Facilitators and barriers to attaining housing among 2SLGBTQ+adults with experiences of homelessness

Abstract

This study examines facilitators and barriers to attain housing among adults who identify as 2SLGBTQ+ (Two-Spirit, lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, queer) and who have experiences of homelessness. Twenty 2SLGBTQ+adults who were currently or formerly homeless participated in one qualitative interview. The interview protocol included questions on the participants’ experiences with exiting homelessness and searching for housing. Data was analyzed using an iterative coding process. The results show that participants engaged in various paths to access housing, including goal setting related to one’s gender identity and health, and accessing formal and informal supports. Barriers largely focused on discrimination from landlords, a lack of safety in one’s housing or neighborhood, a lack of awareness of services, and challenges with accepting one’s 2SLGBTQ+identity and related fear of unequal treatment from service providers. The results are discussed in terms of policy and programming strategies to support 2SLGBTQ+adults to attain permanent housing in the community.