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We all deserve to chase our dreams.

We all have dreams and we should all have the opportunity to chase them. But LGBTQ+ people still face barriers that prevent them from making their dreams a reality.

American Dreams and American Reality

American Dreams

We all deserve a place to call home.

American Reality

You could legally be denied housing if you are LGBTQ+

American Dreams

We all deserve to live in safety.

American Reality

LGBTQ+ people are nearly 4 times more likely to be victims of violent crime.

Source: Williams Institute, 2020

Stories

  • Growing threats of anti-LGBTQ+ violence in his neighborhood made Dawn fear for his safety—it took a big step to finally find stability in another community.
  • Emma became the first trans woman to walk every block in Manhattan. But before she accomplished that, an unsafe living situation threatened her ability to call New York City home.
  • Trey hid her transgender identity when she was young, and talks about the importance of safety and security - especially for trans people - and encourages everyone to be treated with respect and to live as their authentic self
  • “Even the smallest act of kindness speaks volumes for those who are affected."

Homelessness in the LGBTQ+ community

LGBTQ+ adults are twice as likely as the general population to have experienced homelessness in their lifetime.
10% of the general homeless population is comprised of youth, 40% of the homeless youth population identify as LGBTQ+.

Violence targeting LGBTQ+ people

Annual crime statistics collected by the Federal Bureau of Investigations show violence in the nation overall is dropping, but hate crimes targeting LGBTQ+ people are rising: Hate crimes based on sexual orientation rose 23% in 2023 compared to 2022.More than 1 in 5 of any type of hate crime is now motivated by anti-LGBTQ+ sentimentSource: Human Rights Campaign (HRC)

LGBTQ+ people could face barriers to housing

Barriers can take a variety of forms: LGBTQ+ people are at risk of being denied, charged higher rates for, or removed from housing. Nearly 3 in 10 LGBTQ+ adults reported experiencing some kind of housing related barrier or harassment in the past year, including being prevented or discouraged from buying a home, being denied access to a shelter, or experiencing harassment from housemates or neighbors.

Source: Center for American Progress

Partners

  • GLAAD
  • The Trevor Project
  • HRC