Proud to be visible

As Affinity Sutton celebrates Brighton Pride for the fourth consecutive year we thought it timely to publish LGBT Experiences of Housing – A snapshot. This snapshot is based on research for Affinity Sutton completed in partnership with the Weeks Centre for Social and Policy Research at London South Bank University.

Almost one in five lesbian, gay and bisexual people expect to be treated worse than heterosexual people when applying for social housing. Despite this perceived discrimination, the sector knows very little about the needs of LGBT people. In February 2015, we co-sponsored an event with the Metro Centre (an outreach organisation for LGBT people based in Greenwich, London) and used the opportunity to ask people about their experience of housing.

Reflecting the ‘be visible’ theme of our Diversity Week, the questions centred on visibility and discrimination. Housing Association residents were also asked for their opinion about the services provided by their landlord. Responses highlight the need for landlords to better communicate their role as diversity champions and to demonstrate how they deal with cases of harassment and discrimination to help residents overcome their fear of being visible.

Please note this research was conducted prior to Affinity Sutton merging with Circle Housing to create Clarion Housing Group.