Precarious Lives

It is becoming increasingly evident that many older LGBTQ+ people face financial and material problems in later life, a situation that has been heightened by the recent cost of living crisis. Despite this, there is little research to date as to why these problems are so prevalent among older LGBTQ+ people.

Opening Doors has initiated a major, three-year study – entitled Precarious Lives and funded by Trust for London – that is exploring the prevalence of financial and material precarity amongst older LGBTQ+ people in London. It is looking at the causes and experience of want, and the links with other forms of inequality and discrimination.

Precarious Lives is informed by an advisory group which includes members of the LGBTQ+ community as well as representatives from service providers, local authorities and support organisations. Most importantly, it is engaging older people from all sections of London’s LGBTQ+ community, asking those with first-hand experience to share their stories and help bring change.

The first phase of the project, initiated in 2023, is concentrating on data gathering – through focus groups, interviews and a survey. If you are 50 or over, a part of the LGBTQ+ community, and live in London, we would be grateful if you would complete our survey and encourage your friends to take part.

To complete the survey online please click here: survey

Alternatively, if you would like to receive a paper copy of the survey, or would like to complete it with a member of our staff over the phone, or have any other enquiry, please contact us using these contact details:

Telephone: 07947 611658
Email: [email protected]

The deadline for completing the survey is 29 February 2024. Completing the survey also gives you the chance to enter a prize draw, to win one of four £25 shopping vouchers (the draw will be made and the winners contacted on 5 March). The report will be produced and disseminated later in the year.