LGBTQ Homelessness : Risks, Resilience, and Access to Services in Victoria : Final Report

R. McNair, C. Andrews, S. Parkinson, S. Dempsey

Overseas research indicates that the risk and potential consequences of homelessness among lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, intersex, and queer or questioning (LGBTIQ) people are heightened compared to that of the general population. This report begins to address the gaps in the research for the situation in Australia. It investigates the pathways into and out of homelessness that are specific to being LGBTIQ, how homelessness services can best serve the specific needs of LGBTIQ people; and how Australian housing and homelessness policy can be improved to become more inclusive of LGBTIQ people. The study draws on existing research data as well as interviews with homelessness service providers in Victoria and LGBTIQ people who have experienced homelessness. The report concludes with recommendations for services, training, primary prevention, policy, and research.