Rainbow renters: differences in housing tenure and satisfaction between LGBTIQ and non-LGBTIQ Australians

Abstract

Lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, intersex, and queer (LGBTIQ) people’s housing experiences are under-explored in Australia. Previous Australian and international research in social geography and housing studies suggests that this group experiences a range of barriers to secure and affordable housing, confirming the need for further insight in the Australian context. This article examines LGBTIQ housing tenure and satisfaction, drawing on data from two Australian surveys. Our analyses of nationally representative data from the Housing, Income and Labour Dynamics Australia (HILDA) survey, and state-specific data from The Tasmania Project, identify significant differences in housing tenure, and housing satisfaction between LGBTIQ and non-LGBTIQ Australians. We find LGBTIQ Australians are more likely than non-LGBTIQ to rent their homes and less satisfied with their housing overall. We also identify novel differences in housing patterns within LGBTIQ communities. The experiences and needs of LGBTIQ people must be considered for housing policy and services, as well as efforts to address housing stress and homelessness in Australian cities.