Pride Month: Homelessness and LGBTQIA2S+ Folx
During Pride Month and year-round, Threshold CoC proudly stands with the LGBTQIA2S+ community.
Amid Pride, we acknowledge a harsh reality: LGBTQIA2S+ individuals are disproportionately affected by homelessness and housing insecurity. As we advocate for housing rights, it's important that we discuss this issue and continuously work towards meaningful solutions.
The statistics are easy alarming. Recent studies show that LGBTQIA2S+ youth make up a significant portion of the homeless population, accounting for up to 40% of unhoused young people in the US. This overrepresentation is not a coincidence, it’s a result of systemic factors such as discrimination and lack of inclusive support systems.
While the number of unhoused LGBTQIA2S+ youth is shocking, the circumstances are more straightforward. There are countless stories of young people leaving their homes due to a lack of support for their sexual orientation, gender identity, or expression. Without a supportive network to turn to, youth may be left vulnerable and unhoused, facing increased risks of violence, exploitation, and mental health challenges.
In addition to family and relationship factors, discrimination and stigma perpetuate housing insecurity among LGBTQIA2S+ individuals. Transgender and gender-nonconforming folx, in particular, often face significant roadblocks to accessing safe and affirming housing. Discriminatory practices, a lack of legal protections, and limited access to gender-affirming healthcare can also increase the risk of experiencing homelessness.
As an organization dedicated to homelessness prevention, we must elevate the experiences of LGBTQIA2S+ folx in our advocacy efforts. Here are some actionable steps we will take to address this pressing issue:
1. Advocate for Inclusive Policies: We must advocate for policies that protect LGBTQIA2S+ people from being treated unfairly when finding a place to live. This can include advocating for anti-discrimination laws, affordable housing, and funding for LGBTQIA2S+-specific support services.
2. Provide Inclusive Services: We must be inclusive and culturally competent in how we provide support. We will continuously learn from LGBTQIA2S+ folx to ensure our programs are welcoming to everyone and train staff on LGBTQIA2S+ issues and how to create safe spaces.
3. Collaborate with LGBTQIA2S+ Organizations: As the leader of the local CoC, we must continue to support and build partnerships with LGBTQIA2S+ community organizations in all three counties.
4. Raise Awareness: Education and awareness are key to challenging stereotypes and fostering understanding. We will continue to discuss the intersection of LGBTQIA2S+ rights and homelessness within our circles.
Addressing the disproportionate impact of homelessness and housing insecurity on LGBTQIA2S+ folx requires an approach rooted in compassion, equity, and justice. We reaffirm our commitment to inclusivity and stand in solidarity with the LGBTQIA2S+ community.
If you or a neighbor are facing housing instability, please connect with one of our Access Points. Our CoC’s network of resources helps prevent individuals and families from facing housing insecurity and gain access to safe, quality housing. If you are able, please support our work to make a direct impact in homelessness prevention.
Please follow us on Facebook, X, and LinkedInto stay connected and engage in our community’s collective response to housing insecurity in Douglas, Sarpy, and Pottawattamie Counties.