2SLGBTQIA+ Housing Needs and Challenges

The 2SLGBTQIA+ (Two-Spirit, Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Transgender, Queer and/or Questioning, Intersex, Asexual, plus) community in Canada faces unique challenges when it comes to housing.

While progress has been made, many members of the 2SLGBTQIA+ community continue to face discrimination, especially when accessing a safe, suitable and affordable place to call home.

Homelessness, youth and the 2SLGBTQIA+ community

Historically, 2SLGBTQIA+ Canadians have accounted for a disproportionately large percentage of Canadians who are:

• homeless
• at risk of becoming homeless
• in core housing need

This is especially true for members of at-risk groups who are also members of the 2SLGBTQIA+ community. These groups include youth, seniors, Indigenous people, newcomers, or people with mental health or addiction issues.

2SLGBTQIA+ youth may be the most vulnerable members of the community. As a result, their housing challenges are often the greatest. According to the most recent research, approximately 10% of the Canadian population identifies as 2SLGBTQIA+. By some estimates, 2SLGBTQIA+ youth make up between 25% and 40% of homeless youth in Canada.¹

That means that nearly 1 out of every 3 homeless young people in Canada identifies as 2SLGBTQIA+.

Why housing is so important

Many experts believe the reason for 2SLGBTQIA+ homelessness is discrimination. First at home, then from society when trying to do things like access suitable housing.

For example, far too many 2SLGBTQIA+ youth are forced to leave home after “coming out” to their families. Once alone and on the streets, they face additional discrimination finding work, accessing education and securing a safe place to live.

Homelessness also increases the risks of substance abuse, violence, prostitution, physical and psychological illnesses, and suicide.

Fear of encountering homophobia, transphobia or other forms of oppression cause 2SLGBTQIA+ homeless people to avoid shelters. This means that they can’t access services and support that could help them get off the streets and into more permanent housing.²

By addressing housing issues, we can help alleviate this homelessness and support a wide range of other health and social goals. From education and employment to overall levels of health, happiness, productivity and well-being, accessible housing provides a better quality of life.

What’s happening

All levels of government are working with private, non-profit and community partners across Canada. They are leading initiatives that address housing needs of 2SLGBTQIA+ Canadians. For example:

Members of the 2SLGBTQIA+ community are still more likely to become homeless, despite these and similar initiatives. They are also more likely than almost any other segment of the Canadian population to become homeless.

More needs to be done in urban and rural areas across the country to address the urgent and long-term needs of this community.

Housing needs of 2SLGBTQIA+ seniors

Seniors who identify as 2SLGBTQIA+ also have special housing needs and challenges.⁷

Nearly one third of all Canadians over age 80 live in either a retirement residence or long-term-care housing.

For 2SLGBTQIA+ seniors, settling into a retirement or long-term care community can sometimes also mean having to “go back in the closet.” The reason is fear of discrimination, homophobia or transphobia from staff or fellow residents.

To address this issue, many Canadian retirement residences have adopted more 2SLGBTQIA+-friendly policies, programs and training. These range from general sensitivity training and inclusivity initiatives to 2SLGBTQIA+-themed events and celebrations.

Several community groups have also started to develop affordable housing tailored to 2SLGBTQIA+ seniors.

Other community groups believe that creating 2SLGBTQIA+ retirement homes could contribute to the “ghettoization” of 2SLGBTQIA+ seniors. These groups advocate fostering greater inclusivity and awareness of 2SLGBTQIA+ needs among all providers of seniors’ housing.

Developing 2SLGBTQIA+ housing

Several studies have looked at the housing needs of all 2SLGBTQIA+ adults. Researchers have and continue to investigate the specific needs of youth, seniors and other groups.

Research has proven that there are 2SLGBTQIA+ adults that have the same housing needs as the general Canadian population.

Other 2SLGBTQIA+ adults have expressed a need for more housing that specifically targets their unique issues and challenges. This is particularly true for those who have been homeless or who are currently in core housing need.

The Daybreak Non-Profit Housing in Ottawa recently carried out a study of the housing and support needs of 2SLGBTQIA+ adults who have experienced homelessness.⁸ The study concluded that more housing needs to be developed with the needs and preferences of 2SLGBTQIA+ individuals in mind.

The future of 2SLGBTQIA+ housing in Canada

Much has been done to address the housing and homelessness needs of those identifying as 2SLGBTQIA+. It’s clear that more needs to be done.

Together, we can work to ensure that all Canadians have access to welcoming, inclusive communities and a safe and affordable place to call home.

CMHC Project Manager: Sandra Baynes, Senior Analyst
Writer: David Elver, David A.V. Elver Communications Inc.