Access to safe, accessible, and affordable housing in neighborhoods of their choice is vital to the wellbeing of women, LGBTQIA+ people, and families. Where we live is at the very core of our daily lives. And yet, women—particularly women facing intersecting forms of discrimination—and LGBTQIA+ people are significantly more likely than men to face housing instability due to both economic inequities (e.g., gender and racial wage gaps, the lack of a decent minimum wage), discrimination, and challenges in securing a safe, affordable, and accessible place to live in a neighborhood of their choosing.
This fact sheet dives into the history of racist and sexist housing policies in the United States and touches on housing discrimination still experienced today by women of color; pregnant people and families with children; disabled women; survivors; households headed by women; women with a conviction record; immigrant women; and LGBTQIA+ people.