Pride with Purpose

At the heart of real estate is a simple idea: everyone deserves a place to call home. Yet for the LGBTQ+ community, equal access to housing is still not guaranteed. That’s why events like the 2025 Pride Summit in Chicago are so critical—and why Engel & Völkers franchisees are stepping up to lead.

Hosted by Engel & Völkers Chicago, Engel & Völkers Chicago North Shore, and Engel & Völkers Shoreline (Southwest Michigan), this year’s Pride Summit gathered real estate advisors from across the U.S. and Canada for a multi-day experience of learning, connection, and community-building. The Summit took place in Chicago—recognized as the safest U.S. city for LGBTQ+ travelers—and featured everything from powerful keynote and panel discussions to immersive Chicago experiences like The Legacy Walk, which highlights LGBTQ history, a behind-the-scenes tour of Wrigley Field and a sunset cruise on Lake Michigan. ⁽¹⁾

An objective of the Pride Summit is to build awareness about the challenges faced by potential LGBTQ+ homeowners so that real estate agents are better equipped to serve them with compassion and understanding. Many of the attendees are allies who are committed to having an inclusive business. Serving all people with dignity is the right thing to do—for real estate advisors and the communities they serve.

Housing Is a Human Right

One standout moment of the Summit was a compelling session on LGBTQ2+ housing issues in Canada. Despite landmark progress—including the 2005 Civil Marriage Act, which legalized same-sex marriage nationwide—LGBTQ2+ Canadians continue to face unique challenges ⁽²⁾:

• 40% of homeless youth in Ottawa identify as LGBTQ2+.

• Many LGBTQ2+ seniors fear returning to the closet in long-term elder care.

• Transgender and gender non-conforming Canadians face higher rates of poverty, addiction, and suicide.

But change is happening. Engel & Völkers Ottawa is helping lead the way by sponsoring a Transitional Housing Program for LGBTQ+ youth, alongside direct donations from real estate agents. It's a powerful example of what real estate professionals can do to create more inclusive communities.

 A Growing, Overlooked Population ⁽³⁾

In the U.S., over 2.7 million LGBTQ+ adults are over 50—a number expected to exceed 7 million by 2030. Yet this group remains one of the least visible and most vulnerable in the housing market.

Compared to the general population, LGBTQ+ seniors:

• Face higher rates of discrimination in housing searches

• Often live in states with no housing protections

Up to 34% of LGBTQ+ older adults fear going "back into the closet" when searching for retirement communities.

In fact, housing protections for LGBTQ+ individuals in the U.S. vary significantly by state—and in some states, there are no or reduced protections at all. By contrast, Canada’s national legal framework has offered more consistent protections for longer.

And these challenges aren’t limited to older adults. A full 23% of Gen Z identify as LGBTQ+, and two-thirds of them have already reached adulthood—ushering in a wave of buyers, renters, and professionals who expect equity. Yet discrimination has long-term economic effects: 40% of LGBTQ+ Alliance members say bullying or fear of bias in school affected their early earning potential. In the workplace, 47% of LGBTQ+ employees believe being “out” could hurt their careers, limiting promotions or job opportunities. These barriers compound over time, slowing down wealth-building and delaying access to homeownership.

These facts fueled thoughtful conversations at the Summit about how real estate professionals can better serve LGB

TQ+ clients across every stage of life.

From Local Leadership to Continental Collaboration

While the Summit brought attention to national and international issues, it was also a chance to spotlight the proactive work happening at the shop level. Engel & Völkers real estate advisors are cultivating inclusive cultures and becoming trusted resources for LGBTQ+ clients. The Summit isn’t just about education—it’s about responsibility. It’s about showing up, speaking out, and ensuring that everyone has a fair shot at homeownership.

Pride Is Year-Round

While Pride Month is a meaningful time for visibility, the work doesn’t stop in June. At Engel & Völkers, we're committed to supporting affiliated real estate advisors with the knowledge and tools they need to serve all clients—regardless of sexual orientation, gender identity, or age.

And we’ll keep showing up. Not just for the celebrations, but for the conversations, the community, and the change.

Join a brand where inclusion isn’t an initiative—it’s a standard. Learn more about joining the Engel & Völkers network.

1. _{Data provided by gayety.com}

2. _{LGTBQ+ Housing Issues in Canada as presented by Engel & Völkers Ottawa Central}

3. _{2025 Pride Summit Presentation}