A Promise to be Proud of: The LGBTQ+ Housing Pledge

Guest blog by Jack Mason.

The LGBTQ+ Housing Pledge, developed by HouseProud and delivered by Stonewall Housing, is a free-of-charge initiative for social housing providers across the country to showcase their commitment to inclusivity and support for LGBTQ+ residents.

Thanks to the generous sponsorship of 9 housing providers, we’ve been able to keep the pledge free at the point of use, whilst bringing on board a full-time Pledge Coordinator. My name’s Jack (he/him) and I’m thrilled to be taking on this role. I’ve accumulated a few years of experience in the LGBTQ+ sector, previously managing Bereavement, Older People’s and Dementia Services for a local charity down here in Brighton. I’ve now entered the world of housing, to lead on all aspects of the LGBTQ+ Housing Pledge: supporting organisations on their inclusion journeys, encouraging new sign ups and aiming to bring the scheme to all corners of the UK.

The need for such a Pledge became evident after the No Place Like Home? research in 2017. This study revealed the challenges faced by LGBTQ+ individuals in social housing. Many reported feeling unsafe and disconnected within their communities. Alarmingly, 60% of trans respondents said their neighbourhoods did not feel safe for LGBTQ+ residents. Others shared experiences of censoring their living spaces before staff visits and expressed doubts about their landlords’ responses to harassment and discrimination.

In response to these issues, the LGBTQ+ Housing Pledge was born. A collaboration between LGBTQ+ residents, HouseProud, the University of Surrey, Stonewall Housing, Opening Doors London, Tonic Housing, and a number of housing providers, designed the scheme. It offers two levels of accreditation: Pledge Pioneer and Pledge Pioneer Plus, with criteria focusing on themes like inclusion, visibility, and co-production. The flexible and proportionate requirements ensure that housing providers of all sizes and locations can participate meaningfully. You can read more about the requirements here.

This summer, we were thrilled to announce that 14 housing organisations achieved Pledge Pioneer status. These organisations were a mix of local authorities and housing associations, all united in their mission towards a better future for LGBTQ+ residents. Tenants are at the heart of this pledge; LGBTQ+ residents comprised 3 out of the 8 members on the assessment panel which ensured that their voices and experiences were central to the process.

By signing the Pledge and making the Pledge Promise, organisations take a bold step toward LGBTQ+ inclusion. You would join a growing network of trailblazing social housing landlords and access a community of good practice centred around shared learning, innovative resident engagement and celebration. As well as supporting housing providers to meet some of their responsibilities under the regulatory framework, work towards the Pledge requirements helps to foster equality and belonging among both residents and staff.

To learn more or to join the movement, contact us at houseproudpledge@stonewallhousing.org. Together, we can build communities where everyone feels safe, valued, and proud of where they live.

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Jack Mason
LGBTQ+ Housing Pledge Project Co-ordinator
Stonewall Housing

You can connect with Jack on LinkedIn by clicking here or email him directly on houseproudpledge@stonewallhousing.org.