Celebrating Pride and Homeownership Month in Kansas City
Celebrating Pride and Homeownership Month in Kansas City
I wanted to make a post celebrating Pride Month, but to be honest, it's hard to put a positive spin on the state of homeownership for the LGBTQ+ community right now. I thought I could find a good article to share from one of my professional orgs. While the National Association of Realtors at least made a 2-sentence Facebook post, I'm disappointed that my local chapter, the Kansas City Regional Association of REALTORs, hasn't posted anything acknowledging Pride on social media today. June is also National Homeownership Month, so I'll take it upon myself to discuss where these two overlap.
The state of LGBTQ Homeownership
The LGBTQ+ homeownership rate is 49.8%, trailing the national average of 65.1%, according to a 2024 Fannie Mae report. Many LGBTQ+ buyers, especially trans folks, face barriers that the general population doesn't. Homebuying is a legal process and financial transaction; details like legal name and government ID not matching a person's preferred name & pronouns have to be discussed up front. Legal name and marital status must be on all offers/contracts, something I've long side-eyed as an opportunity for unconscious bias or outright discrimination. LGBTQ+ buyers have legitimate concerns about safety, legal protections and finding affirming professionals. Everyone wants to be safe, respected and welcomed when purchasing a home – but for some buyers, it can take more up-front research about who to work with.
Kansas City: Home to a Vibrant LGBTQ+ Community
In the past few years, Kansas and Missouri (along with many other states) have passed legislation that increases discrimination against LGBTQ+ people – especially trans children. Approximately 31% of the LGBTQ+ population lives in states with negative policies, such as bans on gender-affirming care. I've already worked with several households who migrated away from Kansas City in search of safer communities, and this breaks my heart. However, I have worked with many more queer folks who are choosing to stay in Kansas City. This is home! Investing in homeownership here, now, is an act of resistance. (And frankly, most people can't afford to move from KC to a HCOL coastal city.)
Finding Hope - and Home - in the Heartland
One of my favorite shows from the last few years is "Somebody Somewhere," an HBO dramedy set in Topeka. It features a cast of rural queer characters who go to church, cheer for K-State, work in agriculture and try to get their steps in. What I love about it is how it shows, so genuinely, that queer people call Kansas HOME. I've lived in Kansas most of my life, and I'm committed to making it a more inclusive place for all.
