A Proud Promise: The LGBTQ+ Housing Pledge
The LGBTQ+ Housing Pledge, by HouseProud and delivered by Stonewall Housing, is a scheme for social housing providers to demonstrate their inclusion of and support towards LGBTQ+ residents.
Back in 2017, a piece of research called No Place Like Home? found that LGBTQ+ social housing residents experienced a lack of safety and a lack of belonging in their neighbourhoods. 60% of trans respondents felt that their neighbourhood was not a safe place to live as an LGBTQ+ person. Individuals disproportionately reported censoring their homes when preparing for staff visits and felt doubtful of their landlord’s approach to harassment and discrimination.
The LGBTQ+ Housing Pledge was created to address these findings. The scheme is free to sign up to and offers two levels of accreditation: Pledge Pioneer and Pledge Pioneer Plus. Each of these has different requirements centred around themes like inclusion, visibility and co-production. The criteria is flexible and proportionate, and therefore caters to all landlords irrespective of an organisation’s size or geographical location.
By signing up – making the Pledge Promise – you will be spearheading LGBTQ+ inclusion and joining a growing network of organisations proudly taking this step towards equality. You will be working towards a formal recognition of inclusive practice to improve both resident and staff satisfaction.
If you are interested in finding out more, please get in touch with us directly at houseproudpledge@stonewallhousing.org.
