Housing is an LGBTQ Issue

LGBTQ people have known that housing is an LGBTQ issue for decades.Since the 1980s, housing support has been critical to meeting the needs of people living with HIV.Over the past two decades, the LGBTQ community has developed housing support for LGBTQ youth and older adults, who are more likely to face housing instability.Recent research by the Williams Institute, the TransLatin@ Coalition, and the Los Angeles County Department of Health reveals that housing is a top priority for LGBTQ people in Los Angeles County, particularly for those who are struggling to meet the high cost of living in LA.We found that the 650,000+ LGBTQ people in LA County desire housing that is affordable, safe, and connected to community. AFFORDABILITYWhen asked about their biggest worries, financial concerns, including housing costs, were at the top of most LGBTQ people's lists.LGBTQ people in Los Angeles County are more likely than non-LGBTQ people to be living in poverty, to rent their homes (as opposed to own), to have housing costs that take up much of their income, and to be unhoused.LGBTQ people rent at higher rates than non-LGBTQ people.61% 66% 50% 46% 68% 55% Cis bisexual men