Project Draft- Homelessness within the LGBTQ+ community.

28 Jan Project Draft- Homelessness within the LGBTQ+ community.

Posted at 20:11h in Journalism Project, Level 6 by Stanford

Homelessness within the LGBTQ+ community.

For my project, I will be highlighting the topic of homelessness within the LGBTQ+ community and delving in to why the topic is a major issue in today’s day and age. My aims is to make people more aware of the issue, show my audience what may be some of the main factors as why to people in the LGBTQ+ community find themselves in this situation and also try and offer some kind of help or advice to those who may need it. My intended target audience is people who may need help in similar situations, younger people aged between 16-30 and people from the LGBTQ+ community.

What I need to produce:
1x 2,700 word main article (highlighting the topic and introducing)
1x 1,000 written interview (case study, include expert interviews if need be)
2x 3 min video packages (case studies, include some of my expert interviews)
1x 3 min audio package (case studies, include expert interviewsd if need be)

What I have done so far:
Conducted research for the topic/my content
Started writing my main article
Conducted 2/4 of my case studies
Arranged the rest of my case studies and my expert interviews
Filmed my videos (unedited as of yet)

To do list:

Complete my interviews (Arranged) (All aware of the deadline so will be in good time)
Edit my video packages
Record my remaining 2 case studies – edit audio package after interview, write up written feature after interview
Finish my main article

Main article so far:
There are many people living out on the streets today and statistics from 2017 show that in England alone, an estimated 4751 individuals were sleeping rough with London representing around a quarter of England’s total rough sleepers. Rough sleepers were defined by the Rough Sleeping Statistics for Autumn 2017 (England) as people who were sleeping outside, in open air or in buildings and places not designed for habitation (such as car parks, sheds and stations) and did not include those in hostels, shelters, campsites or other sites used for recreational purposes. There are limitations to the statistics provided by Ministry of Housing, Communities and Local Government as the demographic in relation to these statistics do not offer information regarding people’s sexual orientation and only refers to gender as male, female or unknown. This therefore makes it difficult to draw conclusions in relation to the proportion of those people who identify as part of the LGBT community however, The Albert Kennedy Trust estimates that LGBT youth make up around 24% of the youth homeless population and state that around 77% of homeless people within the LGBT community believe that coming out to their parents was the main factor leading to their situation. This again may be higher due to people in vulnerable positions not feeling comfortable enough to share their sexual orientation, which may be explained by an increase of 22% in hate crimes aimed at LGBT people within the U.K. in 2015. (Fish, 2016)
Rough sleepers are not the only people experiencing homelessness in England or the United Kingdom. There are many facts and figures available in relation to homelessness in the United Kingdom, however the LGBTQ+ (Lesbian, Gay, Bi, Trans, Questioning/Queer plus) representation within these figures is more difficult to pinpoint or estimate than many other statistics. This is because many people within the LGBT community who find themselves homeless can often come to be in that situation due to their sexual orientation and how they identify in relation to gender. According to Heath (2008) many young people in particular within the LGBT community leave their home at an early age due to differences and disputes with their families associated to these issues. However, there is little devoted support for these people during these housing transitions and many may feel lost with few people or places to turn, leading some to remain homeless for extended periods of time.
Subhrajit (2014) discusses the tremendous difficulties that people, especially young people, within the LGBT community face growing up in a heteronormative society, where heterosexuality (being straight) is often represented and the ‘norm’ or the only accepted orientation whereas others are presented as abnormal and in some cases, such as the infamous ‘conversion camps’ or in countries such as Iran and Sudan, are punished severely with the possibility of the death penalty. Even in England, it wasn’t until 1967 that two men (over the age of 21, which is different to the age of 16 for heterosexual people) were legally permitted to be in a sexual relationship. It is not too surprising then, to hear that young LGBT people that experience negative attitudes, rejection from families and friendship circles, harassment and even emotional and physical abuse due to their sexual orientation may be at a heightened risk of underachievement academically, poorer mental health and even homelessness.
Durso and Gates (2012) in Cunningham et al. (2014) also argue that young people within the LGBT community who are experiencing homelessness may have to deal with additional barriers that their straight peers may not, such as prejudice, discrimination, and mistreatment from the systems, organisations and services (for example social workers or foster parents) offered to young homeless people. Cunningham (2014) also states that: “…when compared with other homeless youths, LGBTQ homeless youths are more likely to experience poor mental health, more likely to exhibit risky sexual behaviour and use drugs, more likely to use survival sex and sex trade strategies for coping with their situation, and more likely to be HIV positive.” These factors may all come together to make life for a homeless person, particularly a young person, within the LGBT community very difficult and, furthermore due to the additional discrimination and prejudices, LGBT youth may be more reluctant to access services there to help them in the first place.
There are many services that aim to help homeless people within the United Kingdom. Some, such as charities like The Pavement, established 2005, offer a gateway to a variety of services in different areas geared towards people’s individual situations and their needs, but unless you have access to the internet gateway services like this are difficult to access and use. In London, as in many cities around the world, sometimes sees services for people experiencing homelessness to be dwindling or being relocated away from redeveloped areas, such as London Bridge in Southwark. De Verteuil (2011) discusses a hostel for homeless people that was displaced due to gentrification and redevelopment where, in 1998, the hostel was asked to leave Tooley Street (directly in front of London Bridge Station) in order to begin the expensive redevelopments and also due to the need to move the ‘visibly homeless/poor people hanging around the station’. The hostel relocated but is once again facing displacement pressures due to redevelopment.

Multimedia Content so far (videos unedited) –

My video content is yet to be properly edited, all editing will be completed in full when all interviews are recorded.

My idea is to have my main article and throughout the piece, reference my case studies and show my individual pieces of content to back up my article. I will have my audio and video packages scattered throughout the piece in the right place and will have a hyperlink to my separate 1,000 word interview.

For my video packages, I will be putting the question on the screen in text and cutting to my interviewees answers. I want my content to all have a similar kind of look and design. I intended to do presenting/PTC but I felt that if I did the article and hyperlinked my video/audio content in, then it would look better just to have the question on screen and the response to said question.

My audio package is going to have a short voiceover to introduce the interview once I have secured my case study for this particular package.

 

Case studies

Case Study 1, Jess, lesbian woman who is currently homeless. Met her outside of my work. COMPLETED
Case Study 2, Paul, work colleague of mine who came out to family in the 80s and was thrown out of home for his sexual orientation. COMPLETED (Want to reshoot if possible, was not aware that video was slightly out of focus)

Interviews to be completed –

Case Study 3 – TBC
Case Study 4- TBC

EXPERT INTERVIEWS

Michael Nastari – director of services at Stonewall Housing Association – interview was cancelled by Michael due to illness and then was postponed further due to my own personal issues. Interview rearranged for some point in February, date TBC but he is aware of the submission deadline. This is one of my expert interviews, will cover statistics of homelessness within the community, what Stonewall has and is doing for the community.

Daniel Harris – been homeless years ago, gay man, lives in Brighton and is heavily involved in numerous amounts of organisations and charities that work to help LGBT people who are going through situations involving being kicked out of home and being made homeless. He puts people in need up in his own home so he mentioned he might be able to help me secure my last 2 case studies. Be good to have someone who is an expert on the situation as well as been through personal experiences. He is bipolar and has asked to bare with him but we do stay in contact. He is aware of the deadline and we will be meeting before then for the interview in Feb.

Back up expert interview:

Gina Battye – author, activist and works exclusively with the LGBTQ+ community. Has helped me by sharing posts on LinkedIn, sent me research articles and even offered to go over my content. Has offered me an interview if needed. She does not work directly on homelessness but is clued up and has contacts within the community. This is a back up in case any other of my expert interviews cannot come through in time for the submission deadline.

 

Helpful sources/Research/Links for project as a whole:

• Albert Kennedy Trust
Unit 203 Hatton Square Business Centre 16/16a Baldwins Gardens
EC1N 7RJ
Monday-Friday: 10am-4:30pm
Website: https://bit.ly/2Re6hXZ
Supports LGBT 16-25-year-olds who are homeless or living in a hostile or violent environment because they have come out as lesbian, gay, bisexual or trans to their parents or care giver.
Accommodation/housing advice, Advocacy, Benefits advice, Debt advice, Education/training, Tenancy support
• Broken Rainbow
Monday & Thursday: 2pm-8pm
Wednesday: 10am-5pm
Website: https://bit.ly/2Kp5Oyf
Support for lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender (LGBT) people experiencing domestic violence. 0300 numbers are billed as 01 and 02 landline numbers and are usually included in contract and package minutes; 0800 numbers are free from landlines and include in some mobile provider inclusive minutes. Also offer online chat via the website.
Accommodation/housing advice, Advocacy, Counselling, Medical/health, Legal advice

• Stonewall Housing
2a Leroy House 536 Essex Road
N1 3QP
Monday: 2pm-3:30pm (drop-in, Lighthouse Sth London, 14-15 Lower Marsh, W’loo)
Monday-Friday: 10am-5pm (advice line, 020 7359 5767, closed 1pm–2pm)
Wednesday: 2pm-3:30pm (drop-in, Origin Housing, NW1)
Friday: 2pm-5:30pm (drop-in, London Friend, 86 Caledonian Rd)
Website: http://bit.ly/1B8L98a
Specialist lesbian, gay, bisexual and trans (LGBT) housing advice and support. Housing support for LGBT people in their own homes, supported housing for young LGBT people, as well as free, confidential housing advice for LGBT people of all ages.
Accommodation/housing advice, Advocacy, Legal advice

• The Passage
St Vincent’s Centre Carlisle Place
SW1P 1NL
Monday-Friday: 8am-12pm (for rough sleepers)
Monday-Friday: 12pm-2pm (lunch)
Monday-Friday: 2pm-6pm (appointments)
Monday-Friday: 4:30pm-6pm (verified rough sleepers)
Saturday & Sunday: 9am-12pm
Map Website: http://bit.ly/W2LqcS
For people aged 25+.
Mental health, Accommodation/housing advice, Alcohol workers, Benefits advice, Careers advice, Clothing store, Drugs workers, Education/training, Food, Foot care, Internet access, Medical/health, Tenancy support
• ANTIDOTE SERVICES (LONDON FRIEND)
London Friend 86 Caledonian Road
N1 9DN
Monday-Friday: 10am-6pm
Monday: 11am-1pm (drop-in assessment for referral or confidential chat. Women workers available, 86 Caledonian Rd)
Monday: 9am-12pm (walk-in clinic, MSM clinic, Capper Street
Tuesday: 5pm-7pm (MSM CODE clinic, 56 Dean Street)
Thursday: 6pm-8:30pm (LGBT drop-in, 32a Wardour Street)
Website: bit.ly/ewQNwF
A drug and alcohol service targeted at the lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender (LGBT) community.

• POSITIVE EAST
159 Mile End Road Stepney
E1 4AQ
Monday-Friday: 9:30am-5:30pm
Saturday: 11am-3pm (HIV testing only)
Website: http://bit.ly/1th8WzX
Community-based HIV charity provides practical and emotional support and advice for people living with or affected by HIV in E London. Free and confidential HIV tests across London.
Mental health, Advocacy, Benefits advice, Careers advice, Counselling, Food (free), Food, Internet access, Medical/health, Outreach workers, Sexual health

Heath (2008)
Many young lesbians and gay men leave home at a relatively early age because of family disputes linked to their sexuality. Homelessness is a 6 Executive summary common outcome, yet the specific needs of non-heterosexuals are often overlooked by supported housing projects. They may also encounter negative reactions from landlords, co-tenants and neighbours.
Family disputes over sexuality can result in early leaving and homelessness among gay and lesbian young people, yet there is little dedicated support for their housing transitions.
Most research on young people and housing tends to overlook the experiences of gay and lesbian young people. A number of recent studies have nonetheless suggested that disputes arising from coming out to parents can be a key factor in the decision of many non-heterosexual young people to leave home at relatively early ages (Valentine et al., 2002; Dunne et al., 2002; Gold, 2005; Cull et al., 2006). Once having left, they may then have to contend with the negative reactions of landlords, co-tenants and neighbours to disclosure of, or assumptions made about, their sexuality. Gay and lesbian young people are over-represented among homeless young people, yet youth homelessness projects and move-on projects often overlook the specifi c needs of this group.1 This is partly because heterosexuality is often assumed, with the onus placed on clients to ‘out’ themselves. Valentine et al. note that ‘lesbians and gay men 28 The housing transitions of vulnerable groups are often homeless because of homophobia, yet because of their vulnerability they do not have the self-confi dence to come out. As a result of not coming out their needs are invisible which makes it diffi cult for service providers to justify the setting aside of appropriate specialist accommodation’ (2002, p. 21). Notwithstanding this diffi culty, there are calls for increased provision of supported housing projects targeted specifi cally at gay and lesbian young people. Prendergast et al. (2002) and Taulke-Johnson and Rivers (1999) also highlight the potentially negative experience of living in university accommodation as a lesbian, gay, bisexual or transgendered (LGBT) student. LGBT students who move away to university are nonetheless in a better position to establish independent lives away from possibly disapproving or hostile family members than non-students and students who remain living in the parental home. For these reasons Prendergast et al. (2002) refer to LGBT students as the ‘haves’ and to homeless nonstudents as the ‘have nots’ in relation to housing transitions.

Subhrajit (2014)
Lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender (LGBT) people face tremendous difficulties growing up in a society where heterosexuality is often presented as the only acceptable orientation and homosexuality is regarded as deviant. They continue to face discrimination and exclusion across the world in all spheres of life. Homophobic violence and abuse targeting LGBT people occur on a regular basis. In most EU Member States, same-sex couples do not enjoy the same rights and protections as opposite sex couples, and consequently suffer from discrimination and disadvantage in access to social protection schemes, such as health care and pensions. In the labour market, a majority of LGBT people continue to hide their sexual orientation or to endure harassment out of fear of losing their job. Particularly vulnerable are young LGBT people who experience estrangement from family and friendship networks, harassment at school and invisibility, which can lead in some cases to underachievement at school, school drop-out, mental ill-health and homelessness.

Cunningham et al. (2014)
As they collect data one consistent finding is that lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, and questioning (LGBTQ) youths are overrepresented in the homeless population. Though it’s hard to get precise numbers, researchers estimate that LGBTQ youths make up 20 to 40 percent of the homeless youth population but only 4 to 10 percent of the general youth population (Cray, Miller, and Durso 2013). Even the more conservative estimate suggests LGBTQ youths are at higher risk for homelessness than other youths.
Why is this true? Research shows that since the 1970s, LGBTQ youths are coming out earlier, usually in their teens, rather than waiting until after they leave their parents’ home (Quintana, Rosenthal, and Kreheley 2010). On the one hand, coming out earlier is a positive trend because it suggests that society is sending encouraging messages to young people that affirm their gender identity and sexual orientation. On the other hand, as Jeff Krehely of the Center for American Progress states, “it means they [LGBTQ youths] are getting societal cues that it’s ok to be gay, but they are not old enough to be able to live independently yet, and they face rejection by parents and families and emotional and/or physical abuse at school.”1 Research shows that LGBTQ youths are more likely to run away from home than other youths (Durso and Gates 2012). Like many other homeless youths, LGBTQ youths report abuse, neglect, and family conflict as the reasons for running away from home; rejection based on sexual orientation or gender identity, however, is often at the root of the family conflict (Cochran et al. 2002). LGBTQ youths experiencing homelessness face additional obstacles their straight peers may not face, including insensitivity, prejudice, discrimination, and mistreatment from the crisis response system (e.g., foster parents, social workers, shelter staff) geared toward homeless youths (Durso and Gates 2012). Consequently, LGBTQ youths may be more reluctant to access services than straight youths who are unstably housed, leaving them at higher risk for ending up on the street.
The homeless youth population suffers from high rates of depression, mental health issues, and suicidal ideation.2 For LGBTQ homeless youths, however, the cycle of rejection leads to their experiencing worse outcomes. Indeed, when compared with other homeless youths, LGBTQ homeless youths are more likely to experience poor mental health, more likely to exhibit risky sexual behavior and use drugs, more likely to use survival sex and sex trade strategies for coping with their situation, and more likely to be HIV positive.3 LGBTQ homeless youths face two formidable barriers: they must work to overcome their homelessness and simultaneously deal with stigma, discrimination, and mistreatment due to their sexual orientation or gender identity

Fish (2016)
Increase of 22% of LGBT UK hate crime in 2015;  LGBT young people make up 24% of youth homeless population

De Verteuil (2011)
In London, several facilities were also forced to vacate from redeveloping areas near train stations through direct intervention from borough officials. Although outside the four study boroughs, the King’s Cross Station area (Camden borough) was extensively redeveloped from the late 1990s onwards. As the pace quickened in the 2000s, a soup run and selfproclaimed ‘one-stop shop’ for rough sleepers was evicted when it could not renew its planning permission in 2006 and was displaced into neighbouring Islington. Similar circumstances surrounded the displacement of a hostel in the redeveloping London Bridge Station area in Southwark, which essentially had become an extension of the financial core north of the Thames (Harris, 2008). In 1998, the hostel had been asked to leave Tooley Street, which is directly in front of London Bridge Station, to make way for the extensive redevelopment beginning at that time and the need to displace the visibly homeless/poor people hanging around the train station. The hostel relocated about 1 mile south-west of the original site, in an area that was far more mixed but that now is feeling displacement pressures once again.

https://www.akt.org.uk/research —— this site has brill research that is useful and fits the topic

Bibliography and References –
• Bhatkal, T., Samman, E. and Stuart, E., 2015. Leave no one behind.
• Brickell, K. and Baxter, R., 2014. For home unmaking. Home Cultures, 11(2), pp.133-143.
• Billies, M., Johnson, J., Murungi, K. and Pugh, R., 2009. Naming our reality: Low-income LGBT people documenting violence, discrimination and assertions of justice. Feminism & Psychology, 19(3), pp.375-380.
• Clark, M. and Wittenberg, R., 2013. An overview of SSCR and PRU social care research.
• Cunningham, M., Pergamit, M., Astone, N. and Luna, J., 2014. Homeless LGBTQ youth. Washington, DC: Urban Institute.
• De Verteuil, G., 2011. Evidence of gentrification-induced displacement among social services in London and Los Angeles. Urban Studies, 48(8), pp.1563-1580.
• Fish, J., 2016. Lesbian, Bisexual & Queer women’s health conference; connections-creativity-care.
• Heath, S., 2008. Housing choices and issues for young people in the UK. Joseph Rowntree Foundation, York.
• Monro, S. and Richardson, D., 2013. Crossroads or Categories? Intersectionality theory and the case of lesbian, gay, and bisexual equalities initiatives in UK local government. In Situating intersectionality (pp. 189-207). Palgrave Macmillan, New York.
• Pereira, H. and Costa, P., 2014. Coming-out for LGBT.
• Subhrajit, C., 2014. Problems faced by LGBT people in the mainstream society: Some recommendations. International journal of interdisciplinary and multidisciplinary studies, 1(5), pp.317-331.
• Taylor-King, S., Carr, S. and Edwards-White, T., 2016. Unkindest cuts: reflections on destruction and resilience in LGBTQ community-based mental health support. Asylum Magazine, 23(3), pp.10-12.

 

Links/Research for main write up: 

 

  • De Verteuil, G., 2011. Evidence of gentrification-induced displacement among social services in London and Los Angeles. Urban Studies, 48(8), pp.1563-1580.
  • Fish, J., 2016. Lesbian, Bisexual & Queer women’s health conference; connections-creativity-care.
  • Heath, S., 2008. Housing choices and issues for young people in the UK. Joseph Rowntree Foundation, York.
  • Subhrajit, C., 2014. Problems faced by LGBT people in the mainstream society: Some recommendations. International journal of interdisciplinary and multidisciplinary studies, 1(5), pp.317-331.

 

Stanford
sidneystanford@hotmail.co.uk