LGBT+ Homelessness at Christmas
Ellen Jones

When David Cameron resigned as Prime Minister this year, he cited his legalisation of marriage equality as one of the highlights of his career. Whilst this might seem initially like a victory for the LGBT+ community - after all, the issue was hotly contested - under the Conservative government, many LGBT+ people, particularly young people, have been significantly worse off.
This Christmas, it is estimated that almost 85,000 homeless young people will have nowhere to go. Of those, over a quarter are thought to be LGBT+. Some might doubt that gender or sexuality play a significant role in homelessness however the Albert Kennedy Trust report suggests that LGBT+ Homelessness is 69% of the time caused by parental rejection, 69% caused by abuse and 62% of the time it is caused by aggression or violence in the family. It is often unsafe for many LGBT+ people to stay at home and, with cuts to services and housing benefit which might otherwise have supported them, many become homeless.
Thankfully, there are charities such as The Albert Kennedy Trust which helps ensure young LGBT+ people are able to live in accepting, supportive and caring homes, provide a range of services and aim to provide tailored services in order those who would otherwise be homeless or living in hostile environments. Charities like the Albert Kennedy Trust are vital in ensuring that young LGBT+ people have safe places to go.
Although Christmas is often considered a time for family reunions, celebrations and joy, for a homeless LGBT+ this time of year might emphasise the feelings of rejection.
There is no point in denying LGBT+ homelessness is an increasing problem. Although legislative progress has been made in recent years, people are also coming out at younger ages than ever, which can leave them vulnerable, or in a hostile environment they did not anticipate. Furthermore, many young people will not use mainstream services for fear of homophobia or transphobia from other service users or even the service itself, leaving them with nowhere to go.
So, how can you help?
The Albert Kennedy Trust always needs donations - just £15 can provide a safe lodgings for a young LGBT+ person. If charities such as the Trust cannot afford to support young LGBT+ homelessness LGBT+, it can cause untold damage to young people who have done nothing wrong other than being themselves.
Moreover, we can campaign to ensure the government recognises and addresses the issue of LGBT+ homelessness in order that they take the best action to protect some of our most vulnerable young people.
This Christmas, it is estimated that almost 85,000 homeless young people will have nowhere to go. Of those, over a quarter are thought to be LGBT+. Some might doubt that gender or sexuality play a significant role in homelessness however the Albert Kennedy Trust report suggests that LGBT+ Homelessness is 69% of the time caused by parental rejection, 69% caused by abuse and 62% of the time it is caused by aggression or violence in the family. It is often unsafe for many LGBT+ people to stay at home and, with cuts to services and housing benefit which might otherwise have supported them, many become homeless.
Thankfully, there are charities such as The Albert Kennedy Trust which helps ensure young LGBT+ people are able to live in accepting, supportive and caring homes, provide a range of services and aim to provide tailored services in order those who would otherwise be homeless or living in hostile environments. Charities like the Albert Kennedy Trust are vital in ensuring that young LGBT+ people have safe places to go.
Although Christmas is often considered a time for family reunions, celebrations and joy, for a homeless LGBT+ this time of year might emphasise the feelings of rejection.
There is no point in denying LGBT+ homelessness is an increasing problem. Although legislative progress has been made in recent years, people are also coming out at younger ages than ever, which can leave them vulnerable, or in a hostile environment they did not anticipate. Furthermore, many young people will not use mainstream services for fear of homophobia or transphobia from other service users or even the service itself, leaving them with nowhere to go.
So, how can you help?
The Albert Kennedy Trust always needs donations - just £15 can provide a safe lodgings for a young LGBT+ person. If charities such as the Trust cannot afford to support young LGBT+ homelessness LGBT+, it can cause untold damage to young people who have done nothing wrong other than being themselves.
Moreover, we can campaign to ensure the government recognises and addresses the issue of LGBT+ homelessness in order that they take the best action to protect some of our most vulnerable young people.