Once homeless, LGBTQ+ youth are more likely to experience violence and discrimination, develop substance misuse problems, be exposed to sexual exploitation and engage in higher levels of risky sexual behaviour compared to their non-LGBTQ+ peers.


92 per cent of LGBTQ+ young people we surveyed said that being homeless had a negative impact on their mental health. This increased to 95 percent amongst disabled people.

Over half ( 58 per cent) of LGBTQ+ young people said being homeless had a negative impact on their physical health. This increases to almost two thirds ( 62 percent) of trans people and 67 percent of disabled people.

Almost two thirds (64 per cent) of LGBTQ+ young people said homelessness made it hard for them to establish or maintain new relationships, including friendships. Over two thirds (69 per cent) of disabled people said this and 70 per cent of trans people.

Almost one fifth ( 17 per cent) of LGBTQ+ young people felt like they had to have casual sex find somewhere to stay while they were homeless.

More than one quarter (29 per cent) of LGBTQ+ young people said they started drinking as a way to cope with being homeless

More than one fifth (22 per cent) of LGBTQ+ young people took drugs for the first time because of being homeless