PRIDE & PREJUDICE: The Hidden Struggle of LGBTQ+ Homelessness | Pocketmags.com

COPIED
2 mins

PRIDE & PREJUDICE: The Hidden Struggle of LGBTQ+ Homelessness

In October and November, 1 in 10 individuals reaching out to Outhouse for support faced homelessness or were at risk of it.

A comprehensive EU-wide study, the EU LGBTI Survey II, carried out by the Fundamental Rights Agency, reveals that 24 percent of Irish LGBTQ+ individuals encounter housing difficulties, a percentage that rises sharply to 46 percent for trans and Intersex people. And alarming data places Ireland at the 23rd position out of 28 EU countries regarding housing challenges for LGBTQ+ individuals, positioning us among the worst EU states.

While there is extensive international research, official statistics in Ireland fail to capture the full scale of LGBTQ+ homelessness, as questions about sexual orientation and gender identity are not consistently included in initial assessments, and many LGBTQ+ people who are homeless never present to homeless services due to fear, stigma, or past experiences. The lack of consensus among homeless service providers on the scale of the impact of the homelessness problem for LGBTQ+ people in Ireland further complicates the issue, as revealed by research conducted by Focus Ireland and Belong To.

Conversations with members of the LGBTQ+ community who have experienced homelessness shed light on the pervasive feelings of shame and stigma. These emotions stem not only from their peers but also from within the homeless community itself, where they often face discrimination due to their LGBTQ+ identity. Fear of sleeping rough and apprehension about encountering discrimination in shelters compound the challenges faced by those seeking refuge.

Recognising the urgency of the matter, earlier this year Outhouse convened a multi-stakeholder group comprising LGBTQ+ organisations, homeless service providers, the HSE, and the Dublin Regional Homeless Executive. This group aims to establish dedicated emergency accommodation tailored to the unique and intersecting needs of LGBTQ+ individuals.

Significant progress has been achieved in the past year, culminating in drafting an initial service design. The next crucial step involves consulting with LGBTQ+ individuals who have firsthand experience with emergency accommodation and homeless services or are at risk of homelessness. This input is essential to ensuring the plans are comprehensive and fit for purpose.

The experiences shared by LGBTQ+ individuals paint a vivid picture of their daily challenges. Many have recounted stories of navigating the complexities of identity within the broader societal context and in the confines of emergency shelters. The struggle with shame and stigma is intensified by the fear of being ‘othered or outed’ due to their LGBTQ+ identity, perpetuating a cycle of isolation and vulnerability.

It is self-evident that addressing LGBTQ+ homelessness requires more than just providing shelter. It demands a nuanced understanding of the intersectionality of identities and experiences within the LGBTQ+ community. Outhouse’s commitment to inclusivity is reflected in the goal of dedicated emergency accommodation and the ongoing efforts to involve those directly affected by homelessness in the decision-making process.

If you have lived through homelessness and wish to contribute to shaping the design of dedicated emergency accommodation and homeless services for LGBTQ+ people, we invite you to reach out. Contact us at homelessness@outhouse.ie to share your insights and participate in this transformative initiative.

The path towards eradicating LGBTQ+ homelessness in Ireland is undoubtedly challenging. Still, it is through collaborative efforts and the amplification of individual voices that progress is possible, and we can create a dedicated, safe, fit-for-purpose, and responsive shelter and service for LGBTQ+ people.

This article appears in 381

Go to Page View
This article appears in...
381
Go to Page View
FROM THE TEAM
Welcome, dear reader, to the last issue of GCN magazine for 2023.
YEAR IN REVIEW
2023 was yet another fantastic year in the ongoing fight for LGBTQ+ rights across the world. Ethan Moser shares a month-by-month breakdown of GCN’s biggest news stories over an epic 365 days.
Inside SLM
In our ongoing coverage of the founding members of Ireland’s first Sexual Liberation Movement, which celebrates its 50th anniversary this year, we’ve focused on founding members who were instrumental in enacting meaningful change for Ireland’s LGBTQ+ community.
FUNDRAISING FOR THE FUTURE
Following on from our announcement of the new NXF strategy for the next three years, in this issue we are highlighting the Fundraising and Sustainability working group.
FIGHTING FIRSTS
2023 marks the 50th anniversary of the formation of the Sexual Liberation Movement, commonly recognised as the start of modern LGBTQ+ activism in Ireland. Since then, the country has experienced a seismic shift in the legal rights afforded to the LGBTQ+ community and the acceptance and visibility of queer culture.
From Crisis to Collective Strength
Following the horrific incident in Dublin on Thursday, November 23, our hearts are with those who have been attacked, their families, friends, the school community at Gaelscoil Choláiste Mhuire, witnesses, first responders, and anyone else who has been affected.
WELCOME TO THE MIDLANDS
Midlands LGBT+ Project is designed to support and provide spaces for LGBTQ+ adults in the Midlands. The fine folk involved share all the amazing services they have to offer the community and share what you can do to help keep the service running.
MAMMIES KNOW BEST
The wonderful people involved in the group Mammies For Trans Rights tell us the story of their foundation and why they do what they do for their children. After all, in their own words, “In our houses, they are not ‘trans kids’, they are simply, our kids.”
STAY MERRY AND SAFE: Minding our Sexual Health this Christmas and New Year
As the holiday season approaches, it’s vital not to overlook our sexual health.
THE EYES OF THE WORLD
After Hamas fighters launched an attack on Israel on October 7 this year, where more than 1,200 people were reported killed and around 240 others taken hostage, Israel unleashed an air and ground military campaign on Gaza, killing more than 17,000 Palestinian people (at the time of writing), according to figures shared by the Gaza Health Ministry. Now, the whole world is focused on what is happening in Palestine, with the issue of LGBTQ+ people often coming into the discussion.
THIS IS WHO I AM
At the recent Rainbow Ball, the fundraising night for the LGBTQ+ youth organisation Belong To, one brave young person took to the stage before those assembled. In words both empowering and heartbreaking, they told their story of coming out, proving the necessity of supporting our youth in every way we can. We share here their words.
The Glant
On November 14, 2023, Ireland’s longest-serving senator, David Norris, announced his retirement after 36 years of outstanding service. Known affectionately as the ‘Father of the Seanad’, the 79 year-old leaves behind a remarkable career, throughout which he broke new ground for the country’s LGBTQ+ community.
WHAT’S IN A NAME?
Younger members of Dublin’s LGBTQ+ community might assume that an institution like PantiBar has been around forever. However, the iconic pub only opened 16 years ago. That hasn’t stopped it becoming one of the most beloved go-to venues and hubs for members of the capital’s queer community.
A place of learning
For decades, college has been portrayed as a hotspot of new experiences, freedom of expression and a place to figure out who you are… along with attending classes every so often. But how accepting are colleges across Ireland of the LGBTQ+ community and how do queer people feel about expressing their identities on campus?
PRIDE & PREJUDICE: The Hidden Struggle of LGBTQ+ Homelessness
In October and November, 1 in 10 individuals reaching out to Outhouse for support faced homelessness or were at risk of it.
NAVIGATING QUEER SPACES
As an avid ally of the queer community, Aarya Bhutani has had the privilege of experiencing the dynamics of queer spaces in both Ireland and India. Moving to Dublin two years ago to pursue her master’s degree, she left her home country behind. She describes a journey that has been more than just academic, but a profound experience of personal growth
COLLECTION DAY
What is it about queer people and our collections? From Punko Pop figures to Barbies, Lego to action figurines, LGBTQ+ people have long been avid collectors of what many would deem mere toys. But is there a deeper meaning behind the things we save, the things we love? Chris Rooke talks to queer collectors while at the same time sharing his own tiny loves.
Directory
Listings Organisations Supports
Directory
Listings Organisations Supports
I DON’T WANT A LOT FOR CHRISTMAS…
For those who love it, it can seem that the whole year is just one big build up to Christmas. Yet for many LGBTQ+ people, it is far from a cause for celebration. Ethan Moser recounts his own experiences and takes a closer look at what the festive season can mean for queer people.
NOW, AND IN THE DAYS TO COME
We’ve had a busy year in LINC, marked by the completion of our strategic plan and the successful organisation of the first Queer Women’s National Sexual Health and Wellbeing conference – Q Con.
Looking for back issues?
Browse the Archive >

Previous Article Next Article
381
CONTENTS
Page 46
PAGE VIEW