2022-23 LGBTQ+ Housing and Homelessness Survey Final Report

The 2022–23 LGBTQ+ Housing and Homelessness Survey was conducted by Dr Edith England and Dr Neil Turnbull in collaboration with the UK Collaborative Centre for Housing Evidence. It investigated housing insecurity and homelessness among LGBTQ+ adults across the UK, through a nationally distributed survey of over 1100 participants. It considered frequency of homelessness, contributory factors, and potential solutions.

The study addresses an absence of large-scale, national data on LGBTQ+ housing experience. It was distinctive for considering homelessness across the lifespan, for adopting a working definition of homelessness that reflected that in UK law (so offering practice benefits) and detailed comparative data to allow comparative exploration of housing experiences across different demographics.

It found that homelessness and housing instability is widespread within LGBTQ+ communities, with nearly half of those responding reporting a form of homelessness during their lives. Participants reported multiple risk factors, including discrimination, financial insecurity and limited family and social support. Levels of trust in services were also found to be low overall, raising concerns over likelihood of seeking help if problems arose.

Overall, the study highlights the need for more inclusive housing policies, improved support services, and better data collection to ensure that LGBTQ+ people are effectively supported and protected from homelessness.