Every year, we write about the disproportionate number of people in the LGBT community who face homelessness. And every year, nothing seems to change.
When every organisation seems to be able to take the time to jump on the rainbow bandwagon of pride each year, why aren’t we seeing people who identify as LGBTQ+ being supported in a meaningful way?
This week, as Pride month continues, we’re taking a closer look at the shocking statistics on LGBTQ+ homelessness, and how organisations can go beyond lip service to really support their staff and community.
LGBTQ+ and homeless: a reminder of the facts
Homelessness statistics have consistently shown a disproportionate impact on the LGBTQ+ community:
- Almost 1 in 5 LGBTQ+ people have experienced homelessness at some point in their lives.
- Nearly a quarter of people aged 16-25 experiencing homelessness identify as LGBTQ+.
- People who identify as LGBTQ+ are twice as likely to experience hidden homelessness (like sofa surfing) as people who don’t.
LGBTQ+ people who access homelessness support services often cite domestic violence and being rejected by the family as reasons for their housing challenges. As much as we might like to think we’ve progressed as a society in terms of LGBTQ+ rights, the figures show that we’re still not doing enough to protect the people within that community.
Performative advocacy
It’s all too easy to think that we’ve come such a long way when it comes to LGBTQ+ rights, simply due to the prevalence of organisations that proudly don their rainbow colours every Pride Month.
Whether they change their logo on social media or wave a flag in a parade, brands across the globe lead us to believe they’re fully on board with supporting the LGBTQ+ community.
But if that’s the case, why do so many corporate Pride campaigns leave a bitter taste in the mouths of people who identify as LGBTQ+? And why are so many still unable to access basic human rights, like safe housing?
A survey on Pride marketing by the US agency UpHouse found that LGBTQ+ respondents want more than rainbow-washed marketing. They want to see brands go deeper and back up their Pride campaigns with advocacy, education, financial support, and policy changes that benefit the community year-round.
Where are the rainbows in 2026?
Having said this, we seem to be going even further backwards in 2026. Corporations aren’t rainbow-washing for Pride this year. In fact, they’re not doing anything at all.
Shockingly, it seems like attitudes are shifting backwards. There was a 20% increase in police-recorded hate crimes against LGBTQ+ people in the UK from 2020 to 2025, and the UK has fallen to its lowest ever ranking on the European Rainbow Index of LGBTQ+ equality laws (for reference, the UK was in first place in 2015).
As both attitudes and equality laws fail LGBTQ+ people, we worry that we’ll see even more people in the community facing homelessness as a result of discrimination and rejection. While corporations quietly retreat from performative advocacy this Pride Month, the LGBTQ+ community actually needs more meaningful support than ever.
Make a meaningful change
So, how can you show your employees, customers, and community that you actually care about LGBTQ+ rights? The answer is to really walk the walk and, to be blunt, put your money where your mouth is.
This could look like:
- Regularly reviewing and updating your company’s DEI policies (and consulting with your teams on any changes).
- Providing meaningful inclusion training, which could include information on how to spot signs that someone is experiencing domestic abuse or homelessness.
- Using inclusive language across all your comms.
- Ensuring representation in your marketing.
- Supporting relevant causes through your company’s CSR initiatives.
Support Simon on the Streets to end homelessness
Simon on the Streets provides practical and emotional support for people facing homelessness in Leeds. We want to see an end to homelessness in all its forms, and a future where everyone has access to safe housing regardless of age, race, gender, sexuality, and ability.
By pledging to give to Simon on the Streets, your organisation can change lives. Become a 5-for-5 partner and pledge £500 per year for 5 years, or talk to us about creating a bespoke corporate sponsorship package tailored to your business and CSR goals.
We’re also happy to speak to your staff or at your next event about how to spot the signs someone may be facing homelessness, and what you can do to support them – just get in touch.
So, this year, before you change your logo to a rainbow colourway or march in a Pride parade, or even debate whether to do anything at all to mark Pride Month, ask yourself – ‘what are we actually doing to support the LGBTQ+ people in our organisation – especially those at highest risk of homelessness?’ And make a meaningful change.