LGBTIQ+ Homelessness: A Review of the Literature

Int J Environ Res Public Health. 2019 Jul 26;16(15):2677. doi: 10.3390/ijerph16152677.

Abstract

Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Transgender, Intersex, and Queer (LGBTIQ+) people's experiences of homelessness is an under-explored area of housing and homelessness studies, despite this group making up 20-40% of homeless populations. Despite this, much of the existing literature focuses on specific elements of LGBTIQ+ homelessness, and often does not consider the intersections of these elements, instead placing them into individual siloes. Our approach is an intersectional one; this paper identifies the key themes in the existing research, and analyses how these themes interact to reinforce the discrimination and stigma faced by LGBTIQ+ people who experience homelessness. This intersectional-systems thinking approach to LGBTIQ+ homelessness can be used to develop well-informed, culturally sensitive support programmes.

Keywords: LGBT; LGBTIQ+; discrimination; exclusion; homelessness; housing; intersectionality; queer.

Publication types

  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't
  • Review

MeSH terms

  • Female
  • Humans
  • Ill-Housed Persons / psychology*
  • Male
  • Prejudice
  • Sexual and Gender Minorities / psychology*
  • Sexuality / psychology*
  • Social Stigma