About akt
akt is the national LGBTQ+ youth homelessness charity, providing safe homes and better futures for LGBTQ+ young people. Almost one quarter of all young people facing or experiencing homelessness identify as LGBTQ+, and 78% of those cite rejection or abuse from their families as what has led them to being so.
The charity was set up in Manchester in 1989 and has since opened its doors in London, Newcastle, and Bristol. akt also offers a digital service to support young people across the country. In over 30 years, akt has provided more than 250,000 nights off the street and supported over 50,000 LGBTQ+ young people at risk of or experiencing homelessness.
Coming out, or being outed as LGBTQ+, can sadly lead to young people being made homeless. Around 24% of young people experiencing homelessness in the UK are LGBTQ+, which is significantly disproportionate. Once homeless, LGBTQ+ young people are more likely to face violence and discrimination than young people who aren’t LGBTQ+.