LGBT+ housing in Manchester to be built

[FlatteredFool]

I didn't know where else to put this so apologies if not the right place but I think this board will provide some good knowledge.

www.manchestereveningnews.co.uk/news/greater-manchester-news/plans-emerge-first-kind-purpose-20251992

On the surface I'm thinking this is all a positive thing but then when you consider the definition provided by Stonewall on what being trans is then surely this housing would be open to all? How would someone prove they were entitled to live in a specific community like this? After all self ID says we are who we say we are, no debate. Does anyone know anything about the one already in Brighton and how that works?

You could just stop worrying about other people's business and chill out? Just an option.

How do you prove a person is gay? I suppose it’s all done purely on a self ID basis as nothing else would make sense. They are probably relying on the lingering stigma within that age group to prevent false applications.

I think if those seeking specific accommodation based on their sexuality then there will have to be some wider conversations and yes, Self ID would come into it if they look at the other protected characteristics.

This refugee was housed with those of a similar cultural background but appealed the decision.

www.bbc.com/news/uk-wales-55889760

If men can have accommodation with other gay men, then women can have it with other women right? If not why not?

Its an interesting idea. But wouldn't it make homophobic / transphobic attacks easier in the sense that you'd know everyone there was LGBT+
Torn in that respect.

It looks like the Brighton version is not exclusively for those who identify as LGBT+... The percentage of residents identifying as LGBT+ at New Larchwood has doubled (5% to 10%). We expect this figure to continue to increase.

www.housing.org.uk/our-work/diversity-and-equality/case-studies/anchor-hanover--older-lgbt-peoples-needs/

How do you prove you qualify to live there?

I don't think its a good idea. My own point of view is that a mixed society or neighbour hood is far better. It would also worry me that the houses would be a target for hate crime.

I agree with you all. I'd worry it will make things worse rather than better. It's a bit them and us and yes, how do you prove you meet the criteria. What even are the criteria?

The only solid criteria I can find for the Brighton version of this is over age 55’s.

Only 10% of their residents identify as LGBT+.

As a landlord I couldn’t care less about my tenants sexuality or how they choose to present or identify or whatever. As long as they look after the property, behave reasonably and pay the rent on time.

I’d be interested to see the rent and maintenance fees in comparison to other properties in the area, are they going to be paying a premium.

I don't think it's a bad idea in theory, seeing as it provides care on site as well. But I do think the problems of self ID in the outside world will present there as well due to the T being in conflict with the LGB.

This sounds like a great idea.

They should make separate housing areas for BAME people too.

Maybe the local councils could make separate schools, libraries, cafes and sections of public transport for different societal groups too.

I think they’ve just done a similar thing in Canada, not sure where I saw this info though.

There’s one in London too - for retirees I think.

Aren't there names for that sort of separatism?

Not sure it will be the Oasis of peace residents will be being sold!

Identity politics is pretty much bringing things full circle. There is a reason race essentialists of the traditional kind love it.

Well you get residential homes for retired police, musicians, clergy etc, I suppose this sort of is similar, but obviously a step down from residential care.
I doubt it would be an oasis of peace either.

Not if my sister moved in...

I've been working on delivering one of these, we've dealt with a lot of applications. can't say I've come across anyone suspicious or people clearly relying on self ID so far. it would be quite some game to try and get through all of the applications, assessments, meetings getting a mortgage etc to then go " hahaha I'm not even gay i was just kidding to live here and abuse people"

@Erkrie

Well you get residential homes for retired police, musicians, clergy etc, I suppose this sort of is similar, but obviously a step down from residential care. I doubt it would be an oasis of peace either.

I think ones for clergy and military is mostly to do with funding, often government funds veterans care in some way and clergy are funded by their church, especially when they are from religions that don't marry.

I think ones for clergy and military is mostly to do with funding, often government funds veterans care in some way and clergy are funded by their church, especially when they are from religions that don't marry

True. I'm not sure how those Manchester ones will be funded. Combination of private purchases / housing benefit and some sort of service charge I guess.

I saw an interview with one of the men behind this. He talked movingly about his partner, who needed carers at the end of his life. Some of the carers were horribly homophobic, telling the dying man he was going to hell and treating him contemptuously. It was distressing and made his partner's last weeks harder. This was one of the reasons why the founder wanted to set up a community for older LGBT people. It seems reasonable to me to want to establish a welcoming and supportive place to live.

Once you start looking at the target group, the definition expands to have more or less anybody who identifies , is an ally etc. I doubt whether many lesbians will opt for it. I would dearly love a women only project s an alternative.

@Angelica789

How do you prove a person is gay? I suppose it’s all done purely on a self ID basis as nothing else would make sense. They are probably relying on the lingering stigma within that age group to prevent false applications.

We should all ‘identify’ as LGBT to claim the housing... then say ‘What?! Just because we aren’t actually LGBT, doesn’t mean we can’t identify as LGBT, and that therefore I’m just as much LGBT as you’

Just to be clear I am joking.

It is human nature to want to be with people who have shared experiences; people don't like feeling like the odd one out! That's why there is a community of British expats living near each other in Spain, and why big cities in America have historic Italian quarters and Chinese quarters.

I can see why there would be a market for a retirement village that was specifically LGBT friendly, and I'm sure anyone who applies to live there will have fully considered the drawbacks.