Rock Trust and LGBT Youth Scotland have published new peer-led research examining how well LGBTQ+ young people in Scotland know their housing rights. What support do they know is available, and what happens when the system fails them?
The report was produced by Pride and Places, a group of LGBTQ+ young people aged 16–25, and is based on survey responses from 100 young people across 69% of Scotland’s local authorities.
The findings are stark. While most participants were aware of their basic right to make a homeless application, significant gaps emerged around less well-known protections. Only 39% knew they could access emergency housing support outside of office hours.
Just half knew they could apply to any Scottish council, not only their local one, after the Scottish Government removed the ‘local connection’ requirement for homelessness applications in 2022.
New research explores LGBTQ+ young people’s housing rights in Scotland
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Among those who had stayed in temporary accommodation, only two out of nine were aware of the seven-day limit on unsuitable emergency placements.
The research also documents direct experiences of discrimination, misinformation from housing professionals, and young people being encouraged to return to families who had rejected them because of their identity.
But the report also points to what works. When young people had independent advocacy support, outcomes improved significantly, LGBTYS and Rock Trust’s own project workers are among those credited by participants for making a real difference.
We're proud to have partnered with LGBT Youth Scotland on this work, and we're committed to using it to push for the changes these young people are calling for.
Kate Polson, Rock Trust CEO
Rock Trust CEO Kate Polson welcomed the report, saying: “This research, led by young LGBTQ+ people with direct experience of these issues, gives us clear and compelling evidence of where the system is falling short. Too many young people are navigating homelessness without the information, support or safety they are entitled to. For LGBTQ+ young people, the consequences of that failure can be severe.
We know that early intervention works. That’s why our manifesto calls on the Scottish Government to Act Early: investing in prevention and support before young people reach crisis point. The findings in this report make that case powerfully. When young people have someone in their corner who understands the system, outcomes improve. When they don’t, the harm can be lasting.
We’re proud to have partnered with LGBT Youth Scotland on this work, and we’re committed to using it to push for the changes these young people are calling for.”
Need help with housing?
If you’re aged 16 -25 and affected by or at risk of homelessness, we can offer you advice and support.
