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Sexuality Research and Social Policy

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21-09-2022

“Far More Than a Deal”: Sexual and Gender Minorities’ Experiences of the Rental Housing Market in Hong Kong

Authors: Tsz Kwan Pang, Leo Zephyrus Chow, Yu-Te Huang

Published in: Sexuality Research and Social Policy | Issue 4/2022

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Abstract

Introduction

Housing has been a long-standing public issue in Hong Kong, while little scholarly or public attention has been paid to the discrimination encountered by sexual and gender minorities seeking or living in rented accommodation.

Methods

This mixed-method study explored sexual and gender minorities’ experiences of renting accommodation in Hong Kong. In 2021, one-hundred and forty-six online questionnaires were collected, and thirteen individuals participated in subsequent semi-structured interviews.

Results

Almost two-thirds of respondents perceived that disclosing their sexual orientation or gender identity would jeopardize the rental process. While 44% had encountered rental discrimination, only 6.2% had sought help. The qualitative interviews indicated that sexual and gender minorities rented to cohabit with their partner or avoid family conflict. Many interviewees highlighted an intricate characteristic of discrimination in the rented accommodation market—their elusiveness and subtle nature. However, they gave explicit accounts of experience of micro-aggression and overt discrimination in their interaction with property owners or agents, along with three strategies to hide their sexual orientation or gender identity during the rental process: filtering, camouflage, and deception.

Conclusions

This study provides compelling accounts of the existence and operation of discrimination faced by sexual and gender minorities in Hong Kong’s rental housing market. Legal protection, public education, and advocacy are needed.

Policy Implications

The government should commit to an inclusive society by enacting anti-discrimination policies protecting sexual and gender minorities from exploitation in the rental market.

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Title: “Far More Than a Deal”: Sexual and Gender Minorities’ Experiences of the Rental Housing Market in Hong Kong
Authors: Tsz Kwan Pang
Leo Zephyrus Chow
Yu-Te Huang
Publication date: 21-09-2022
Publisher: Springer US
Published in: Sexuality Research and Social Policy / Issue 4/2022
Print ISSN: 1868-9884
Electronic ISSN: 1553-6610
DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/s13178-022-00766-z

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Abstract

Introduction

Methods

Results

Conclusions

Policy Implications

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