Housing for the Aged Action Group welcomes all members of the Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Transgender and Intersex (LGBTI) communities to access our housing services, to participate in our organisation and our campaigns for housing justice, and to work with us.

We strive to do so in an inclusive and respectful way and provide a welcoming and safe environment. HAAG does not discriminate on the basis of gender identity, gender expression, intersex variation or sexual orientation. As part of our commitment to LGBTI diversity and inclusion we recently achieved Rainbow Tick accreditation.

Latest Updates and Events from HAAG's LGBTI+ Projects

2 Oct 2023

Join our information session for older LGBTIQA+ community members about the experiences of housing stress and homelessness and how to access affordable housing at the Cranbourne Library.

8 Aug 2023

Join our information session for older LGBTIQA+ community members about the experiences of housing stress and homelessness for older LGBTIQA+ people at Fitzroy Library as part of Homelessness Week!

RSVP here

17 May 2023

On International Day Against Homophobia, Biphobia & Transphobia (IDAHOBIT), HAAG will be presenting an information session for older LGBTIQA+ community members about the experiences of housing stress and homelessness for older LGBTIQA+ people at Melton Library and Learning Hub.

17 Feb 2023

HAAG’s LGBTQIA+ working group were selected to present at the Better Together Conference in Adelaide this year. The conference ran over 2 days, and hosted a mix of short talks, workshops, lectures and panels raising awareness of the diverse experiences and views of people across the LGBTQIA+ rainbow.

26 Apr 2023

HAAG’s LGBTIQA+ community educators will be running four events for older LGBTIQ+ community members to find out about housing and homelessness for older LGBTQIA+ people, what places them at risk and where to go for help.  

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Community Education Sessions

In partnership with LGBTI+ organisations, the LGBTI+ Elders housing project uses early intervention methods to improve the ability of older LGBTI+ people to navigate the housing and homelessness systems and avoid a housing crisis. Our program involves developing and delivering LGBTI+ appropriate community education material that is informed through consultation with older LGBTI+ people and delivered by LGBTI+ community leaders. The community education session and resources:

  • Inform LGBTI+ elders of their housing options and paths to access a safe, affordable and long-term home.
  • Highlight the warning signs that may lead to homelessness and give older LGBTI+ people practical tips on how to recognise these signs, well before a crisis.
  • Prevent older LGBTI+ people from becoming homeless following an unexpected life event e.g. family breakdown.
  • Link older LGBTI+ people into HAAG for support.
  • Ensure early referrals of older LGBTI+ people at risk of homelessness, so they can avoid a crisis.

LGBTI+ community reference group

The LGBTI reference group brings together older representatives from the LGBTI+ community to identify and address barriers and issues relating to accessing housing and homelessness services and maintaining secure and affordable housing. The group aims improve the ability for older LGBTI+ people to navigate the housing and homelessness system and avoid a housing crisis. For further information  email: fiona.waters@oldertenants.org.au

This group is partially supported through funding from the Liberty Finance Pride Network.

LGBTI+ Housing Survey

With the impacts of the covid-19 pandemic on housing security, safety and affordability, HAAG wants to hear from older LGBTI+ people on how our communities housing circumstances have changed over the last two years.

Complete the Survey
In 2020 HAAG completed a similar survey to better understand the housing circumstances and aspirations of older LGBTI+ people, and to help our service be more responsive to the needs of the older LGBTI+ community. The results of the survey are available here. If you would like to complete the survey over the phone, call Fiona Waters on 9654 7389 or email Fiona.Waters@oldertenants.org.au

Steering Committee

The steering committee oversaw our original project included:
Tonye Segbedzi (Australian Association of Gerontology), Pauline Crameri (Val’s LGBTI ageing and aged care), Brenda Appleton (Transgender Victoria) , Ada Castle (Switchboard Victoria) Toby Bolton (Thorne Harbour Health), Fiona York (HAAG), Rebecca Walton (HAAG)

In addition to community education, our steering committee continues our joint advocacy to increase appropriate housing options and improve the system response to older LGBTI+ people across the homelessness and aged care sectors.

Resources for LGBTI+ Older People

Below are some additional resources that LGBTI+ older people may find useful

VALS LGBTI Ageing and Aged Care
Victorian state-wide program working to improve healthy ageing pathways, care and visibility of older LGBTI people.

Q-Life (Switchboard Victoria)
Free, anonymous and confidential LGBTI phoneline and webchat Ring for a chat or to find referrals or more information.
Call 1800 184 527

Out and about program (Switchboard Victoria)
Statewide service providing regular catch ups for LGBTIQA+ people at risk of social isolation, eligibility: people accessing or waiting for a Home Care Package or living in residential aged care

Rainbow Door (Switchboard Victoria)
Free specialist LGBTIQA+ helpline providing information, support, and referral to all LGBTIQA+ Victorians, their friends and family
Call 1800 729 367

Thorne Harbour Health (THH)
Victoria's leading LGBTI health service specialising in, HIV prevention, mental health, housing, family violence and drug and alcohol support
Call 1800 134 840

Housing Plus (THH)
A state-wide Victorian program that supports people living with HIV and the LGBTI community to seek and maintain safe, secure and affordable housing
Email housing@thorneharbour.org

Rainbow Connections (THH)
Peer connections for older LGBTI people

Transgender Victoria (TGV)
Victoria's leading body for trans and gender diverse advocacy, training, and resource development in

Australian Association of Gerontology (AAG)
Improving the experience of ageing through connecting research, policy and practice.

Senior's Rights Victoria
Helpline-information, support, advice and education to help prevent elder abuse
Call 1300 368 821

VincentCare
VincentCare is a rainbow tick specialist housing and homelessness service that supports people who are homeless, at risk of becoming homeless or experiencing a housing crisis.
Call 03 9611 9200

Carers Victoria
Rainbow tick organisation representing and providing support to carers in Victoria.
Call 1800 514 845

Matrix Guild
An advocacy and support group for older lesbians who provide information on accommodation options and manage some social housing properties

LGBTI+ Elders dance group
Free monthly social event, learn new dances, and interact with other LGBTI+ elders and allies.

Community Visitor Programs
List and links to the current CVS Auspices providing LGBTI specific services.

Alice’s Garage
A national project empowering LGBTI elders and promoting healthy LGBTI ageing in Australia

Silver Rainbow
National coordination and support activities promoting the well-being of LGBTI elders and the ongoing delivery of the LGBTI awareness training to the aged care sector

Drummond Street
A not for profit community service organisation with a range of services including counselling and support services for older LGBTI people