Founded in 1983, Stonewall Housing is the leading national charity supporting lesbian, gay, bisexual, trans and queer (LGBTQ+) people of all ages across the UK who are experiencing homelessness or living in unsafe environments.
Orwell proudly supports the LGBTQ+ Housing Pledge, showing our commitment to equality, inclusion, and safe housing for LGBTQ+ customers. We joined the pledge to empower LGBTQ+ customers to live authentically and feel comfortable sharing their needs, experiences, and identities within our communities.
To strengthen our understanding as colleagues, we recently welcomed Alexandra, Training Lead at Stonewall Housing, who delivered an insightful awareness session on LGBTQ+ experiences in housing to our Orwell colleagues.
This work aligns with our values, ensuring our colleagues reflect the diverse communities we serve. By doing so, we gain a deeper understanding of the challenges our customers face and are better equipped to support them through lived experience, empathy, and different perspectives.
The session covered LGBTQ+ terminology, challenges and lived realities as well as inclusive practices. It’s important to understand the language used within the LGBTQ+ community to address customers and colleagues in the correct and appropriate way.
Understanding the diversity of Stonewall Housing service users
- Over a quarter (27.8%) of Stonewall Housing service users are trans or gender nonconforming
- 8% of Stonewall Housing service users are black or from ethnic minority groups, highlighting the connection between discrimination and increased exposure to homeless
- 31% of Stonewall Housing service users are between the ages of 26-49
These statistics, taken from Stonewall Housing’s newest impact report, highlight the intersectional realities faced by Stonewall Housing service users, highlighting how gender identity, ethnicity, and age all shape experiences of discrimination and housing insecurity. Orwell as a housing provider, recognises that this insight is important for tailoring inclusive practices and ensuring that support services meet the needs of every individual.
Challenges LGBTQ+ people might face when accessing housing services
- Discrimination/ bulling
- Accessing housing in a private sector
- The fear of treated differently/ fear of not being offered services
- Hiding your true self
- Access to services E.g gender services
At Orwell, we actively work to reduce these barriers through our Equality, Diversity and Inclusion (EDI) strategy, ensuring that housing services are accessible, respectful, and supportive for everyone.
For more information about our commitment to equality, diversity, and inclusion, please visit: Equality, Diversity and Inclusion at Orwell | Orwell Housing
