Pride Month is a time of celebration, reflection, and advocacy for LGBTQ+ individuals. It’s also an opportunity to shed light on the challenges this community faces—challenges that often go unnoticed. Among the most pressing of these is the disproportionate impact of homelessness on LGBTQ+ individuals.
At The Gathering Place, we know that housing instability doesn’t exist in a vacuum. It intersects with systemic barriers and discrimination, creating unique challenges for LGBTQ+ individuals, particularly those who identify as gender-diverse.
Why LGBTQ+ People Face Higher Rates of Homelessness
LGBTQ+ individuals are significantly more likely to experience homelessness compared to their cisgender and heterosexual peers. Studies show that nearly 30% of gender-diverse people experience homelessness at some point in their lives—seven times the national average.
This disparity is rooted in systemic challenges:
Family Rejection: Many LGBTQ+ individuals, particularly youth, face rejection from their families, leaving them without the support system needed to maintain stable housing.
Discrimination: Employment and housing discrimination against LGBTQ+ individuals is pervasive, making it harder to secure income and safe shelter.
Identity Barriers: Policies requiring alignment between identity documents and assigned sex at birth exclude many from accessing public assistance programs and housing.
These issues are compounded for individuals who face multiple layers of marginalization, such as LGBTQ+ people of color or those living with disabilities.
What Homelessness Means for LGBTQ+ People
For LGBTQ+ individuals, homelessness isn’t just about lacking a roof over their heads. It’s about safety, stability, and dignity.
Safety Concerns: Many LGBTQ+ individuals avoid traditional shelters due to fear of harassment or violence.
Mental Health: Experiencing homelessness, coupled with rejection and discrimination, takes a heavy toll on mental health, increasing rates of anxiety, depression, and suicidal ideation.
How The Gathering Place is Making a Difference
At The Gathering Place, we are committed to creating a safe, inclusive environment where LGBTQ+ individuals can find stability and community. Through low-barrier, trauma-informed services, we address these challenges head-on:
Safe Spaces: Our shelters and programs are welcoming to all, ensuring that LGBTQ+ individuals feel seen, respected, and supported.
Essential Services: From meals and showers to clothing and mental health resources, we provide critical support that meets immediate needs.
Advocacy and Empowerment: We work to dismantle systemic barriers, helping LGBTQ+ members navigate housing systems, access public benefits, and build long-term stability.
How You Can Help
Your support can change lives. By donating to The Gathering Place, you help us provide life-saving services to LGBTQ+ individuals experiencing homelessness. Together, we can create a future where everyone has access to safe housing and the opportunity to thrive.
This Pride Month, we invite you to stand with us in solidarity. Let’s ensure that no one’s identity becomes a barrier to stability and safety.
