‘Rainbow’ homelessness rate high

WELLINGTON: The rainbow community faces homelessness at a significantly higher rate than other New Zealanders, new research shows.

The study explored the relationship between Takatapui/ LGBTIQ+ and homelessness, and was carried out by researcher Dr Brodie Fraser. Earlier research from Dr Fraser examined the experiences of eight people from the LGBTIQ+ community who had been homeless.

There was a clear disparity in the proportion of homeless who were LGBTIQ+, Dr Fraser said.

However, New Zealand lacked comprehensive data on the LGBTIQ+ population, so international figures were used.

‘‘Our communities usually make up about 5 to 10% of the broader population,’’ but ‘‘about 20 to 40% of people experiencing homelessness are part of the rainbow community.’’

Provisional research from Dr Fraser’s second study suggested housing issues faced by New Zealanders were exacerbated further for the rainbow community.

‘‘All of these things add up,’’ they said. ‘‘Discrimination is obviously one of the main contributing factors, but poverty is [also] a massive issue, and tight housing markets, and the increased cost of living.’’

Members of the LGBTIQ+ community faced an increased risk for issues that were often tied to homelessness, Dr Fraser said.

‘‘Family environments are a really key contributor of homelessness.

‘‘Often young people will come out, and either their parents kick them out of the house, or home becomes such an uncomfortable and unpleasant place that they leave.’’

As a result, members of the rainbow community were forced into unsafe or unsustainable living arrangements.

Provisional research showed little protections against homophobia and transphobia in the housing market.

Even the systems designed to remedy homelessness regularly failed the rainbow community.

‘‘If you go to your GP and they’re not particularly queer friendly, or trans friendly, that lowers people’s institutional trust,’’ they said.

Dr Fraser recently met Auckland’s Rainbow Communities Advisory Panel. Among their recommendations were targeted homelessness services for the LGBTIQ+ community, and for discrimination to be considered as a factor in assessments for people seeking public housing.

Despite the dour findings, Dr Fraser was optimistic for the future and encouraged by the panel’s response. — RNZ