INTRODUCING: akt

BY SOPHIA FURTADO KOUMIS, IN COLLABORATION WITH AKT

In the UK, around 24% of young homeless people identify as LGBTQ+, putting them at a higher risk of violence, substance abuse and exploitation. Despite the increasing visibility and acceptance of LGBTQ+ individuals portrayed in mainstream media, the lived experiences of many young queer youths remain starkly disparate. One of FUZE’s valued charity partners, akt, is dedicated to supporting these individuals, helping them into safe homes, education and training opportunities, through an environment that celebrates their identities.

Three stories highlight the transformative impact akt can have on the lives of those they support. To protect their privacy, their names have been changed, but their stories are worth sharing.

Visit the akt website for information on how you can show support.

Jenny’s Story:

A few years ago, Jenny was outed to her parents by a family friend, who showed them a celebratory Pride post she’d been tagged in on social media. The repercussions were immediate. After proclaiming their embarrassment at their daughter’s ‘unnatural’ way of life and the ‘influence’ she would have on her younger siblings, Jenny was ordered to leave the family home by the following weekend, her father threatening violence if she refused. With little idea of where to go, Jenny searched for advice online, where she discovered akt. After finding her temporary emergency accommodation, Jenny now has a place to live, renting a room in a new neighbourhood, which she is able to explore on the bike that akt helped her purchase. Today, Jenny remains in contact with one of akt's caseworkers and continues to rebuild her life.

Chase’s Story:

When Chase reached out to akt, they were in dire need of advice on how to break out of a controlling family environment. Their living situation was untenable: an overcrowded household where they were unable to openly express their sexuality and gender. Chase knew they had to take decisive action to change their circumstances. Akt was able to offer Chase a room in Purple Door, the organisation’s supported accommodation project, and here Chase was able to establish a sense of autonomy, and to start seriously considering their next steps. At first, Chase found a house share with other queer and trans people, but this quickly fell through, and Chase was forced to start their search again. Juggling a job and the search for a new home was challenging, but they re-connected with their previous house share group and together managed to find a new place. The landlady, herself a member of the LGBTQ+ community, was keen to provide support, and did away with the traditional guarantor and credit check requirements. Instead, Chase proved themselves to be a suitable candidate with a personal affordability check, and secured the accommodation. With akt's continued support, Chase has settled into their new home, and is adjusting to the newfound independence it has granted them.

Billy’s Story:

Last year, akt received an urgent message from a young woman concerned about her brother, Billy, who was trapped in a situation of domestic abuse at home. Billy's parents had barred him from attending university lectures, having his own money or even leaving the house. With Billy’s sister acting as a go-between, akt’s digital services caseworker quickly intervened and worked to facilitate his escape from home, at which point akt referred him to a local LGBTQ+ domestic abuse service as well as his local authority for a homelessness assessment. This process resulted in Billy being offered supported accommodation in merely two days, and akt’s Rainbow Starter Pack personal grant programme gave him the ability to buy essential items for his new flat. Akt also supported him through his application for benefits, obtaining official identification documents, and register for employability services. Today, Billy is safe, happy, and finally attending university.

If you or anyone you know may benefit from reaching out to akt, go to their website or contact gethelp@akt.org.uk.

At FUZE, we are proud to work in support of akt, an organisation playing a critical role in providing support, resources and safety for marginalized individuals. The stories of Jenny, Chase, and Billy stand as powerful examples of the transformative and positive impact that akt has made, providing an opportunity for stability and independence to those who may otherwise have been left to struggle alone.

If you or someone you know between the ages of 16-25 is experiencing homelessness, a hostile living environment or an abusive relationship, akt is available to reach from Monday to Friday, 10am to 5pm, with their services currently running in Bristol, London, Manchester and Newcastle. Please do not hesitate to reach out to them for help and support. To donate, visit the akt website at https://www.akt.org.uk/donate/donate/6