Key facts
- LGBTQ+ Gen Z individuals may face greater barriers to wealth building, career advancement, and homeownership than heterosexual peers.
- The report surveyed nearly 400 respondents using matched hypothetical profiles.
- A majority of respondents believe heterosexual individuals are more likely to receive family financial support.
- Respondents expect heterosexual individuals to achieve homeownership earlier than LGBTQ+ individuals.
- The LGBTQ+ Real Estate Alliance warned that these disparities could widen long-term housing and wealth gaps without policy changes.
A report released by the LGBTQ+ Real Estate Alliance indicates that LGBTQ+ members of Gen Z may face significant obstacles in building wealth, advancing their careers, and achieving homeownership when compared to their heterosexual counterparts. The findings are based on a survey of nearly 400 respondents who used paired hypothetical profiles, with the only variable being sexual orientation.
Key findings suggest that a majority of respondents believe heterosexual individuals are more likely to receive promotions, reach senior leadership roles, and accumulate wealth. Furthermore, expectations around financial support from family, such as inheritance or down payment assistance, were significantly lower for LGBTQ+ individuals, with 78.9% of respondents believing heterosexuals are more likely to receive such aid.
When considering milestones associated with the "American Dream," respondents ranked homeownership first for heterosexual individuals, followed by financial independence and marriage. For LGBTQ+ individuals, living in a safe community was ranked first, followed by financial independence and personal freedom. The report also indicated differing expectations for the timing of first-time home purchases, with heterosexual individuals most likely to buy between ages 30-34, while LGBTQ+ individuals were most often cited as buying between ages 30-34 or 35-39.
The organization warned that these disparities could lead to widening long-term housing and wealth gaps if policy changes are not implemented. The report was released as the alliance convened its annual housing policy symposium in Washington, D.C.