Housing is a human right.
Housing justice is a critical issue for the LGBTQIA+ community, as numerous studies have documented the unique challenges faced by LGBTQIA+ people when it comes to finding safe, affordable, and welcoming housing.
One of the most significant challenges faced by the LGBTQIA+ community is discrimination. A 2020 study by the National LGBTQ Task Force found that discrimination in housing is still widespread, with 27% of LGBTQIA+ participants reporting that they had experienced housing discrimination in the past year. Landlords and property managers may refuse to rent to LGBTQIA+ tenants or may subject them to unfair treatment or harassment, as documented in a 2018 study by the Center for American Progress. This discrimination can make it difficult for LGBTQIA+ people to find housing that meets their needs.
In addition to discrimination, many LGBTQIA+ people face economic challenges that make it difficult to afford housing. LGBTQIA+ people are more likely to live in poverty than their non-LGBTQIA+ peers and may also face employment discrimination that limits their earning potential.
Promoting fair and equitable access to housing is crucial for the LGBTQIA+ community. By advocating for policies and practices that address discrimination and economic inequality, we can help ensure that all members of the LGBTQIA+ community are safely housed and have the opportunity to thrive.
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We’re working with Stay Housed Stay Healthy to push for renter rights, like late fee caps, relocation assistance, and protections for people with disabilities
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Queer Power Alliance’s 2015 Housing & Safety Survey taken by 1100 participants found that affordable housing and equitable development are priorities for our communities. In 2017, Allyship did a follow-up survey of 300 participants finding out how LGBTQ+ marginalized communities have been impacted by Seattle’s housing crisis. We also partnered with POCAAN and Entre Hermanos to conduct LGBTQ senior/elder listening sessions on housing to find community-led solutions to increase LGBTQ+ friendly housing.
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Queer Power Alliance is invested in LGBTQIA+ housing issues, bringing community together to talk about their housing and neighborhood hopes and dreams, and ensuring access to safe housing and resources. Our goal is to build LGBTQIA+ community power and visibility within Seattle, King County and Washington. Access to affordable housing is a crucial issue for LGBTQIA+ communities, it impacts our safety and visibility as well as access to community, culture, history, direct services, and political clout.
Where we live has such a profound impact on our well-being that it is imperative LGBTQ voices sit at housing tables and advocate for the health of our community.
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Our quarterly renters’ trainings have helped hundreds of King County renters understand and apply their rights. The trainings were crucial during the COVID-19 pandemic when renters were concerned about late fees and evictions.
Check out our events page to join the next training!