The housing sector has a vital role in building stronger, LGB-inclusive communities across the UK, often working in partnership with other service providers like the police to ensure gay people are safe in their local communities. Delivering services which meet the different needs of a diverse population, including LGB people, is a key driver for many workers in this sector – from frontline customer service agents right up to chief executive level.
‘Housing providers are increasingly consulting with LGB people in their communities’
Stonewall works with nearly 70 employers in this sector and it’s difficult to find people more passionate about their vocation than those who work in housing. Public sector cuts have had a big impact on providers, making their continued effort to do more around equality with fewer resources all the more impressive. This work has paid off, with seven housing organisations featuring in the Top 100 in 2012.
Under legislation introduced in 2007, it is illegal to discriminate against someone in the provision of goods, facilities and services on the grounds of their sexual orientation.
This applies to housing providers, in that they cannot refuse to serve LGB people or give them a lesser service than that provided to heterosexual people. In practice, this can involve housing providers ensuring that they tackle antisocial behaviour or homophobic hate incidents effectively.
Housing providers are increasingly consulting with LGB people in their communities and are working hard to improve data monitoring around their tenants’ sexual orientation to ensure they meet the needs of their LGB customers. Ultimately, the drive behind equality and diversity in this sector is about enabling everyone, including LGB people, to access this crucial service safely in the knowledge that they will be treated fairly.
You’ll find housing providers all across the UK – whether as social landlords or attached to a council – so you should find the right one for you nearby.
