Sofia’s story

Sofia knows what it’s like to be excluded for who you are. Forced to leave home after coming out as Trans, she found herself without support, safety, or stability. Today, with support from Depaul UK, she’s not just rebuilding her life—she’s helping shape how we support other young LGBTQ+ people in our services.

Despite the difficulties she’s faced, Sofia’s life is more than just survival—it’s vibrant. On Wednesdays, she dances her heart out at free salsa classes in the city. On Thursdays, she fences, reviving a passion from high school. And when she’s home, she’s creating bold, expressive graphic makeup looks or sketching digital illustrations full of life and detail. “When I dance, when I fence, when I draw—those are the moments I feel fully like myself.” 

But it wasn’t always that way. 

When Sofia left home, it wasn’t by choice. Her deeply religious family deemed her a threat to her younger siblings simply for being Trans. After they searched her room and found makeup and feminine clothing, the message was clear: she wasn’t welcome. The next day, she packed her bags and stepped into the unknown. 

What followed were months of instability—couch surfing, temporary shelters, and a constant fight to survive without the safety net most people take for granted. But that chapter of her life began to shift the day she found Depaul UK. 

For the first time in a long time, I felt safe. They were so understanding. They made sure I was housed with people who would respect me. It made all the difference.

At her supported accommodation in Manchester, Sofia began rebuilding—practically, creatively, emotionally. 

An artist at heart, she returned to digital character illustration, a lifelong passion. She started taking commissions and regaining a sense of purpose. “Art gave me something that was mine again,” she says. 

As a Trans young woman who has faced rejection, housing instability, and isolation, Sofia wants to turn her experience into something positive. That’s why she became one of our client representatives —to make sure others don’t feel the way she once did. In this role, she meets monthly with staff and other young people, sharing her lived experience to help shape how services are delivered. 

This work matters. Sofia is helping ensure LGBTQ+ voices are not just heard—but embedded in decision-making. From raising concerns about inclusivity to improving safeguarding policies, her input is driving real change.

I signed up because I want things to be better for LGBTQ+ people like me. Just saying ‘everyone is welcome’ isn’t enough. You need real understanding and real safeguarding.

She’s also a key contributor to our recent LGBTQ+ research project, helping develop more inclusive ways to collect data and deliver services that are sensitive to the needs of young LGBTQ+ people. Her insight is shaping how the organisation supports her community—and is making sure no young person is left behind because of their identity. 

Now, nearly a year after arriving at her supported accommodation, Sofia is preparing for her next chapter: independent living. She recently completed our Money Management programme, which helped her build budgeting skills and financial confidence. “When I first got here, I was just surviving. Now I have goals—I want to find somewhere permanent to live, make a career from my art. For the first time, I can dream.” 

Sofia’s story isn’t just about the past. It’s about what she’s building for the future—not just for herself but for every young LGBTQ+ person who experiences homelessness.  

Thanks to the Players of the People’s Postcode Lottery, we are supporting thousands of young people at risk of homelessness to build brighter futures.