In December 2023, a report by the Williams Institute at UCLA law, found that 14.3% of adults in DC identify as queer or LGBT. That's nearly twice as high as Oregon, the next "queerest state," and almost triple the 5.5% national average.
Nationally and in our region, the housing crisis is particularly severe for the LGBTQ community. Queer folks face discrimination while searching for both housing and jobs. That economic insecurity can mean chasing lower housing costs and paying for it with more extreme commutes, or worse. Despite being less than 10% of the population, LGBTQ youth make up nearly 40% of unhoused youth.
Housing justice is queer justice. If we can reduce the barriers to providing safe and affordable housing, more queer people can afford to live in our region, close to transit, jobs, healthcare, and other needs. In other words, The Washington, DC, region is gay and it can be gayer!
This year, there are two ways you can join us in both celebrating Pride and drawing attention to the unique ways queer folks experience the built environment:
