LGBT Youth Homelessness Research Project Hove YMCA and the University of Brighton (Sue Balloch, Mark Cull and Hazel Platzer) Full report available in May from [email protected] This research project is funded and supported by: SIR HALLEY STEWART TRUST

Methods used: 33 in-depth interviews 11 questionnaires Focus group with frontline workers Interviews with service managers

This research project is funded and supported by: SIR HALLEY STEWART TRUST

Participants recruited through: Youth Advice Centre, housing advice drop-in (sexual and gender identity monitored) Street outreach (YAC) Housing, homelessness and substance misuse projects LGBT projects Publicity in LGBT venues Advertising and publicity Word of mouth through interviewees This research project is funded and supported by: SIR HALLEY STEWART TRUST

Profile of the participants: 44 LGBT people aged 16-25

23 young men 17 young women 4 young transgender people (all M-F) 18 identified as gay men 15 identified as lesbian or gay 10 identified as bisexual 1 identified as straight

This research project is funded and supported by:

83% of the sample were white 17 % of the sample were BME SIR HALLEY STEWART TRUST

Profile cont. 3rd grew up in Brighton; 3rd Sussex; 3rd outside the area 18 were or had been rough sleepers 24% had been in care

This research project is funded and supported by: SIR HALLEY STEWART TRUST

Causes of homelessness 8 left family home to escape neglect, abuse or violence 10 evicted by parents/step-parents 4 because of sexual identity

7 left or ran away from home or care because of their sexual/gender identity 2 fleeing domestic violence from partner 5 unable to sustain private rented accommodation 10 other 2 unclear This research project is funded and supported by: SIR HALLEY STEWART TRUST

Experiences in school All of those asked, reported not receiving relevant sex education at school 67% were bullied at school and did not receive support

Bullying and homophobia in schools is associated with truanting, school exclusion, dropping out and educational under-achievement Bullying and homophobia in schools is associated with isolation and lack of peer support Possible link with increased vulnerability to mental health problems, sexual exploitation and domestic violence This research project is funded and supported by: SIR HALLEY STEWART TRUST

Effects on educational attainment and emotional well-being 2/3rd left school with less than 5 GSCEs or did less well than expected and half of these these had experienced bullying (others underachieved later at college) Of the 23 who had been bullied, 11 left school with poor or lower than expected qualifications 1/3rd had truanted and/or been excluded from school: Most had poor academic achievement Most had been bullied or avoided school in fear of being bullied This research project is funded and supported by: SIR HALLEY STEWART TRUST

Effects on educational attainment and emotional well-being Young people are afraid to come out in school because of homophobia – this leads to isolation and affects young people’s ability to develop friendships: “I never came out at school because of what I saw happening to those who did – one girl had her head flushed down the toilet after she’d come out” (Tina*) “I saw what happened to people who came out – they were slated behind their backs – I had a lot of friends but when I became aware of my sexuality when I was about 14 I pushed them all away because I was worried they would find out – I truanted a lot for the same reason” (Edward) This research project is funded and supported by: SIR HALLEY STEWART TRUST

Experiences of homophobic bullying at school Many of the young people who were bullied did not always recognise it as homophobic bullying. If they were not out or were still uncertain about their sexual identity they were less likely to recognise it. This will lead to under-reporting in any surveys or monitoring in schools.

This research project is funded and supported by: SIR HALLEY STEWART TRUST

Mental and sexual health issues 53% had attempted suicide

42% had self-harmed 28% had been physically abused as children 30% had been sexually abused or sexually assaulted This research project is funded and supported by: SIR HALLEY STEWART TRUST

Mental and sexual health issues 21% were or had been in abusive relationships with partners 40% reported having unprotected sex 1 participant disclosed HIV +ve status 16% reported they had sold sex This research project is funded and supported by: SIR HALLEY STEWART TRUST

Experiences of mental health services Many LGBT youth are referred to mental health services but sexual identity issues are rarely addressed - therefore appropriate support cannot be given in relation to: effects of homophobic bullying effects of isolation conflict within the family This research project is funded and supported by: SIR HALLEY STEWART TRUST

Experiences of local services Homophobia, discrimination and breaches of confidentiality from some hostel staff Experiences of homophobia from some hostel residents Most felt unsafe and vulnerable in temporary accommodation Positive support from youth agencies This research project is funded and supported by: SIR HALLEY STEWART TRUST

Views on specific support and provision for homeless LGBT young people Most LGBT young people preferred YAC to the council because it is friendly and welcoming to young people generally Clear need for LGBT support but not all young people access existing provision Most in favour of monitoring if done sensitively Most say there is a need for LGBT specific accommodation but also believe integration, social justice and equality is important This research project is funded and supported by: SIR HALLEY STEWART TRUST

Doing research differently? • Recruitment (monitoring, outreach and access to support) • Developing research capacity in the voluntary sector •Complimentary skills and knowledge • Research and evidence informing local strategic developments This research project is funded and supported by: SIR HALLEY STEWART TRUST