Sacred Spaces, Unsafe Places: The Role of Religion in LGBTQ+ Housing Insecurity

• In Event: 20214 - Gay, Lesbian, Bisexual and Transgender Studies

Abstract

LGBTQ+ individuals experiencing homelessness face systemic barriers in accessing safe and affirming shelter, particularly within faith-based housing programs. These programs, while key providers of emergency housing, often implement religiously motivated policies that exclude or marginalize LGBTQ+ individuals. Through 28 in-depth interviews with housing service providers and housing intermediaries, this study examines the structural obstacles embedded in faith-based shelters and coordinated entry systems. Findings highlight discriminatory shelter policies, gender-segregated housing models that fail to accommodate transgender and non-binary individuals, and biases in housing prioritization tools. The study underscores the need for policy reforms, including stronger enforcement of non-discrimination protections, revisions to housing assessment tools to better address LGBTQ+ vulnerabilities, and expansion of non-gendered shelter options. By addressing these systemic inequities, this research aims to inform policies that create more inclusive and affirming housing environments for LGBTQ+ individuals experiencing homelessness.

Authors

• Taylor June, The Ohio State University

• Madeline Yu Carrola, The Ohio State University

• Alex Michelle Kempler, The Ohio State University