Focus Group: Dreaming LGBTQIA+ Housing Provisions
Event Date:
31/03/2026
Event Time:
18:30
Event Location:
The Rainbow Project, 2331 Waring Street, Belfast, BT12DX, United Kingdom
Event Description
The Rainbow Project invites LGBTQIA+ people to join our focus group to help shape what LGBTQIA+ housing support provisions could look like in Northern Ireland.
Through discussion and facilitated activities we will explore ideas and imagine possibilities for a more inclusive housing system for LGBTQIA+ people in Northern Ireland. We want to hear your ideas, perspectives and insights on what inclusion is, what it looks like, and how it feels.Â
The focus group is part of a research project which seeks to understand how housing and homelessness support for LGBTQIA+ people can be improved. Engagement in the focus group provides an opportunity to have an impact on developing inclusivity within existing housing support providers, as well as to consider the possibility of introducing LGBTQIA+ specific provisions.
*Please note:Â The Rainbow Project does not provide housing support services at present. This focus group is a space to explore ideas, and will not be able to provide support or advice.
Who can attend
Anyone from the LGBTQIA+ community, who lives or has lived in Northern Ireland can attend. You do not need experience of housing insecurity or homelessness to take part.
Access needs
Unfortunately this project does not have a budget to accommodate access needs which require additional resources. Nonetheless, we are happy to discuss ways which can facilitate attendance and engagement. If you have sensory needs, require particular seating, require larger print text, additional communication supports, need a support worker to attend or anything else, please feel free to get in touch by emailing hannah@rainbow-project.org, and we will endeavour to meet those accommodations.
The room we will be using is on the third floor which is accessible by lift or stairs. The front door has a temporary ramp which can be put in place upon entrance. There is one step and then another three at the entrance. The room is large, has a table, chairs and sofas, and the option of different lighting.
When accessing the building, you will press a buzzer which someone will answer and buzz you in.
Cancellation
Due to limited capacity, if you are no longer able to make it we ask that you cancel the booking, or email hannah@rainbow-project.org.
Attendee Information :
Frequently asked questions
Will my participation be confidential?
Yes, all engagement in the focus group will be anonymised. Any mention of individuals will use a pseudonym and identifying details will be ommited. The aim of the session is not to capture personal experiences, but to come together and imagine and design inclusive service provisions.
What will this research contribute to?
The research aims to assess the feasibility of introducing LGBTQIA+ specific temporary accommodation in Northern Ireland. It also aims to assess the viability of developing inclusive practices and training for existing housing support provisions.
What do you mean by housing support/provision/services?
This project is looking at the housing processes which are accessed when people present as homeless. We are looking at the whole process of individuals accessing housing support, whether through self-referral, through registering as homeless with the Housing Executive, through accessing temporary accommodation and through living in social housing or with housing associations.
How do I learn more about the research?
Email hannah@rainbow-project.org for more information
What if I don't feel I am the right person to attend?
In all likelihood you are. Whether you identify as LGBTQIA+, or are questioning your gender identity or sexuality, you will be welcome at this event. If you have any questions or doubts, you can email hannah@rainbow-project.org
Will there be food?
Due to our budget, we are unfortunately unable to provide refreshments for the focus group, but you are welcome to bring your own food
Can you pay for my travel expenses?
Although we recognise that this is a barrier to participation for some, due to our budget, we are unfortunately unable to refund travel expenses.
Will I be paid for participation?
Although we recognise the value of peoples' time, energy and insights, due to our budget, we are unfortunately unable to pay any of our participants.