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LGBTI+ Sydney needs homelessness support
Experiencing homelessness in Sydney is challenging for anyone, but for Sydney’s LGBTI+ communities an extra layer applies to every decision you make for your safety and security. Research shows that LGBTI+ people in Australia are twice as likely to experience homelessness due to a mix of factors like family rejection, violence and discrimination.
When seeking support from medical services, Centrelink, shelters, food banks and more, a wide range of challenging questions might race through your mind:
- Will I be safe if they know my sexuality?
- Can I still get access to my medications?
- Can I dress in a way that matches my gender identity?
- Will they understand my health challenges?
- Will they try to change who I am?
- Will I be judged?
While the vast majority of Sydney’s support services are welcoming and inclusive places, the mental weight of these questions can be the difference between accessing help or not.
At the Haymarket Foundation, a pride flag (kindly donated by a resident) is proudly displayed in the courtyard of this crisis accommodation service that’s been operating for nearly 50 years. Written on the flag are the words “everyone is welcome here”.
“We know that you have to be proactively inclusive” says Gowan Vyse, CEO of the Haymarket Foundation.
“Anyone who walks into the Haymarket Foundation needs to be able to walk in and know “I will be safe here”. It’s then our job to earn the trust of the LGBTI+ people who walk through our doors by action, not just words.”
The Haymarket Foundation does this through a range of dedicated services for the LGBTI+ community. The organisation’s crisis accomodation features dedicated beds for trans and non-binary people and the foundation’s HIV support service is built on the shoulders of the LGBTI+ community’s long standing mission to smash the stigma of HIV and ensure people with HIV live long, happy and healthy lives.
“Too many LGBTI+ people are turned away from services or discouraged because of discrimination or the fear of discrimination. That’s why it’s important we have dedicated space and services for this community. We have no ties to politics, religion or ideology. We simply believe your sexuality and gender shouldn’t be a barrier to getting help when you most need it ” says Vyse.
You can help The Haymarket Foundation’s support for LGBTI+ people in Sydney experiencing homelessness by making a regular donation. Your donation helps fund food, shelter, medical and mental health support when people most need it.