stonewall Housing website.
akt is the leading charity for young LGBTQ+ people experiencing homelessness. Its aim is to work with young people facing hostile living environments due to their sexuality or gender identity. They offer online support services nationally as well as service centres in the north west, north east, Bristol and London which provide homes, mentoring, training and support for LGBTQ+ young people aged 16-25.
Micro Rainbow provides safe housing for lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, queer and intersex asylum seekers and refugees whilst they’re going through the asylum process. Their services are based in London, the West Midlands and the north-west. Find out more on the Micro Rainbow website. Or to discuss anything related to housing, you can contact their Housing Team on 020 3559 6490 or by email at housing@microrainbow.org.
“Crisis has made a big difference. It made me feel like I’m still part of a family. That I matter, my life matters, and I might be in a new culture and environment, but it doesn’t have to be the worst for me. Robert
If you work in the homelessness sector, Homeless Link have worked with partners such as the Outside Project and akt to develop guidance and resources for homelessness services supporting LGBTQ+ people.
Find out more on their website and download reports on supporting LGBTQ+ people and young trans people.
In 2022, Centre for Homelessness Impact launched a new report on Sexuality, gender identity and homelessness. This report brings together valuable insight on incidence, experience and evidence of homelessness among LGBTQ+ people.