Home and Homelessness
Home can be of particular importance to those who may have experienced exclusion of particular difficulties in their family homes. Once homeless, LGBT people may also experience particular problems. In this section, the interviewees explore their own feelings about home, and homelessness. Interviewees touch on issues including childhood upbringing, journeys towards personal independence and concepts of safety, inclusion and exclusion. Later, the inception of, and influence of Stonewall Housing is placed in context by those who were involved and the impact of the organisation to the present day is also discussed.
Being Gay at Home
In this section, interviewees recall their childhoods and growing up. They touch on feeling ‘different’, coming out, how members of their families responded to this process, and how this impacted on their feelings of ‘home’.
Coming to London
Here interviewees describe the decisions and life journeys that led them to London and the opportunities and challenges that London life presents.
Own Space
Interviewees talk about living independently and how having a home of their own influences their lives and happiness.
Changes in Housing
Bob Green compares and contrasts the housing-related issues and practicalities of the 1990s with those experienced today.
Older LGBT
As we grow older, it grows increasingly important to have appropriate housing where our care need are met alongside recognition of our whole identities. In this section, interviewees highlight the issues surrounding the care and support of older LGBT people and suggest ways in which policy might develop in this area.
Hostels
Mary Boenke and Natasha Cenac give their perspectives on working and living in hostels.
HIV/AIDS and Housing
Peter Davey discusses the housing needs of gay men who had HIV/AIDS and the development of a housing association to specifically respond to these needs.
Stonewall Housing’s Role
From its very beginning, those involved in Stonewall Housing sought to influence the availability of safe housing for young lesbian and gay people. Here interviewees discuss the founding remit of Stonewall Housing and the practical impact of its ongoing rationale on individuals and attitudes to housing issues.
Stonewall Housing’s Origins
Stonewall Housing was set up in 1983 as the first Housing Association aimed exclusively at meeting the needs of lesbians and gay men. Interviewees in this section recall the early days of Stonewall Housing and reflect on the impact of early decision-making on shaping the organisation.
Stonewall Housing’s Impact
Stonewall Housing has seen many changes over the years, but the quality service provided to LGBT people who are experiencing difficulties with their housing has been constant. Interviewees share thoughts on how Stonewall Housing has played a role in shaping the housing ‘landscape’ and influencing the LGBT community. Some interviewees also go on to discuss how working with Stonewall Housing has had an impact on their own attitudes and personal lives.
Experiences of Using Stonewall Housing
Interviewees share personal stories about what Stonewall Housing has done for, and meant for, them.
