Stonewall Housing, founded in 1983, has been at the forefront of supporting LGBTQ+ people facing or at risk of homelessness for four decades. Established during a time of immense prejudice and homophobia, the organisation was born from activism and resilience. Its founders sought to create safe spaces where LGBTQ+ people could find home and community.
From its first home in Islington to its expanded services today – including a helpline, supported housing in London, Brighton and Eastbourne, and advocacy work in mental health, substance misuse and domestic abuse – Stonewall Housing continues to be a lifeline for LGBTQ+ individuals.
“Although we’ve made progress since those early days, the need for our work has only grown,” says Steven McIntyre, CEO at Stonewall Housing. “The housing crisis continues to disproportionately affect LGBTQ+ people, with many facing discrimination, family breakdowns, and hate crimes that leave them in precarious situations.”
More than a quarter of the people Stonewall Housing supports are trans or gender nonconforming, and over half are Black or from other ethnic minority backgrounds. These individuals often face compounded challenges, including racism, transphobia, and homophobia.
“Intersectionality is central to what we do,” Steven adds. “We understand that no single story defines the LGBTQ+ community. By sharing our archives and acknowledging ongoing challenges, we honour the diversity and complexity of our community.”
To mark LGBTQ+ History Month, Stonewall Housing has launched a new workshop series exploring LGBTQ+ history through the lens of housing, identity, and resilience. “The workshops draw on our archive materials, from our activist beginnings to today,” explains Steven.
The 45-minute workshops are part of Stonewall Housing’s commitment to education and advocacy. Attendees can explore the intersections of LGBTQ+ identity and housing, learning about the resilience and determination that have shaped the organisation’s journey.
As part of this, Stonewall Housing is displaying their archives at VFD in Dalston this Saturday. The event is free and open to the public, offering a glimpse into the rich history of activism and advocacy that has shaped the organisation’s four decades of work.
Claire Linacre-Hilton, their Director of Development stresses the importance of continued support: “The current climate of rising transphobia and homophobia in the UK and globally is a stark reminder of the fragility of progress. Harmful rhetoric and policies not only create a hostile environment but also embolden hate crimes and further marginalise those already vulnerable.”
Stonewall Housing invites the public to get involved by spreading the word, volunteering, or providing financial support.
“Our mission remains the same: to ensure no LGBTQ+ person faces homelessness or housing insecurity alone,” Claire concludes.