24% of young homeless people in Dorset identify as LGBTQ+
Almost one in five LGBTQ+ people experience homelessness at some point
Efforts to prevent homelessness among the LGBTQ+ community have been ramped up across Bournemouth, Christchurch and Poole.
According to reports, almost one in five LGBTQ+ people experience homelessness at some point in their lives.
Bourne Free Co-Chair, Dawn Lewis told us the challenges many face:
“It could be that they don't have the support at home and don’t have a security blanket around them or to fall back on.
“We’ve also heard stories of people not knowing who they are yet or who they want to be and struggling to manage that so turn to alcoholism or drug use and then spiral out of control and end up rough sleeping or homeless.”
According to the Albert Kennedy Trust, more than three quarters of homeless LGBTQ+ people attribute ‘coming out to their parents’ as a factor in their homelessness.
Dawn said: “Many LGBTQ+ individuals, particularly youth, experience rejection from their families and communities, leading to a higher risk of homelessness.
It can be difficult to live at home when you don’t feel supported or you feel ostracized and not truly able to express yourself, that’s why people choose to make themselves homeless.”
Jack Cannon, Team Leader at St Mungo’s, added that that LGBTQ+ individuals, particularly transgender people, are at risk of violence.
He said: “Some may engage in sex work as a means of survival, increasing their vulnerability. Addressing these issues is vital in ensuring all LGBTQ+ individuals have access to safe, inclusive and supportive housing solutions.”
Research by Shelter Dorset also found that gay and lesbian people are twice as likely to be discriminated against when looking for a home, exacerbating the issues the community is facing.
Further discrimination and stigmatisation in employment is worsening the situation as LGBTQ+ individuals struggle to find and maintain stable living conditions.
Dawn added: “People should be able to go to work and feel just as safe and included as they do at home,
“Sadly, that's not always the case and even sarcastic or ‘funny’ comments could be really hurtful to someone, to the point where they no longer want to work there.”
Bournemouth, Christchurch and Poole’s homelessness partnership is now helping people in the community find a ‘safe place to call home’.
Kate Parker, Strategic Lead at Shelter Dorset, said: “This campaign will play a vital role in raising awareness and providing homelessness support to the LGBTQ+ community. We encourage anyone who is struggling to get help and advice as soon as they can.”