Around 30% of young homeless people identify as LGBTQ+. Young people who come out to parents or carers when they are still living at home can be at risk of homelessness.

Some parents may not feel positively about a young person coming out, and there might be arguments in the family home. If you are planning on coming out to your parents for the first time, have a look at our coming out guide before taking this step.

Support if you feel you are at risk

For some young LGBTQ+ people, being who they are can end up making their living situations difficult or dangerous. If you feel at risk of homelessness, or you need help to find somewhere to stay, support is available.

• Porchlight offers support to people who are homeless, or at risk of becoming homeless, across Kent. Their services are not specific to LGBTQ+ people, but they have a wide range of services that can help. There's information on their website, or you can call the free helpline for advice, information or practical housing support: 0800 567 7699 (available 9-5, Monday to Friday). The helpline team can also advise you if you are currently experiencing homelessness - for example because you have been forced to sleep rough, you are sofa surfing or have no permanent or safe place to live.
• AKT are the national LGBTQ+ youth homelessness charity. They don’t have any offices in Kent, but they have a huge amount of experience and expertise and can provide support online, including through their digital mentoring service Inter-AKT.