Tonic becomes the UK's first LGBTQ+ Registered Housing Association

Tonic Housing is proud to announce that it has officially become a Registered Provider of Social Housing, making it the UK’s first LGBTQ+ specific housing association. 

The confirmation came on the eve of London Pride 2025, making the moment all the more powerful for Tonic and the wider LGBTQ+ community. This milestone represents a major step forward in Tonic’s mission to create inclusive, affirming retirement communities where older LGBTQ+ people can live with the security, dignity and pride they deserve.

As a Registered Provider, Tonic can now expand its impact by directly delivering social and affordable homes and accessing new development, investment, and partnership opportunities. This status is a springboard for growth, enabling Tonic to meet the urgent and growing demand for housing that affirms and supports older LGBTQ+ people across the UK.

Terry Stacy MBE, Chair of Tonic Housing, said:

"Tonic is incredibly proud of this landmark achievement as the UK's first LGBTQ+ Registered Provider of Social Housing — this is a turning point for LGBTQ+ housing in the UK. It gives Tonic the platform to grow a new model of later-life living, where older LGBTQ+ people can age not just with safety and support, but with pride, purpose and visibility.

This is a testament to the unwavering vision and commitment of Tonic's Staff, Board and Community Panel, ever since the organisation was founded in 2014. We particularly acknowledge the work of Anna Kear, our former CEO. Anna's dedication meant we were able to reach this milestone and we are incredibly grateful for her contributions to Tonic's legacy. 

We look forward to using our new status as a RP to meet the housing needs of more older LGBTQ+ people, especially those from intersectional marginalised backgrounds. Our vision is bold: a future where LGBTQ+ affirming housing is no longer the exception but a normal part of communities across the country.” 

Tom Copley, Deputy Mayor for Housing and Residential Development, said:

“The Mayor and I are proud to have supported Tonic Housing in delivering safe homes for older LGBTQ+ Londoners and delighted that it has become the UK’s first-ever LGBTQ+ registered housing association.

London is an open, diverse and inclusive city – but while we’ve made real progress on LGBTQ+ rights, there is still more to do, particularly in tackling isolation and inequality in later life. By becoming a registered housing provider, Tonic will be able to go even further in their efforts to deliver the kind of housing and community older LGBTQ+ Londoners not only need but deserve.”

Tonic has already begun delivering on this ambition. It became the UK’s first LGBTQ+ affirming retirement community in March 2021, following the acquisition of 19 homes at Tonic@Bankhouse in Vauxhall. This milestone was made possible through a £5.7 million loan from the GLA’s Community Housing Fund.

Now that the GLA loan has been fully repaid through the sale of 17 shared ownership homes at Tonic@Bankhouse, the remaining two homes have been let to older LGBTQ+ people experiencing homelessness. Originally provided through a partnership with housing association Riverside, these tenancies will now be held directly by Tonic - a UK first for an LGBTQ+ housing provider, and a sign of what’s to come.

Tonic’s expansion comes at a critical moment. Its recent Precarious Lives report revealed the severe financial hardship, isolation and health inequalities facing older LGBTQ+ people in London - challenging the myth of the ‘affluent gay retiree’. With high rates of poverty, disability and limited support networks, the need for LGBTQ+ affirming, affordable housing is clear. Becoming a Registered Provider enables Tonic to meet this need at scale; delivering homes that offer not just safety, but dignity and belonging.

For PR/Media contact: bella@tonichousing.org.uk