Fri 26 Aug 2016 In: New Zealand Daily News View at Wayback View at NDHA
Of the 450 written submissions made to the national Homelessness Inquiry, only two of these related to the LGBTI community. The office of Labour MP Phil Twyford - one of the MPs leading the Inquiry - says two submitters to the Inquiry identified themselves as lesbian, one of these women was previously dating a homeless woman. Neither of the women wished for their submissions to be made public. The lack of submissions relating to the LGBTI community has been noted as something of a concern given the community’s vulnerability. RainbowYOUTH’s says 26% of LGBTI youth who come out to family becoming disowned and homeless. Overseas studies estimate 20 - 40% of the homeless youth population are LGBTI. Maungakiekie-Tāmaki Local Board member and former Chair of the New Zealand AIDS Foundation, Simon Randall says the issues of LGBTI homeless people are “absolutely relevant” and that more awareness of these issues is needed within the community. “Our community has a great history of looking out for each other especially when it comes to our most vulnerable and their rights. This is carrying on that legacy.”
Credit: GayNZ.com Daily News staff
First published: Friday, 26th August 2016 - 2:47pm