Charley Wilson

The housing crisis in Scotland continues to affect many, but for some, the challenges of homelessness are intensified by social stigma and systemic discrimination. Skyrocketing rents, a shortage of social housing, and long waiting lists have created an environment where many struggle to secure stable accommodation. Among those disproportionately impacted are LGBTQ+ individuals, who face unique barriers in accessing safe and secure housing. While the broader housing crisis impacts people across all demographics, LGBTQ+ people often encounter additional hurdles which heighten their vulnerability to homelessness.

Understanding the disparity

Research shows that LGBTQ+ individuals are significantly overrepresented in homelessness statistics. Contributing factors include family rejection, discrimination in housing services, and inadequate support systems. Estimates suggest that up to 24% of homeless youth in the UK identify as LGBT – an alarming figure considering only 3.8% of the UK population identify as lesbian, gay, or bisexual and around 0.5% as transgender. LGBTQ+ individuals are also twice as likely to experience ‘hidden homelessness’ (such as sofa surfing or squatting) as their non-LGBTQ+ peers.

These disparities are even more pronounced when viewed through an intersectional lens. Experiences of discrimination are often compounded by race, disability, immigration status, or class. For example, 37% of transgender youth are expected to experience homelessness, compared to 22% of their cis-gender peers. Similarly, LGBTQ+ people of colour are at heightened risk of hidden homelessness. The intersecting of multiple marginalised identities can further intensify housing insecurity and reduce access to support.

In Scotland, the situation is exacerbated by a lack of targeted services and a patchwork approach to inclusive housing. LGBTQ+ individuals often face discrimination in the private rental sector, pushing them towards social housing as a necessary alternative. However, accessing appropriate social housing is not always straightforward, particularly in a system already under immense pressure. Many report that housing services are not tailored to their needs, and that staff often lack the training necessary to provide safe and supportive environments.

The role of social landlords

Social landlords are uniquely positioned to lead the way in addressing these inequalities. With missions rooted in community, equity, and social justice, they have the opportunity to create inclusive, supportive housing environments. However, traditional policies and systems often fall short of meeting the needs of LGBTQ+ tenants. Below are three key areas where social landlords can take meaningful action:

Embed LGBT-inclusive training within governance and operations

Mandatory, ongoing LGBT+ awareness training is one of the most impactful steps social landlords can take. This includes all frontline staff, customer service teams, housing officers, and board members. Training should cover:

• Responsibilities under the Equality Act 2010.
• Specific vulnerabilities LGBTQ+ tenants may face, such as harassment or misgendering.
• Best practices for safe and respectful communication.
• This training should not be a one-off, box-ticking exercise. It should be embedded, regularly reviewed, and updated to reflect changing terminology, legal standards, and the lived 
• experiences of LGBTQ+ people.

Foster a robust culture of inclusion

Inclusion goes beyond compliance, it’s about creating environments where all tenants feel safe, respected, and heard. Social landlords can:

• Ensure complaints and safeguarding procedures are clear, accessible, and responsive to harassment or discriminatory behaviour.
• Promote inclusive language and visibility across all communications and tenant engagement.
• Regularly review organisational practices to ensure alignment with current equality standards across protected characteristics.
• This builds tenant trust and ensures that legal protections are not just policies but lived realities.

Undertake a legal review of existing policies

Even well-intentioned policies can carry legal risks if they inadvertently exclude or disadvantage certain groups. A legal review can help identify and address these risks. Key areas for review include:

• Allocations and lettings procedures to prevent indirect discrimination.
• Anti-social behaviour policies that address hate incidents effectively and proportionately.
• Safeguarding and confidentiality protocols, especially in shared or supported housing.
• A clear legal lens ensures that policies are not only inclusive but also compliant.

Conclusion: From commitment to action

Scotland’s housing crisis is a national emergency and one that risks leaving LGBTQ+ people behind. While there are no quick fixes, social landlords are well-positioned to lead change in a sector built on fairness, access, and community. By implementing targeted training, inclusive policy reforms, and fostering a proactive culture of inclusion, social landlords can an reduce barriers for LGBTQ+ tenants and help make social housing fair, safe, and accessible to all.

• Charley Wilson is a trainee solicitor in the social housing team at law firm Harper Macleod