How homelessness affects the LGBTQIA+ community

LGBTQ+ people are more likely to be affected by homelessness

There isn’t much information on LGBTQ+ homelessness in the UK. That’s because people often don’t share their sexual orientation or gender identity when seeking help. Many services don’t ask for this information, and some people are afraid to talk about it due to fear of discrimination. Also, different homelessness groups collect information in different ways, making it hard to get a clear picture.

However, what data we do have suggests LGBTQ+ people are more likely to experience pressures and discrimination that put them at risk of homelessness. According to research by the charity akt, 24% of young homeless people identify as LGBTQ+, and 77% of these individuals say they are homeless because of family rejection after coming out​. Similarly, LGBTQ+ rights charity Stonewall states that one in four trans people have experienced homelessness at some point in their lives.

Building inclusive communities

One of Social Bite’s values is ‘in it together.’ We treat everyone equally, no matter who they are or where they come from. Dignity, respect and kindness are always central to our work.

We know that there’s no ‘one-size fits all’ approach to life. Our goal is to empower people to find the tools they need to break the cycle of homelessness. We try to be sensitive to any past traumas someone might have experienced and tailor our support to fit each individual’s needs.

Everyone is welcome at our free food services, no questions asked. But we know that some people will be less likely to access the regular services because they’ve experienced discrimination elsewhere. So we recently introduced a LGBTQ+ sit-in supper in Edinburgh, to make our services even more inclusive and accessible. These monthly meals are a safe place for anyone who is LGBTQ+ and homeless to get together and to access support. We’ll explore how we could better support LGBTQ+ people experiencing homelessness in Glasgow and Aberdeen, too.

Supporting the LGBTQ+ community through our charity partners

Social Bite works with charities across the UK to help end homelessness in Scotland, London and beyond.

Llamau is a Welsh charity that works to end homelessness for young people and vulnerable women. Llamau run Ty Pride, the first LGBTQ+ specific supported living project in Wales, offering a safe and inclusive environment for people aged 16-25. This project provides tailored support to help LGBTQ+ youth navigate challenges. Llamau also actively campaigns to end LGBTQ+ youth homelessness in Wales, emphasising the higher risks faced by LGBTQ+ individuals.

In recent years, Social Bite has provided Llamau with grants to help fund their free food services, thanks to meal appeal fundraising campaigns with Just Eat and Mitchells & Butlers. The funding helps people like 20-year-old YP in North Wales, who began a life-changing journey with Ty Pride. Driven by a deep desire to be her authentic self, YP moved away from her family, who were struggling to accept her gender identity.

Joining Ty Pride transformed YP’s life. Embraced by peers and staff who celebrate her true self, she flourished. Her caring nature is evident in all her relationships, and she has been able to strengthen her connection with her mother.

If you’re seeking support

Pride month is a vibrant, joyous time, full of celebration. But it’s also an opportunity to reflect. If you’d like to find out more about our LGBTQ+ suppers, charity partners, or to seek support, please reach out via info@social-bite.co.uk.