Deliveroo funds meals for homeless LGBTQ+ people

Deliveroo, its restaurant partners and LGBTQ+ youth homelessness charity Albert Kennedy Trust (akt) have joined forces to provide free meals to members of the LGBTQ+ community who find themselves in a homeless or vulnerable situation when it comes to food or shelter. 

The trial begins this Pride Month across 10 restaurant sites in London, Brighton and Bristol. When a member of the community experiencing homelessness says "I’m a friend of Dorothy" or even just "Dorothy" before ordering, they unlock a free main meal and additional resources on how they can get help.

The initiative follows new data from akt, which revealed that referrals have increased by 58% within the last three years. Previously, data from 2021 showed that 24% of homeless people identify as LGBTQ+, with 77% believing coming out to their parents was the main factor for their homelessness.

Five LGBTQ+-owned restaurants including The Athenian, Club Mexicana, Smashing Plates, Tonkotsu and Bleecker Burger are the first to sign up to the Deliveroo-funded campaign.

In addition to a meal, information on how people can receive assistance via akt will be provided discreetly. Deliveroo and participating restaurants will also encourage other customers to play an active part and make donations to the charity through in-restaurant posters, window stickers and QR codes. 

"I'm a friend of Dorothy"

Tim Spoor, CEO of akt, comments: "LGBTQ+ young people are at an increased risk of homelessness and housing insecurity. We know that more than 24% of young people experiencing homelessness identify as LGBTQ+. In 2023, LGBTQ+ young people are still facing homelessness because of their sexuality and gender identity, and the cost of living crisis is pushing more young people into homelessness. This Deliveroo initiative will help provide food to LGBTQ+ young people struggling to afford the day-to-day essentials that we take for granted."

The phrase, "A friend of Dorothy" was first used as a coded synonym for gay men, to identify a safe space when homosexuality in the UK was criminalised. The term has since expanded as a catchall term for other people who identify as LGBTQ+. The Dorothy in question is thought to be Dorothy Gale from The Wizard of Oz, which is seen as an allegory for ‘chosen family’ and a journey towards home. 

Deliveroo has supported several LGBTQ+ charities since its launch a decade ago, including National Aids Trust, Switchboard, Stonewall, Not A Phase, The Raze Collective, akt and Hesla Helps. The British delivery pioneer, who is once again a Pride in London sponsor this year, also launched its School for Allies platform for employees, riders and restaurant partners with helpful information and guidance on LGBTQ+ issues.

Emma Reynolds of Tonkotsu comments: "Tonkotsu is devoted to creating a welcoming and inclusive space for everyone. We are happy to be involved in this Deliveroo initiative and provide meals to LGBTQ+ individuals who are in need of support during Pride Month and beyond."

Bleecker Burger's Zan Kaufman adds: "Bleecker Burger has always been proud to support the LGBTQ+ community and the same goes for supporting Deliveroo’s initiative to provide relief for those experiencing homelessness. We are bringing people together in order to help those in need."

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