YOUNG LGBT people who have been homeless are being urged to tell their stories to a nationwide equality group.

Lesbian, gay, transgender and bisexual people who have experiences homelessness are being asked to contact LGBT Youth Scotland.'s youth commissioners.

The organisation say they want to gather young people's stories to help show how discrimination can affect people's risks of becoming homeless.

It says LGBT young people are "disproportionately represented" among the young homeless population, and there is a need for a national strategy to tackle the problem.

Janice Stevenson, Development Officer & Domestic Abuse Support Worker at LGBT Youth Scotland said: “Despite knowing that discrimination plays a role in increasing the risk of LGBT people becoming homeless, the specific issues and risks LGBT young people face are rarely mentioned in policy.”

"Our Youth Commissioners want to hear your stories to evidence the need for a National Homelessness Strategy for Scotland that recognises the role discrimination plays in increasing the risk of LGBT people becoming homeless.”

"Housing and homelessness policy is currently developed and implemented by Local Authorities. A National Strategy would help ensure that LGBT young people receive the most appropriate response from services when homeless and that prevention strategy include actions to reduce the causes of LGBT homelessness."

Housing and Homelessness Youth Commissioner Megan McIntyre added: “We are gathering case studies to highlight the experiences of LGBT young people. We want to hear your stories of homelessness to help bring about change to ensure that LGBT young people‘s housing needs are met.”

“We want to hear from young people age 16 and over who have lived experiences of homelessness at any point in the last 5 years. This can include experience of rough sleeping; sofa surfing; and staying in temporary accommodation, refuge or hostels.”

“We are particularly keen to hear from anyone who has experienced domestic abuse from a partner or ex-partner, or abuse or rejection from their family, but all experiences of homelessness are relevant and valued. All identities can be anonymised.”

“Young people can write their own story and send it in to Janice; or arrange to meet in person or chat over the phone.”

Anyone who wants to talk about their story should contact Janice on Janice.stevenson@lgbtyouth.org.uk or 0141 552 7425.