Kent homelessness charity reports LGBT youth are ‘neglected and overlooked’
Research published this week has reported that homeless LGBT youth have been “neglected and overlooked” by housing and homelessness providers.
24Dash reports the research, published by the charity Porchlight and the University of Kent, recommends on how housing providers can support the estimated 30% LGBT population of homeless youth.
Researcher Carin Tunaker said: “Talking openly about sexual orientation or gender identity and challenging homophobic language – for example, ‘that’s so gay’ – and abusive behaviour can make a huge difference in terms of the environment we provide and whether young people feel safe within our services.
“Displaying information such as posters and leaflets indicates that it is an LGBTQ-friendly space where people can be themselves without fear of stigmatisation.”
The report also highlights the need for better staff training in LGBT monitoring.
“Making homeless LGBTQ youth visible to housing and homelessness providers, and to the general public, is the first step in making a difference for a group that, so far, has been neglected and overlooked.”
