Author: Graham Robson

Lead Artwork: Laik Ecola

The Outside Project is gearing up to open its new Trans Winter Night Shelter in Hackney, London, which will be a safe space for trans communities.

The LGBTQ+ community shelter and domestic abuse refuge said: “It’s been another difficult year of our community being dragged into the crossfire of global politics and the need for safe spaces has never been more critical.”

The new shelter will provide a dignified, safe and supportive refuge for trans people who are homeless, escaping domestic abuse, seeking asylum, or at risk of sleeping rough.

The Trans Winter Night Shelter is a direct community led action in response to the need for crisis housing among the most marginalised members of the LGBTIQ+ community, people that the charity sees everyday at its LGBTIQ+ Centre and through its Outreach Service in Westminster.

According to The Outside Project, trans people face unique risks and discrimination when homeless and attempting to access existing crisis housing services. The Outside Project, in partnership with Micro Rainbow and Star Support, aims to bridge this critical gap, offering trans people a secure space where they can feel safe, respected, and supported.

The new shelter will provide private and communal bedrooms alongside offices and community space. The venue will host the Trans Winter Night Shelter and some of the LGBTIQ+ Centre groups that will temporarily relocate from The Outside Project’s current venue on Lant Street over the winter period in solidarity with shelter residents.

Nik Hann, Operations Manager for The Outside Project, said: “Having worked frontline the past three winters with The Outside Project, it’s been clear how disproportionally trans+ people are affected by homelessness.

“Gender identity is so often a core reason of why trans+ people have been made homeless, due to domestic violence, persecution in their country of origin, stigma and prejudice, and, with unequal and non-affirming access to mainstream services, trans+ people are further pushed to the margins.

“This is why it is so important and that we have a dedicated service this winter, and then we can move on to grow, develop this service and increase equity of access to all homelessness services for trans+ people.”

The Outside Project has a list of shelter kit and supplies that it urgently needs and are fundraising for the shelter and its annual Christmas Day dinner party. Link to the charity’s fundraiser is HERE.

You can pick specific items from The Outside Project’s winter shelter wishlist through its shop on Give Today HERE.

The Outside Project is initially only looking to recruit DIY volunteers as it gets the building ready for opening – especially those in the business of kitchen and bathroom fitting. To get involved, contact Development Coordinator, Cecily – Cecily@lgbtiqoutside.org

For partnership enquiries, contact Partnerships Coordinator, Talaith – Talaith@lgbtiqoutside.org