LGBTQ+ Homelessness in the UK: Housing, Inclusion, and Pride Month Action.
Pride Month is a time for celebration, remembrance, and action—a moment to recognise the resilience, diversity, and strength of the LGBTQ+ community. It’s also a time to reflect on the ongoing inequalities that still urgently need to be addressed. One of the most critical and under-recognised issues affecting LGBTQ+ people in the UK is homelessness.
Homelessness: More Than a Lack of Shelter
Homelessness is one of the most extreme forms of social exclusion. It impacts every aspect of life—physical and mental health, access to work and education, safety, and dignity. Under Article 25 of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights, everyone has the right to housing that is adequate, secure, and supportive of full participation in society.
Since 1977, UK law has defined homelessness as not just being roofless, but lacking a home that it is reasonable to occupy. And yet, far too many LGBTQ+ people remain at the sharp edge of housing insecurity.
Why LGBTQ+ Individuals Face Higher Housing Insecurity
Despite its importance, LGBTQ+ homelessness remains under-researched. What we do know is deeply concerning. Past studies have found that up to 24% of homeless young people identify as LGBTQ+—a disproportionate figure echoed internationally.
The recent UK LGBTQ+ Housing and Homelessness Survey (2022–23) has shed new light on the scale and nature of the issue:
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More than 1 in 4 LGBTQ+ people surveyed had experienced hidden homelessness, such as sofa surfing, staying with friends, or sleeping in unsafe or unstable conditions.
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Young LGBTQ+ people were particularly affected, with many reporting experiences of hidden homelessness that go unrecorded in official statistics.
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LGBTQ+ people are twice as likely to experience hidden homelessness compared to the rest of the population.
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LGBTQ+ individuals from racialised minorities were 50% more likely to face hidden homelessness than their white counterparts.
“It is especially difficult to find housemates if you are trans, which can affect housing options.” — Survey respondent
Worryingly, while many were at risk of losing their homes, most would not turn to the local authority for help. Trust in services is low—many fear discrimination, misgendering, or simply not being understood.
LGBTQ+ Housing and Homelessness Survey
What Can Be Done? Listening, Learning, and Acting
The same survey also pointed to ways we can do better. LGBTQ+ people are more likely to engage with services that are visibly inclusive, well-regarded by their community, and that clearly explain the process of getting support. Younger people and trans/non-binary individuals, in particular, valued specialist LGBTQ+ accommodation and services.
“I’m not myself trans, but trans people are under our umbrella—and if staff need training to treat them with dignity and respect, they should have it.” — Survey respondent
How Jimmy’s Is Making a Difference
At Jimmy’s Cambridge, we recognise the unique challenges LGBTQ+ people face in accessing safe housing. That’s why we’ve taken real steps to ensure our services are inclusive, respectful, and welcoming to all.
In October 2024, our staff took part in specialist LGBTQ+ inclusivity training. We’ve since implemented inclusive policies—like gender-neutral bathrooms, thoughtful room placements, and practices that centre respect for pronouns and identities.
We believe that everyone deserves not just a roof—but a place where they feel safe, seen, and supported.
Pride Is About Belonging
As we honour Pride Month, we also recommit ourselves to tackling the root causes of LGBTQ+ homelessness. It’s time for services across the UK to follow the lead of LGBTQ+ people themselves—to listen, to learn, and to design support systems that affirm, protect, and empower.
At Jimmy’s, we’re proud to be part of that change.
Let’s make sure every LGBTQ+ person knows: you belong, you matter, and you have a home here.
💜 Happy Pride Month from all of us at Jimmy’s! 💜