LGBT Housing Project

A home is a place to relax; it's our own, private space, and a shelter from harm. For LGBT people who may already be facing discrimination and harassment in other aspects of their lives, their home can be even more important as a safe space.

So the fact that many LGBT tenants face homophobia and transphobia, and are sometimes subject to second class services is truly unacceptable. Hence the LGBT Housing Project; a collaboration led by the LGBT Centre for Health & Wellbeing and involving the Scottish Federation of Housing Associations and Stonewall Scotland.

Key to the project has been its community focus, and we would like to say a big thank you to everyone who kindly offered insight, knowledge and experience in the consultation process and focus groups. These contributions have been invaluable to the information and training provided by the project.

What does this mean to you?

From the input by Scottish LGBT people, five clear standards for housing providers were developed:

• Showing leadership on LGBT issues
• Tackling discrimination against LGBT employees
• LGBT housing applicants welcomed
• Services take account of LGBT people's needs and concerns
• Associations talk to LGBT people and groups

With training and advice provided, a number of the pilot Housing Associations are now working to meet these standards. So what should you expect from your housing provider?

• Zero tolerance of homophobia and transphobia, including violence, abusive language, graffiti and other abuse, from staff contractors and tenants
• Service providers take the needs of LGBT tenants, potential applicants and staff seriously and are prepared to listen and learn
• Allocation policies that take into account LGBT housing needs and issues
• A service that actively welcomes LGBT applications

If you would like to find out more, or if you think your housing association or council could learn a thing or two, download a copy of our housing report Safe and Secure.

For more information on the LGBT Housing Project, go to the LGBT Centre for Health & Wellbeing's website by clicking here.