“I am thrilled that more LGBTQ+ people in Brighton and Hove will now have somewhere safe to call home”
BY KAY TRAYFORD, IMAGE VIA PEXELS
Celebrated for its vibrant Queer community Brighton remains a beacon for many LGBTQIA individuals seeking refuge and acceptance. Despite its reputation, significant challenges persist, especially in securing safe and inclusive housing.
Addressing the issue, Stonewall Housing has launched a ground-breaking supported housing project in collaboration with CHISEL Neighbourhood Housing Association. This initiative aims to meet the ever-growing demand for supported accommodation, especially for those within the LGBTQIA community.
The project, based in Brighton and Hove, acknowledges the struggles faced by LGBTQIA individuals when searching for emergency or temporary housing. Transgender, non-binary and gender-diverse people may be at a higher risk of being excluded, discriminated against, or fall victim to violence and unsafe living conditions due to their chosen identity. Queer women especially can face issues related to gender-based violence and discrimination, highlighting the critical need for secure housing solutions.
Steven McIntyre, CEO of Stonewall Housing, emphasised the importance of the initiative. “This project has been two years in the making, and I am so grateful to everyone in Brighton’s LGBTQ+ and homelessness sectors who played a crucial role in highlighting the significant need within the city. I am thrilled that more LGBTQ+ people in Brighton and Hove will now have somewhere safe to call home,” McIntyre stated.
Provided by CHISEL, a five-bedroom house will become home to LGBTQIA individuals, at risk of homelessness, for between six to 18 months. During their stay, within this time period, each resident will receive the vital support they need from Stonewall Housing’s caseworkers, focusing on developing individuals independent living skills. Special consideration will be given to the needs of transgender, non-binary, and gender-diverse individuals, who often face further barriers when accessing mainstream services.
Jane Woodhull, the Inclusion and Engagement Project Manager at Brighton Switchboard, highlighted the project’s significance. “Switchboard has been amplifying the voices of LGBTQ+ communities in Brighton and Hove, calling for LGBTQ+ specific safe housing to be prioritised for many years. Our night shelter pilot revealed the great need for supported LGBTQ+ accommodation. We are absolutely delighted with this new LGBTQ+ housing scheme and believe it will be a major step toward addressing the significant issues LGBTQ+ people face in accessing safe, inclusive housing,” Woodhull said.
Since 1983, Stonewall Housing has been a leader in advocating for LGBTQIA rights in housing, supporting tens of thousands across the UK. The Brighton project marks a pivotal expansion in their efforts, offering a vital lifeline to those most in need in the queer community.
For more information, visit Stonewall Housing | stonewallhousing.org.
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