Be an LGBTQ+ Ally in the Real Estate World

LGBTQ+ members are less likely than their heterosexual counterparts to be homeowners.

A report from the LGBTQ+ Real Estate Alliance and Freddie Mac found that 49% of LGBTQ+ Americans are homeowners, compared to the general population of 65%. Only 25% of transgender individuals are homeowners.

About 10.6% of Alliance members said they had been discriminated against by a real estate agent for either renting or buying.

“Ally is one of the most important terms in the LGBTQ+ community,” said David Siroty of the LGBTQ+ Real Estate Alliance. “When you look at the numbers of LGBTQ+ people, they are rising dramatically. Society is showing more and more acceptance everyday, despite the anti-LGBTQ+ bills in state legislatures around the country.”

A recent Gallup poll showed that the 5.6% of Americans are LGBTQ+, up from 4.5% in 2017.

“People are freer to be themselves and live authentically,” added Siroty.

What can a Realtor® do to be an ally?

“Participate and learn,” said Siroty. “Realistically, if you look to your neighbors, there is going to be someone who is LGBTQ+ right there. You are living amongst the community. You likely know someone extremely well or you love someone who is LGBTQ+. Support them. Be there for them. Show support when someone comes out. Speak up when someone is disparaging the community.”

“If you are working with a same-sex couple as an agent, let them self identify,” added Siroty. “Don’t assume friendship or marriage or dating. Let them tell you. Don’t be afraid to make a mistake. You may say the wrong thing. But if your heart is in the right place, people will be accepting and appreciative. Eliminate the word lifestyle from your real estate vocabulary. Many detractors of the LGBTQ+ community view it as a choice and a lifestyle; it’s not. It’s who they are as people. They don’t choose it.”

June is Pride Month. Learn more about the history here.