Donate

There's No Place Like Home:
The Reality of LGBTQ+ Youth Homelessness

This new report brings to light the true scale of LGBTQ+ youth homelessness and the urgent need for change.

Download the report
Our top 3 recommendations

About the report

Home is more than just four walls and a roof—it's a place of safety, comfort, and belonging. Yet, for too many LGBTQ+ young people in the UK, home is anything but safe. Many face rejection, discrimination, and homelessness simply for being who they are. This new report, commissioned by akt in collaboration with and produced by the Universities of Kent, Bristol, and Southampton, is the most in-depth study of its kind. It brings to light the true scale of LGBTQ+ youth homelessness and the urgent need for change.

The findings reveal that LGBTQ+ young people, particularly trans and non-white individuals, are disproportionately affected by homelessness. Family rejection, a lack of tailored support services, and hidden homelessness are major issues, yet government data fails to reflect the full extent of the crisis. To tackle this, we need better policies, targeted support, and a commitment to real change.

There's no place like home report cover

Key statistics

  • X2 LGBTQ+ people are twice as likely to experience hidden homelessness, such as sofa surfing or squatting, than non-LGBTQ+ individuals.
  • 26% 1 in 4 (26%) LGBTQ+ young people surveyed had experienced hidden homelessness, compared to the government's estimated 4%.
  • 33% 1 in 3 trans young people surveyed had experienced hidden homelessness, compared to 22% of cisgender individuals.
  • 50% Non-white LGBTQ+ respondents were 50% more likely to experience hidden homelessness than their white counterparts.

Download the report

There's No Place Like Home:

The Reality of LGBTQ+ Youth Homelessness

March 2025

This research was commissioned by akt and completed by the University of Kent, in collaboration with the University of Bristol and University of Southampton. The research was carried out in 2024 and was co-produced with a team of young people with experience of LGBTQ+ youth homelessness. The study involved extensive surveys, interviews, and data analysis to provide the most comprehensive understanding of LGBTQ+ youth homelessness in the UK.

  • University of Bristol
  • University of Southampton
  • University of Kent

download the full report here

Get in touch if you would like to know more about the reports.

work in homelessness?

If you'd like to work with us to explore how we improve services for LGBTQ+ youth, please enter your work details below:

Name(Required)
Email(Required)

Together, we can ensure that every LGBTQ+ young person has a safe place to call home.

Our Top 3 recommendations

To end LGBTQ+ youth homelessness, we need urgent action. The report outlines key recommendations:

  • 1. Improve Data Collection & Policy Change The government must collect better data on LGBTQ+ homelessness and update the Homelessness Code of Guidance to ensure LGBTQ+ young people are prioritised in housing services.
  • 2. Tailored Support Services Housing services, charities, and local authorities must recognise the specific challenges LGBTQ+ young people face and provide accessible, high-quality support nationwide.
  • 3. Recognition of Intersectionality More must be done to address the compounded risks faced by trans, non-binary, and non-white LGBTQ+ young people, ensuring targeted interventions that address their unique needs.

Case Studies

Alys

Alys

Alys, a 23-year-old non-binary person, was outed by their father and forced to flee home. They entered an abusive relationship, later becoming homeless. After being denied housing support, akt helped them appeal, securing temporary accommodation and mental health support. They are now working towards finding long-term stability.

View Case Study
Bea

Bea

Bea, a 19-year-old trans woman, fled home after facing abuse from her father. Homeless and struggling with mental health, she slept rough before securing independent housing. Isolated from support networks, she continues to face challenges but is rebuilding her life while grieving the loss of friends to homelessness and suicide.

View Case Study
Nadeem

Nadeem

Nadeem, a 20-year-old queer Pakistani Muslim, survived conversion therapy and family rejection. Forced into an abusive relationship, he was initially denied housing support. With akt’s help, he secured safe accommodation and mental health support. Now, he is reconnecting with his faith, working towards stability, and seeking employment and independent housing.

View Case Study