Homelessness and Housing Challenges of LGBTQ+ People in Finland
Sateenkaari-ikkuna ry conducted an online survey of 66 respondents. As it can be challenging to reach people
experiencing homelessness through survey research, the survey reached only one respondent who was currently
experiencing homelessness, and 22 respondents who had experienced homelessness in the past.
In the case of this survey, assessing representativeness is especially challenging because it is difficult to estimate the proportion of both homeless people and sexual and gender minorities within the general population. Therefore, it was not possible to obtain a systematic sample from the target population. This means the results cannot be statistically generalized to the whole population. Nevertheless, the data provides valuable insights into a phenomenon that has not been previously studied in Finland, and it can highlight issues for future research.
Key Findings:
- Most respondents live in poverty or are at risk of poverty. Fewer than 20% of respondents wereemployed or self-employed, while the majority were students, unemployed individuals, or retirees. Most respondents received their regular monthly income through social benefits. Several basic benefits—such as unemployment support and student allowances—have been shown to be insufficient to cover the minimum reasonable cost of living (Amnesty; Finnish League for Human Rights 2021, p. 18).
- Most respondents could afford basic living expenses, but they often could not afford much beyond that. For example, while most could afford housing costs, hygiene supplies, and at least two meals per day, more than a third could not afford weather-appropriate clothing, and only about half could afford to use public healthcare services.
- Poverty leads to social exclusion, making it difficult or impossible to participate in society. Only about a third of respondents reported being able to afford social activities like going to the movies or out for coffee, or participating in hobbies. Only half could afford transportation, whether by car or public transit.
- The most common reasons for experiencing homelessness or inadequate housing were financial difficulties, relationship or family problems, and mental health challenges. These situations were not necessarily directly related to the respondent’s LGBTQ+ identity. However, discrimination against LGBTQ+ individuals has been shown to increase the risk of these challenges.
- Financial stability, affordable housing, and greater accessibility of services were cited most by respondents as needs to resolve their housing situation more quickly and effectively.
- Respondents were more likely to turn to personal networks for help with their housing situation than to public social services. Additionally, about 17% of respondents reported that they did not seek help when they experienced homelessness or inadequate housing. The reasons included not knowing where to get help, believing they wouldn’t be helped, and fearing how professionals would treat them.
Need for increased accessibility of services for LGBTQ+ individuals
Examining homelessness among LGBTQ+ individuals helps to make visible the structural discrimination they
face in many sectors of society. Discrimination and the fear of discrimination in services can increase the
threshold for seeking help, thus hindering the resolution of homelessness. Homelessness may therefore be
prolonged simply because services are not equipped to meet the needs of LGBTQ+ people. While community-
based help is valuable, not everyone has close relationships or a support network to rely on. And if someone finds
it difficult to seek services—due to fear of discrimination or simply not knowing where to turn—they can be left
completely alone.
It is therefore crucial to increase the accessibility of services—both in general and specifically for LGBTQ+
individuals. Equally important is the need to communicate clearly that services are inclusive and welcoming of
LGBTQ+ people, and that staff are trained to meet their needs (Pakkanen 2023, p. 12).
Need for future research
There is a clear need for more data on homelessness and housing challenges among LGBTQ+ people living in or
residing in Finland. This group represents a “minority within a minority” and faces multiple and intersecting
forms of discrimination.
When compiling statistics on homelessness in Finland, it would be important to consider whether sexual and
gender minorities could be included in the data. Recognizing LGBTQ+ identity as a risk factor for homelessness
would allow for the development of targeted preventive measures within the service system.