Women negotiating sexual identity in the face of homelessness: from silence to satisfaction

Abstract

Women confront unique challenges when faced with homelessness, not the least of which is negotiating how to express their sexuality. Research has tended to look at the sexuality of women who are homeless pathologically, yet in housed women a healthy sex life is an important predictor of happiness and well-being. The complex relationship between health and sexuality is significant, yet under-researched for women experiencing poverty and homelessness. This study presents findings from a national study in six Canadian cities: Halifax, Montreal, Ottawa, Toronto, Calgary and Vancouver, the goal of which was to identify precedents and guidelines to inform the design of homeless shelters for women. In qualitative interviews, seventy-six women responded to questions about sexual orientation and in doing so described their expression of sexuality and intimate relationships. The participants were diverse in age, sexual orientation and ethnicity and results indicated multiple opinions on relationships, gender separation in shelters, sexual reproduction and definitions of sexual orientation. This paper describes the variability in how women express their sexuality and their understanding of intimate relationships in the context of homelessness and consuming shelter services. Results indicate the need for further research on sexuality to inform practice with women who are homeless.