Financial support for the LGBTQIA+ community
Pride Month marks a month of celebration, education and reflection for members of the LGBTQIA+ community and its allies, and whilst there’s a lot to celebrate there is also alot to reflect on too. Debt doesn't discriminate, it effects people from all walks of life and the taboo about it means we are more likely to tell our pets rather than our partners about our money worries.
Over the last 10 years, the LGBTQIA+ community has made great strides in gaining legal and civil rights. In a survey by Experian, 62% of LGBTQIA+ respondents said they had experienced financial problems because of their gender identity or sexual orientation. Challenges they faced included housing discrimination, wage discrimination and lack of career advancement. According the ONS statistics from 2019, an estimated 1.4 million people aged 16 and over in the UK identified as lesbian, gay or bisexual (LGB) in 2019, making 2.7% of the UK population aged 16 and over.
In the personal finance space, although LGBTQIA+ people have made a lot of progress towards achieving equality in recent years thanks to the Equality Act of 2010, which makes it illegal to discriminate against people on the basis of sex or sexual orientation. In some cases, however, non-heterosexual individuals and couples can still have a harder time navigating state benefits, financial products and consumer issues. Therefore, Debt Free London are launching a bespoke hotline for community members who have financial issues.
June marks Pride Month, a month of celebration and education for members of the LGBTQIA+ community. And whilst there has been progress towards achieving equality, as a member of this community, I have witnessed first-hand how queer people still have a harder time accessing financial products, navigating benefits, and feel hesitant in accessing support and advice issues. That’s why at Debt Free London where here reach out and support every Londoner, not just during Pride but all year round.
"June marks Pride Month, a month of celebration and education for members of the LGBTQIA+ community. And whilst there has been progress towards achieving equality, as a member of this community, I have witnessed first-hand how queer people still have a harder time accessing financial products, navigating benefits, and feel hesitant in accessing support and advice issues. That’s why at Debt Free London where here reach out and support every Londoner, not just during Pride but all year round."
"I am really pleased and honoured to support such an amazing and worth-while cause, especially during Pride Month to launch the 24-hour helpline. Such an amazing way to help the LQBTQIA+ community. Now that’s much betta!"
"Anxiety and stress are the biggest mental health destroyers in our current times. Money problems and debt are some of the biggest activators of stress and anxiety. It is awful not having enough money to live comfortably and nothing worse than having the added pressure of debt collectors or angry demands for money you just do not have and are unable to repay loans or bills. People have chosen to end their lives to end the fear and strain of the constant worry and threats surrounding unpaid debts. I have heard awful stories of ongoing suffering and stress and think it is brilliant that Debt Free London are reaching out to help so many people struggling in our great City. People often mistake the LGBTQ+ community as being extremely wealthy with disposable incomes a party life styles and Pink Pound Power, which is silly, like thinking every Entertainer has a Hollywood Movie Star Lifestyle Most people in all walks of life have to work hard for their money and sometimes no matter how hard you work ends do not always meet. Having someone to speak to when you are feeling overwhelmed and getting some calm advice can actually change your perspective and give you some ideas or at the very least buy you some time so that your emotions and fears do not escalate."
"Pride Month is a special month because it allows individuals to communicate and celebrate authenticity, whilst creating a safe space for all of our differences. By sharing a problem, we automatically halve the weight it carries. There is a lot of power in unity and DFL embodies the same clear message, that no one is truly alone. Everyone has their own struggles, and I'm proud to be a helping hand in supporting such a great helpline for the community this Pride Month."
