We won't forget or fail trans young people

 

Dear Jean-Francois,      As the CEO of the national charity for homeless LGBTQ+ young people and a member of the community myself, like many I was shocked by the recent UK Supreme Court ruling, which risks making it even harder to find safe places to live for young trans people. In light of the ruling, akt is actively monitoring the impact that the ruling is already having on homeless young people and the services supporting them, as well as taking action to protect trans youth. 1 in 2 of the young people we currently support are trans or non-binary. We will always be here for them.

What does this mean for homeless young people We know that LGBTQ+ young people’s needs and experiences are already too often dismissed by the mainstream, whether that is a refusal to acknowledge familial domestic violence, failure to respect identity, or not prioritising urgent cases for action. This ruling could further limit access to essential services, meaning more sofa surfing, more staying in unsafe places, and more rough sleeping for vulnerable young people who are already at much greater risk of homelessness than their peers. A young person with nowhere to go could be sent to a hostel that doesn't align with their identity. If that placement is refused because it's unsafe, a local authority might claim they no longer have a duty to house that young person. For many young people, this adds yet another layer of uncertainty to lives already marked by rejection and instability. akt is taking action We are calling on mainstream housing and homelessness services to take a clear stance and state explicitly that their services are or will remain trans-inclusive. We have raised concerns in Westminster at the All-Party Parliamentary Group on Ending Homelessness and with ministers and officials in government.. akt has joined nearly 200 organisations in standing up for our community through the LGBT+ Sector Leaders Statement. Together, we can raise our voices and drive real change for young people like Cleo.

Cleo's Story Cleo came to us after rough sleeping near Manchester's Arndale Centre for a month. She had been kicked out by her family due to her mother's transphobia. Despite approaching Salford Council, she wasn't viewed as a priority for emergency housing, despite her obvious vulnerability. When Cleo contacted akt on a Friday with nowhere to stay for the weekend, we immediately stepped in. As a trans woman with autism, rough sleeping left her particularly vulnerable. We funded emergency hotel accommodation to keep her safe that weekend. The following Monday, we advocated strongly with the council to prioritise her for emergency accommodation. While she waited, we connected her with services for hot meals and provided essential food and hygiene products. Working alongside housing officers, we ensured her autism and dyslexia were accommodated in the housing process. Eventually, we found Cleo suitable accommodation where she now feels "very hopeful and very welcomed." At akt, we have always been, and will always be, here for any LGBTQ+ young people facing homelessness. Thank you for standing with us, Adam Pemberton Wickham (he/him) CEO, akt P.S. If you're an LGBTQ+ young person reading this who feels unsafe at home, you are not alone. You can speak with a caseworker now via our website live chat.