We found that LGBTQ+ people as a group prioritised two factors in deciding whether to approach services: whether the service had a good reputation for working with LGBTQ+ people (for instance, whether others had had a good experience) and whether they understood the practical steps needed (for instance, how to make an application).
However, we found some variation in this. For instance, provision of specialist LGBTQ+ homelessness accommodation tended to be important to younger people (those under 25) and trans, non-binary and agender people, as was provision of specialist LGBTQ+ services. Although trans, non-binary and agender respondents were laos rcs data relatively more likely to see it as helpful when services asked for pronouns, and where there was evidence of active trans, non-binary and agender inclusion (for instance, posters), all groups saw this as important. As one respondent put it:
“I am not myself trans but trans people are under our umbrella and if staff need training so as to treat them with dignity and respect they should have it.”
Next steps
We would love to hear your feedback. You can email us at the addresses below.
During July 2024 we will be conducting a consultation based on the report findings. We want to explore workable ways that homelessness services could be meaningfully improved for LGBTQ+ people. If you are an LGBTQ+ person, or work in housing or homelessness (whether for a local authority or third sector organisation) or with LGBTQ+ service users and/or communities, we would love to hear from you. Please sign up here.