This month our LGBTQ+ inclusion Co-Chair and Media Officer, Megan Evans, hosts the podcast and talks to Maya Joseph-Chavez from Stonewall Housing who also runs https://qpocproject.co.uk/, an organisation for made of and for queer people of colour. We also have two former Centrepoint residents Hannah* and Mia*, a couple who met whilst living in a Centrepoint service.
We will be discussing the realities of being LGBTQ+, female and homeless and how these identities intersect with different cultural backgrounds and upbringing. We will talk about some of the challenges these identities and backgrounds present when it comes to being out and proud.
This month we were lucky enough to be hosted in the CAT Footwear office in Kings Cross and we have a special Q&A at the end with Daisy Flood from CAT talking about their corporate partnership with Centrepoint.
*names have been changed.
This month our LGBTQ+ inclusion Co-Chair and Media Officer, Megan Evans, hosts the podcast and talks to Maya Joseph-Chavez from Stonewall Housing who also runs https://qpocproject.co.uk/, an organisation for made of and for queer people of colour. We also have two former Centrepoint residents Hannah* and Mia*, a couple who met whilst living in a Centrepoint service.
We will be discussing the realities of being LGBTQ+, female and homeless and how these identities intersect with different cultural backgrounds and upbringing. We will talk about some of the challenges these identities and backgrounds present when it comes to being out and proud.
This month we were lucky enough to be hosted in the CAT Footwear office in Kings Cross and we have a special Q&A at the end with Daisy Flood from CAT talking about their corporate partnership with Centrepoint.
*names have been changed.
point made the center point podcast spy on people for all people. center point is the UK is leading youth homelessness charity. At centre point, we believe no young person's life should be defined by homelessness. We give young people the support they need to heal and grow no matter what. for over 50 years, we've been the center point for change, personal and political. Everyone has their part to play. With young people leading the way. This podcast has been created by young people with lived experience of homelessness will be shining a spotlight on some of the issues that affect us. We hope to challenge and change some of the stereotypes and bring others with us as part of the movement to end youth homelessness for good. This time, we're recording from one of center points partners cat footwear. At the end of the episode, there will be a short interview with Daisy flowed from cat footwear, where we talked to her about the partnership with Centerpoint and how they support the charities work. But in the meantime, thank you for supporting the podcast. Welcome to pipe made the centerpoint podcast by young people for all people. I'm Meg, my pronouns are she her. I'm a media officer at Centerpoint. I'm the co chair of the LGBTQ plus inclusion group. In today's episode, we'll be discussing the realities of being LGBTQ plus, female and homeless, and what it's like when these identities intersect with different cultural backgrounds and upbringings too. We will also be talking about what it means to be out and proud and the challenges this brings. But before we get into the discussion, I'd like to introduce our panel. Please, could you introduce yourselves and tell me why you wanted to come on this podcast? Hi, I'm Maya. And my pronouns are she. And I work for Stonewall housing, which is more important than ever in the cost of living crisis. We're seeing a huge spike of homelessness, so I thought it was important to speak about it. Hi, I'm Hannah. I'm a young person from centerpoint. I used to live there. Last year, I lived there for seven months and are supported by them in every way. And yeah, luckily now I'm in a better place. I've got a job. I've got a house. So a lot of it was thanks to Centerpointe as well. Thank you. Hi, I'm Maria. I'm 22. My pronouns are she and she her and I'm also a young person from sens point. And I'm here on this podcast to bring some more awareness on what it's like to be LGBTQ and homeless. Tool. Thanks, everyone. So we know from research by Albert Kennedy trust that a quarter of homeless young people are LGBTQ plus, many of these have been rejected from their families because of their sexuality. And others have been fleeing abusive situations. So Maya, what is it that you've seen happening that Stonewall housing. So at Stonewall housing, we have quite a variety of people who come and ask to use our services. Quite a large proportion of those people come from ethnic minority backgrounds. I think there was a statistic that in 2020 82% of people who used our services, attributed their homelessness or their situation, to cultural and religious reasons as to why they became homeless. So it's a huge spike. And I think in the discussion about homelessness, I think sometimes culture and religion gets put on the backburner and people forget about it. And I think especially like I know, from being from a minority background, how much your family relationships are also to do with your financial stability, your emotional stability, everything like that. So when those things get uprooted it you know, we have people who come to us who are really in dire situations. I started up an organization during lockdown, specifically for queer people of color. And we we figured that such a huge issue amongst that community in particular was homelessness, and being rejected by family because of sexuality. Which was another reason I wanted to move over to sustainable housing. But for myself, I have been really I'd be really lucky with my housing situation. But I see all the time. And it's really Yeah, it's really awful to see to be honest. Yeah, really, and To my assets regarding coming from an ethnic minority and being LGBTQ, I mean, there's literally the reason for my homelessness and me going to Centerpoint is because they're very religious, you know, it's just, they just have a different culture. And that's really not acceptable in our culture, and if you are not what they expect you to be, or want you to be the new descend. And even though that has them, probably more than it has you, they, that's just the way it is. And that's how it's always been. And yeah, that's this, this one I want to send to point and that that's caused a lot of pain to a lot of my friends me and people come from ethnic minorities. And that's the reason why we go therapy now. I think for me, it's it was a lot different due to the fact that I was put into care, because my family just couldn't understand the reasoning behind my mental illness. But me coming out, it was just the cherry on top. And luckily, being placed in center point and being placed in foster care, I did realize that I'm not alone in the situation. And I met a lot of other people, including my partner right now. So, yeah, yes. No mention. So there's all sounds like, you know, really challenging things to go through. But just a little side note, you said that you met UTMs endpoint. Tell me a little bit about that. Um, well, it was kind of unexpected, because I'd seen other people get into relationships at some point, and it never looked like it worked out well, but I mean, we both knew 1000s Point fairly recently. And we're like, still together. And yeah, I don't know what you want to say about that. Well, yeah, she just took one look at me, and she just fell head over. Yeah. Okay. Um That is not true. That was I actually was a music teacher coming to teaching there. I was playing guitar and singing and then she sat down and started singing with me. Then we started hanging out. And now we've moved in together. So sweet shout to Centrepointe. Thank you. Everyone from Centerpoint is invited to the wedding. Okay, shout out Centerpoint matchmaking service. So, yeah, you two men service and being in service, and meeting other people like Hannah. Yeah. How did how did that affect your experiences? Was it quite a positive? was obviously quite positive Fosse. Definitely, it was quite eye opening, seeing people of the same ethnicities, especially having gone through the similar, very similar situations. Like I said, it really made me feel like I wasn't alone. I think the one thing I recognized from culture and like, I think the one thing I realized was that it may seem like there's unconditional, loving, unconditional love comes from like your family, until the situations of you know, I'm gay, or I'm trans, that pops up. And it's like, all of a sudden, very conditional. So to be in a space at some point, where there's other young people that are all looking for stability, and love and just recognition is really helps you to thrive and grow as a young person who's just trying to find their own way. Because obviously, you know, especially now with the cost of living, it's like, that's a whole nother added issue. On top of the fact of, you know, dealing with maybe internalized homophobia, and so on. I just want to like, say maybe like, because what came out for me, it was that about internalized homophobia, because I think that's something that I really experienced. And I come from, you know, a family where I didn't really have any issues coming out, it was more just like, my own issues, really. So I think that you said like that on top of everything else, like Yeah, like on top of like, cost of living and like, having no family you know, you see all the young people with the support group, you know, yeah, basically trying to figure out who you are. And then yeah, but in terms of Yeah, that's what I was gonna say like, cuz I think for me Like, yeah, I experienced internalized homophobia. And that's something that I struggled with. And when I think about it, having that, and then also, you know, having a community where it's not accepted either, like, thankfully, my family were quite accepting of it. So I guess yeah, having having both like, I can't imagine it must have must have been really tough. And so what was the biggest challenge, like to your to your coming out stories? Initially, it was obviously, the internalized homophobia and the denial. And then you start hating yourself and then coming out, you know, what's gonna happen, because it happens to everyone around you is like, ethnic minority, and as LGBTQ, we're gonna get kicked out, disowned if you're not in a good place, maybe even killed. But I guess if there's anything good that came out of is that this we're living our truth, and we're gonna break that cycle of abuse. So we're gonna be the change. If we have kids, they will never face any issues of acceptance. So are emotional abuse or any of the that we've gotten? So it's breaking the cycle? We know we're going to make the world a little bit better in the future. This better than it was, yeah, I love that. Thank you for sharing that. I think. Yeah, breaking the cycle is a great wherever CNA and Mia, what about you? I think the hardest challenge was obviously using my siblings and like, you know, not being able to see them anymore. Also, feeling like I couldn't tell everyone, I Oh, like, you know, sometimes I think I also like hid it from certain people, because I don't know if they were like an ally. So it felt like I was still like, hiding things. And not really living my true authentic self. I think also judgment from my own community, especially coming from a really religious community. I mean, it's already a lot. Having to not cover myself up in public. On top of that, even like, just being with Hannah, it's like really hard. Because as much as people like to say that, London is an idea agree it can be it is quite like, a safe space for LGBT people, it still doesn't feel that way. Because I can't hold hands with her in certain areas, or we can't, you know, kiss in certain areas. And I think that that's a really hard struggle. Yeah, definitely. And Maya, what about you? Um, yeah, thank you for sharing that. That's really nice to hear, but also really difficult. So I think like, a lot of the time, a lot of people use the word like, there's a cultural cultural barrier. And I always, I never know whether that's a good thing, that's a good thing to say or not good thing to say. Because you don't the idea of a barrier, something that stops you that I realized, like, again, with the work that I do with the the project that keep on the project, that a lot of people managed to, they build a new relationship with their religion, or with their culture, whilst also being gay or being bisexual being trans. And that's something that's just really lovely to see. And I think, in London, because there's such a high rate of queer people, especially queer people from different backgrounds. It's kind of like this new generation, this new wave of culture and religion that I don't think maybe it doesn't sit right with older generations, but it's definitely it's kind of like finding a way that works for you. But yeah, just from like what you said, I just, I wanted to ask you, like, Do you Do you feel as though like, you've developed a new kind of relationship with your cultural identity now that you're kind of more comfortable in your sexual identity? Oh, definitely. I think it opened up space for me to actually dive deep into my, like, culture and like, because I feel like a lot of it growing up was just heavily based on it was more of a religion of a culture. So I got the chance to like really do my research on you know, where I've come from what how my ancestors were, and I think I also developed a better relationship in terms of my spirituality, because I think I went through a lot of hardships with like, trying to set where I stood with religion. So that's like, still a journey for me. But I think once I accepted my sexuality, it definitely opened doors for me to set other parts of myself. And I like what you said how this like, you know, a new generation of like, queer people that like, opening up different conversations and that aspects. It's really beautiful to see. Yeah, I mean, I was just gonna say as well, I feel like the reason why like the queer community is so like, groundbreaking and it's so it really kind of disrupts society is because especially within cultural groups and communities, for 1000s of years, like society is functional in one way. And then, you know, when you have two men fall in love, two women fall in love, and it doesn't mean it goes against that, you start to see the cracks show in terms of you see what really is important, like reputation is important. That way my family looks to other families in that same religion and same culture that, you know, that's embarrassing, or X, Y, and Zed, and then it kind of boils down to, again, you know, you've got the same love is love. Because essentially, love is what makes the world go round, whether that's, you know, you as a woman falling in love with a woman, you realize, and actually, you know, I'm in the wrong body. I think it's, it's just like this idea of disruption. And I think, again, that's got negative connotations associated to it. But really like, it does boil down to when you make these like really bold choices to kind of remove yourself from family, remove yourself to pro financial ties and emotional ties, and it's such a huge thing to do. Especially in a country, which is not majority, what your family are. It's just like, such a bold and brave thing to do off the back of that, like, do you think it is kind of almost a cycle of like, rather than it just being like, all one community thinking one thing? Do you think it is like a cycle of like worrying about what someone else in the community thinks? It's, like you said about having to like, cut yourself off from? Yeah, I pies. I think like the other issue that, like the to do with what you've decided that the other issue is that, I think, because we live in a western society, I think people, I mean, often I hear the phrase thrown around, like, Oh, like that community's not quite there yet. They're not quite accepted yet. But like, again, like not to be that person that throws the word colonization around. But, you know, like queer people have existed forever. And that's like, such an important thing to remember. Because I think, you know, people think that we're further back in time, we're not quite there yet. But really, when you've got all the kind of like cultural stipulations attached to you, you've got so many obstacles to overcome to then allow yourself to be happy. And then you do you are kind of left in that situation, which is what you guys have done, where you kind of throw your hands up and say, well, actually, this is too much. I just got to remove myself completely. And then slowly, like build my way back to it. If you look at history, there have been like so many countries that, you know, pre colonization were very open in terms of like what we would see now as queerness. But that's completely been stripped away. Yeah, thank you small, small culture, even most of them religion, my opinion that kind of holds our families back and and being accepting. Um, it's just the fear of other people judging them and just wanting to be accepted. Yeah, no, I think those are all really interesting points. And then, yeah, I guess if it is, like you said, like, even pre colonization, things were a lot different. That's still like years and years of learning to get to like, where we are now? What what do you kind of think would help now to just like, encourage more respect and understanding within, within, like, all communities, really, I mean, you can talk from the position of your own community, or just all communities as a whole. I feel like, I feel like it really just boils down to seeing one another as our own individual person. And just, you know, like I said before, with, like, unconditional love until it becomes a conditional. I think just, if we all just kept things very simple. I'll say maybe exposure until it becomes a norm, and then they just get used to the experience, and then they get angry. And I think it's just like, it's just a way of thinking, yeah, it's just, it's just a way of thinking. And it's also like, I mean, not just from like, people from ethnic minority backgrounds, but like, even like the current, the current sort of situation. The way politics is moving at the moment. You know, people like are very quick to like point fingers and say, oh, you know, the snowflakes or like the young people, but like, if you really think about the agenda we're pushing, it's actually just coming from a place of acceptance and love. So I don't actually think that there is just like a one fix one quick fix for people who, for 1000s of years have thought one way, like, it's going to be difficult, it's going to be hard to change your mind. And to have to wait until the next generation comes. And then the next generation until it was accepting. And I think it also just boils down to like, do you as a parent? Do you not want your child to be happy? I think that's the bottom line, or as a friend or as any, any person who's who you love who is queer? Like, do you not want them to be happy? Because that is the bottom line, you don't you got this life? You will, I would want you to be happy. And presumably, my parents would, too. So yeah. The thing is, like, the we're not hurting anyone, we're not doing anything wrong to you know, to affect anyone else in a negative way. Which is so baffling why they wouldn't accept something that's completely benign. And, and it's just, it's just love. You know, I think also just like, if things were more communion, I feel like, you know, how things have been set up with, like, you know, nuclear families, everything be kept at home, people wanting their family to look a certain way, and not wanting to bring shame on their family. I think if everything was just more open and more more communal, these conversations could be much more easier to digest. Because, you know, there's other families that also are coming to terms with the fact that the child might be LGBTQ. So I think this whole shame and fear mongering, and all of that is just just needs to go. Yeah, I think so too. Yes, it's, it's not going to be like an easy fix. And it's going to take time, and there's a lot unfortunately, gonna be a lot of like casualties along the way. And I think that's kind of what happens now. And but I think, you know, what, one of you You too said earlier, just about, like breaking the cycle and like my, you're saying about, like, you know, your parents been happy for you, and then you would be happy for like your children. And then kind of like is, I guess it is like about creating like a new cycle. A question to you all, then what advice would you give to other young people who have found themselves homeless because of their sexuality? Hannah, do you want to start I know, scary. I know, feels like the end of the world, just just how we felt. In the beginning. I know, you just don't want to keep going. But in the end, it's gonna be okay, as long as just try to get up every day, just try to keep going with life. Even if you get up, just eat one meal a day. And then day after day, we'll just get over it slowly, you just start believing in yourself again. And you start working on yourself again, and you realize that assistance or part of your journey, and eventually down the line, you'll realize that all of that was for a reason whether you believe that or not. And all of that has shaped you and has made you the strong person you are. And you wouldn't be as kind or as strong or as as you know, patient or as helpful as you would be now if it weren't for the challenges that you've been through. And that's how I genuinely feel. Yeah, thank you for saying that. And yeah, Mia, what would you say? I would say go you know, social up online, go look on Instagram on tick tock, try find communities of like, other young people are like charities that are giving either like therapy or like just, you know, spaces where you can feel accepted and not feel like you have to be afraid and, you know, look into the things that you really have enjoyed a wants to do but couldn't do until now and go for it. Like, you know, Journal. Make new friends can even change your name if you want to, is you know, you can restart everything. But also just remember to you know, appreciate solitude and really dive deep into yourself. So you don't have to carry all of this with you. And yeah, just know that it will be okay in the end. And my of what, what advice would you give to like young people, I guess the ones that are coming to Stonewall housing center point for charities like that. I think the most important thing to remember again, I'm not speaking from my own experiences, but from the people I've seen in these situations, is you have to remember that you are not an extension of your family. And you are not an extension of anybody but yourself. So I think a lot of people they stay in Scituate domestic abuse, relationships, domestic abuse or just abuse in general, because, you know, it's family or its friends. And that's, you know, I have to make an exception for that. But no, that's not the case. You know, life is precious, and it's short. And, you know, it's so important to be happy and really ask yourself, Am I happy? And could I be happier? And if that is a question of kind of completely uprooting your life, and starting from scratch, whether you're 15, whether you're 25, whether you're 60, it's never too late, and you really do have to take the opportunity. And also that, whilst you know, it might not feel particularly positive in the current political climate, you know, there is always like, everyone who you see again, on Instagram on Tik Tok, whatever, they all started from somewhere. They all got to be where they are, and have their voices heard from, you know, just from working from the ground up. So that could be you. Yeah, that's what I wanted to say. The Kpop project is, it's about the QP OC, queer people of color project. We are an organization, we run all kinds of events, from social to educational, and we are a safe space for anybody who identifies under that umbrella. So yeah, find us anywhere on Instagram on online, please do come along to our next event. Yeah, so thanks, a massive thanks to everyone for coming along today. Thank you, Maya, Mia, and Hannah. We really appreciate you sharing your experiences and all of your stories. And given a very young people advice, who's going through similar situations. It's been a really inspiring and insightful discussion. And when this raise a lot of questions to so big thanks also to our listeners, please continue to support this podcast and like, subscribe and share. Thank you. Thank you. Hi, Daisy, thank you for giving us the space to be able to record this podcast today. I'm just going to ask you a few questions. That's okay. Can you tell us a bit about the history of cat footwear? Yes, so cat footwear is a division of Caterpillar Inc. we originated in the early 1990s, expanding the brand into durable and reliable footwear. So we're known mainly for our work boots. But we also now offer a wide range of casual and lifestyle footwear. For men, women, and unisex. All of our products are infused of cat DNA, and our innovative products really reflect the ruggedness and authenticity, making our shoes suitable for both work outdoor, and everyday leisure. Amazing. And why did you want to partner with centerpoint? Why did cat footwear want to partner with them? Yes. So youth homelessness is not just a UK issue. It's a global issue. And as a brand, we really wanted to aim to raise awareness and to take action to address this pressing problem. And there as there is a vast amount of homelessness between 16 to 24 year olds, the high cost of living the whole situation with the economy. And we really believe this shouldn't be happening in the 21st century. So together, we all can make a difference in the world. Thank you. And what happened some of the highlights of the partnership so far. So participating in the centerpoint awards, in November 2021 was really humbling experience for us. So I actually presented an award to a young adult who transformed his life. And it was really, truly inspirational to listen to his story, as well as all of the young adults that got presented an award as well as listening to their journeys. And do you have a message for the young people supported by centerpoint? Yes, so really, from personal experience, I can share the importance of not giving up. Life can be really challenging in various ways sometimes, and it might feel easier to abandon our aspirations. However, the true reward really lies in the success of achieving something despite obstacles. So the struggles we face on the journey will be remembered, but they will ultimately make the achievement more meaningful and shape who we are today. Thank you