Glen is an LGBTQ+ person who has worked in Dublin Simon emergency hostels for 3 years and has also previously worked for Gay Switchboard.
In his experience the majority of LGBTQ+ homeless youth found themselves without somewhere to stay due to bad reactions from family members when they came out and acknowledges that the already chaotic nature of homelessness and emergency accommodation is very tough for LGBTQ+ people, particularly those who may still be unsure of and struggling with their sexuality
The gender segregation of residential care facilities like some emergency hostels can amplify a sense of marginalisation for LGBTQ+ people. Glen has found that many LGBTQ+ try to mask their sexuality and keep it hidden while in emergency services, for fear of being treated differently or bullied by others staying there.
Glen and his colleagues at Dublin Simon work hard to stamp out any negativity and create a safe and tolerant environment for clients by linking LGBTQ+ people in with the relevant wraparound support services, celebrating pride month and running open forum discussion groups with residents around LGBTQ+ people and trying to address any fears or misconceptions people may have.
