LGBT Youth Scotland wants to highlight the homelessness experiences of LGBT+ people to show there is a need for a new national strategy that considers them
Young LGBT+ people are being urged to share their experience of homelessness with a major charity in a bid to have their voices heard in a new national strategy to tackle the problem.
LGBT Youth Scotland is appealing for young people to come forward to help evidence the need to recognise the increased risk LGBT+ people face of becoming homeless.
The charity launched a Youth Commission on Homelessness and Housing, made up of 10 young people from across the country, following research conducted last year by the Albert Kennedy Trust which found that 24% of the homeless population identify as LGBT.
Despite this, the charity says LGBT+ people are rarely mentioned in housing and homelessness policies developed by local councils.
The specific issues and risks LGBT young people face are rarely mentioned in policy
The aim of the group is to gather case studies to highlight the experiences of LGBT young people young people age 16 and over who have lived experiences of homelessness at any point in the last five years.
This can include experience of rough sleeping, sofa surfing and staying in temporary accommodation, refuge or hostels.
It is particularly keen to hear from anyone who has experienced domestic abuse from a partner or ex-partner, or abuse or rejection from their family.
Janice Stevenson, development officer and domestic abuse support worker at LGBT Youth Scotland, said: “Despite knowing that discrimination plays a role in increasing the risk of LGBT people becoming homeless, the specific issues and risks LGBT young people face are rarely mentioned in policy.
“Our youth commissioners want to hear your stories to evidence the need for a national homelessness strategy for Scotland that recognises the role discrimination plays in increasing the risk of LGBT people becoming homeless.
“Housing and homelessness policy is currently developed and implemented by local authorities. A national strategy would help ensure that LGBT young people receive the most appropriate response from services when homeless and that prevention strategy include actions to reduce the causes of LGBT homelessness.”
The gathered stories and experiences will be highlighted in a final report, and displayed at an exhibition in spring 2017. All identities can be anonymised.
Those interested in taking part can contact Janice via email at [email protected].
