Founded in 1989, akt was set up in Manchester by ally Cath Hall, a foster carer who found that many gay, lesbian and bisexual young people were not receiving the care and support they need and deserve. akt supports LGBTQ+ young people aged 16-25 in the UK who are facing or experiencing homelessness or living in a hostile environment. We support young people into safe homes, employment, education, or training in a welcoming and open environment that celebrates LGBTQ+ identities. The pandemic and lockdowns have significantly impacted LGBTQ + young people, as well as other marginalised groups including black people,
people of colour and disabled people. Marginalised groups have not only dealt with the pandemic but also the rise of transphobic rhetoric in the media and
spikes in racism.
akt saw an 118% increase in referrals to our services during the first lockdown, compared to the same period in 2019. When Government Covid guidelines banned sofa surfing, many LGBTQ+ young people had no other option but rough sleeping or staying at home in hostile or abusive family environments. Coming out, or being outed as LGBTQ+, can lead to young people being made homeless. 24% of homeless young people identify as LGBTQ+.
Once homeless, LGBTQ+ young people are more likely to face violence and discrimination than young people who aren’t LGBTQ+. They’re also more likely to develop substance misuse issues and experience sexual exploitation. This can all take a huge toll on someone’s physical and mental health.
77% of the LGBTQ+ young people we work with believe coming out at home was the main factor in causing their homelessness and so it's vital that they are supported in an environment that is inclusive and celebrates their identities in order to improve their life outcomes.
