Out but not Down: Lesbians’ Experience of Housing

Lesbians do not have an undifferentiated experience of the world of work and family, but we share a sense of not belonging, of being 'apart' in many public, social and familial situations. Many lesbians are not 'out' to their families, workmates, the doctor, or even friends. Few of us are 'out' in every situation. We all make choices every day. Lack of recognition and support for our lives as lesbians means that our search for 'home' has a psychic as well as a practical dimension. The psychological effects of chronic housing problems cannot be underestimated. Feminists have described the way in which being homeless or living in poor-quality housing contributes to women's feelings of failure and worthlessness. (Austerberry and Watson, 1980) We often internalize anger and blame ourselves for the problems we experience, whether they be battery and abuse, or homelessness. (Eichenbaum and Orbach, 1982) Denise Marshall of Stonewall Housing Association told me that homeless women who contact them often do not define themselves as homeless, or attempt to hide the fact. It is as if they believe it reflects badly on them rather than on our society.