To: MPs
Write to your MP: Make LGBTQ+ young people a priority!
In 2023, it is unacceptable that so many young LGBTQ+ people are still facing rejection, abuse, homelessness and struggling to get the support they deserve.
A charity like akt that supports these young people, should not need to exist. Like many members of the LGBTQ+ Community, we are frustrated.
On 15th June we will be holding an event in parliament to bring this issue to the forefront of policymakers minds.
We are asking everyone who sees this to write to their MP to put LGBTQ+ youth homelessness on the map, and to ask them to attend our event.
We've created a template, all you need to do is enter your postcode and hit send.
You can access the template here: https://www.akt.org.uk/News/end-lgbtq-youth-homelessness
Why is this important?
5 reasons why you should write to your MP to prioritise LGBTQ+ youth homelessness:
1. LGBTQ+ young people are being kicked out for being who they are. 77% of the young people akt supports face homelessness when they came out or were outed by family members ( akt 2015)
2. Rejection means young people do not have anyone to turn to for support. Only 13 per cent of LGBTQ+ young people felt supported by parents or stepparents while homeless (akt 2021)
3. Often housing services are not equipped to respond to their needs. 44% of local authorities and housing associations have not received training on LGBTQ+ homelessness ( akt 2022)
4. The abuse and discrimination lgbtq+ young people face doesn't end at home. Over half (59 per cent) of LGBTQ+ young people have faced some form of discrimination or harassment while accessing services ( akt 2021)
5. The cost of living and private rented sector crisis, is pushing more lgbtq+ young people into homelessness. Charities like akt are struggling with increased demands to our services and compared to before the crisis, we can support less people for the same amount.
