Homeownership is a fundamental right that provides stability and security, and a foundation for prosperity. Indeed, it is a pillar of American Democracy. Yet despite the Fair Housing Act’s protections against discrimination based on sexual orientation and gender identity, the LGBTQ+ community faces stubborn barriers built from enduring prejudice.
Back in 2024, Minnesota Realtors® reached out to founder and former CEO of the LGBTQ+ Real Estate Alliance, Ryan Weyandt. Now led by Interim Chief Executive Officer, Mary Mancera, The LGBTQ+ Real Estate Alliance is a Minnesota-based non-profit organization that battles against discrimination for renters and homebuyers across the United States. At the time of re-publishing this article in June 2025, their commitment to the fight for fair housing remains relevant and will continue until their mission of creating a world free of housing discrimination is complete.
According to the latest available data from The Urban Institute, “the homeownership rate for individuals identifying as LGBTQ+ stands at 51%, in contrast to 71% for those who identify as both straight and cisgender.” This, along with the knowledge that at least 1.3 million same-sex couples live in the United States, means that a significant number of LGBTQIA+ people in this country do not own their own home.