Unhoused people, sex workers and LGBTQIA+ populations

This report covers the experiences of unhoused individuals sex workers and LGBTQIA+ populations during disasters, which are marked by a dual reality of heightened vulnerability and remarkable resilience.

Key policy recommendations from the publication include: 

• Inclusive Emergency Shelters: Policies must ensure that emergency shelters are inclusive and safe for all, including the unhoused, sex workers, and LGBTQIA+ individuals. This includes training staff in sensitivity and antidiscrimination practices, as discussed in the context of LGBTQIA+ individuals; 
• Accessible Information and Communication: Just as the unhoused often lack access to crucial information, all disaster communication should be made accessible through various channels, reaching people regardless of their living situation or occupation;
• Documentation and Identification Flexibility: Recognising the challenges faced by sex workers and other marginalised groups in possessing official documents, disaster relief access should not be contingent upon traditional forms of identification;
• Community-Based Approaches: Building on the resilience and community networks seen in marginalised groups, policies should support community-led disaster response initiatives. This approach can be more effective in reaching and assisting diverse populations.