Kicked Out for Coming Out: Stonewall Housing launches winter campaign

Stonewall Housing, which recently opened its second LGBTQ+ supported accommodation in Brighton, has launched a new winter campaign, Kicked Out for Coming Out, to raise awareness of the disproportionate housing insecurity faced by LGBTQ+ people and the stark reality that being open about who you are can still put your home at risk.

Founded in the 1980s, Stonewall Housing emerged at a time when countless LGBTQ+ people were being rejected by their families and forced out of their homes for coming out. More than four decades later, this reality persists. The organisation’s latest Impact Report reveals that family rejection remains the leading reason LGBTQ+ people seek its support today.

Coming out is often portrayed as a single moment, but for many LGBTQ+ people, it is a recurring experience throughout life - at home, at work, with landlords, in care settings and in community spaces. While some find acceptance and safety, others face homelessness, eviction, harassment or are pushed into unsafe or unstable housing.

The statistics paint a stark picture. Almost one in five LGBTQ+ people (18%) have experienced homelessness at some point in their lives. This rises to 25% among trans people and 28% among LGBTQ+ disabled people. Young LGBTQ+ people aged 18 to 25 are four times more likely to face homelessness than their non-LGBTQ+ peers. Many who do experience homelessness are less likely to seek support, and when they do, services often fail to meet their needs – particularly for trans individuals.

Behind these figures are thousands of personal stories. As part of Kicked Out for Coming Out, Stonewall Housing is sharing real-life case studies that show how sexuality and gender identity can make people uniquely vulnerable. These include Amira, a 34-year-old bisexual woman evicted after disclosing her sexuality; a 19-year-old gay man forced out of his family home; and an 18-year-old trans boy outed without consent. Scene Magazine will be publishing these stories in the coming weeks.

Claire Linacre-Hilton, Director of Development at Stonewall Housing, said:
“Too many LGBTQ+ people are still being pushed out of safe housing for being themselves. We see the fear and the fallout every day. Our work gives people safety and a real chance to rebuild.

"Right now, the funding landscape is tougher than ever and demand is soaring. We need more people standing with us so we can reach everyone who asks for help. A gift of three pounds per month can help keep someone safe and housed when they have nowhere else to turn.”

Stonewall Housing remains the only charity in the UK dedicated to supporting LGBTQ+ people of all ages experiencing homelessness or unsafe housing. It provides advice, advocacy, supported accommodation and life-saving specialist services.