How to Find LGBT+ Roommates

Looking for a new roommate can be a tricky process. You’ll be spending a lot of time with them so it’s important to find someone who you feel comfortable and safe with. This can be particularly important for members of the LGBT+ community, and learning how to find LGBT+ roommates can be a priority.

When it comes to housing policy at the state level, there are no explicit legal protections from bias on the basis of sexual orientation and gender identity. Only 22 states, along with D.C., have laws prohibiting discrimination in housing based on sexual orientation and gender identity.

In fact, it was only as recently as February 2021 that the discrimination protections awarded under the federal Fair Housing Act were extended to same-sex couples and transgender individuals.

A big part of finding a comfortable home includes finding roommates who will be accepting of you from the ground up. Luckily, thanks to apps and social media, finding an LGBT+ roommate has never been easier.

The internet is an effective way to find others who are a part of the LGBT+ community. This has become especially important since the pandemic hit, as there haven’t been as many opportunities for events to happen in person.

When trying to find LGBT+ roommates, there are a couple of different approaches you can take.

Use A Roommate Finder App

There are many, many roommate-matching apps out there. Roomies is an easy-to-use free website that allows you to look for roommates or rooms to rent and filter listings by “LGBT+ or gay.” Another free roommate matching site, Roommates.com also allows browsers to search for LGBTQ-friendly roommates.

Along a similar vein (and name), Roomi is an app that lets you search potential roommates by shared interests, amenities, and move-in date. They also perform background checks to make the experience safer for their users. The website and app have a preferred gender filter that includes non-binary.

Join an LGBT+ Housing Group in Your City

Another great way to find an LGBT+ roommate is to join a group on Facebook or another social media platform. Many cities have Facebook groups specifically for members of the LGBT+ community looking for housing. Queer Housing DC is one such Facebook group with over 16,000 members. These groups are usually private, so you’ll have to answer a few basic screening questions in order to join.

Members can post descriptions and photos of open rooms. Those in need of a roommate share information about themselves and what they’re looking for. When you find an opportunity you’re interested in, you can contact that person directly.

You can also join more general Facebook groups the local LGBT+ community and let other members know that you are looking for a roommate. Even if the group isn’t roommate-specific, there is a good chance that other members will be able to help you. The LGBT+ community is tight-knit in many cities and will often help others whenever possible.

Craigslist

Craigslist has become a very popular way to find roommates in many major cities. You’ll find a huge volume of posts on Craigslist, and you can filter using keywords like “LGBT” or “queer” to find others within the same community. When you find posts that interest you, you’ll have the option to get in touch via email or phone call.

It’s important to be very careful when looking for roommates on Craigslist, as anyone can make a post and there aren’t any identify verification features. As with any roommate matching app or platform, it’s a good idea to meet the person that placed the ad in a safe, public place to see if they might be a good roommate fit.

Why Find LGBT+ Roommates?

For many members of the LGBT+ community, safety is a major concern when finding housing. While the U.S. has made huge strides in terms of LGBT+ rights, we still have a long way to go. It’s important to feel like you can truly relax and be yourself when you are at home, and finding a roommate who is also part of the LGBT+ community can help create the environment you’re looking for at home.

Additionally, many people want to live with a roommate who has shared experiences and interests. Looking for roommates who are also part of the LGBT+ community can help you find the right match. Many move away from their family in order to find a more accepting support system, which is another reason why it’s particularly important to find a roommate you trust.

Let Southern Management Help You Find Your Safe Space

Providing a comfortable space for our residents to call home is the primary goal of everyone at Southern Management. All of our apartment communities are equal opportunity housing facilities and we do not discriminate based on sexual orientation or gender identity.

We believe all our residents deserve fair treatment, a well-maintained and comfortable apartment to call home, and appreciation for making a Southern Management community their home. Come see our commitment to resident care and our dedication to accommodating all residents for yourself.

Take a virtual tour of our communities and talk to a property manager today!