This week Tonic Housing has released Precarious Lives, a landmark report exposing the stark financial hardships faced by LGBTQ+ over-50s in London.
This week Tonic Housing has released Precarious Lives, a landmark report exposing the stark financial hardships faced by LGBTQ+ over-50s in London. The findings come at a critical time, as Tonic Housing’s LGBTQ+ affirming retirement community reaches full occupancy — including two much-needed social rental apartments, which offer a lifeline to some of those most at risk.
Based on a comprehensive survey of 134 respondents and in-depth interviews with 39 participants, the report dismantles the myth of the ‘affluent LGBTQ+ elder’, revealing a community grappling with discrimination, social isolation, long-term health conditions, and severe financial stress. The statistics are staggering:
● 34% of LGBTQ+ over-50s surveyed have a household income below £15,000 — below London’s Minimum Income Standard.
● 64% live alone, with those in single-person households six times more likely to rely on food banks than those living with others (18% vs 3%).
● 60% are disabled, and among the latter, 58% expect no social support in times of crisis.
These findings underscore a hidden crisis, with LGBTQ+ elders disproportionately struggling against a backdrop of rising living costs and dwindling social support networks. Tonic Housing, which took over the research after the closure of Opening Doors in 2024, is calling for urgent action, including a London-wide, community-led strategic plan to tackle financial hardship and social exclusion among LGBTQ+ elders.
Baroness Barker, Deputy Speaker, House of Lords, said “This report shines a light on the hidden hardship faced by many older LGBTQ+ people. It addresses loneliness and isolation among the older members of our community, and the cumulative effects of a lifetime of discrimination – including high rates of physical and mental ill health. And it’s honest about levels of disadvantage – things can be much tougher if you’re LGBTQ+ and black, or LGBTQ+ and disabled, or if you’re trans or nonbinary. As a community we can come together to make a joined-up response to these deep-felt problems. Together, only together.”
Tom Copley, Deputy Mayor for Housing and Residential Development, said: “London is an open, diverse, inclusive city, and the Mayor is proud to have delivered funding to support Tonic Housing in providing housing for those in LGBTQ+ communities. While huge progress has been made in improving the lives and rights of LGBTQ+ people, this report highlights the challenges many older LGBTQ+ Londoners still face, including financial hardship and social isolation. Safe, inclusive, genuinely affordable housing is key to tackling these issues. The Mayor is determined to ensure that older LGBTQ+ people get the support they need and deserve, as we continue building a better and fairer London for everyone.”
Anna Kear, CEO of Tonic Housing, emphasised the urgent need for change: “The findings of Precarious Lives are deeply concerning. LGBTQ+ over-50s in London are experiencing levels of hardship that have been largely ignored. Our community has fought for equality, yet many are now facing financial destitution in later life. Tonic Housing is proud to provide a pioneering solution, but we need systemic action to ensure no LGBTQ+ elder is left behind.”
Read the report in full here.
