A Minority Stress Analysis of LGBTQ+ Homelessness in the Netherlands

This study focuses on trajectories into homelessness among LGBTQ+ individuals in the Netherlands. Based on the secondary analysis of 1,046 semi-structured interviews with 454 homeless adults conducted between 2018 and 2023, we identified 30 interviews with 14 participants who spontaneously mentioned their sexual orientation and/or gender identity. Analysis of their narratives shows that sexual/gender minorities experience a unique combination of social stressors—social stigma, bullying, violence, decay of social networks, isolation—that over time increases their chances of mental health problems, substance abuse, the avoidance of available services, and becoming and remaining homeless. To address homelessness among the LGBTQ+ population, we recommend improving outreach in youth care, ensuring continuity of care into adulthood, and raising awareness on homo- and transphobia among staff in homeless shelters.