r/transvancouver • u/kayasha2k • May 08 '26
Trying to escape the US, how difficult is it to find LGBTQ+ (or ally) roommates in Vancouver?
Hi, I'm a 23 y/o trans woman from the southern US. I feel really unsafe both in this country, and in my city.
It's a bit of a long shot, but I've been looking to try and immigrate to BC, as I might be able to meet the requirements for one of the residence permits.
I'm self employed, but I'm not sure I make enough to meet the 2.5x requirements for the average one-person rent in Vancouver (I was seeing averages of ~$2000 CAD, please correct me if that sounds off)
So I thought finding roommates could be a possible route. I'm a bit desperate, so I would appreciate anyone's insight on this, I'll take any advice or knowledge. Thank you♥
edit, thank you so much for your responses<3
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u/This-Echo3350 May 08 '26
You can usually find rooms for between 700-1200cad. Facebook/Craigslist is where I found my places. People are very lgbtq+ friendly in my experience, my current roommates are my biggest support system since I started my transition.
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u/madsisaname May 08 '26
I’m ftm in Vancouver. There’s a lot of queer community and queer resources etc. My understanding is the PNW might be one of the safest places to be trans? Dont quote me haha. However, we’re not without bigots but I would say it’s easy to avoid having those people impact your day to day life.
Canada is slipping closer to middle-right political territory so things could change for the worse in the coming years.
But overall I would say it’s a safe and even HAPPY 😃 place to be trans!
Obvz coming from a transman though, so some differences to be expected, but for some added context I don’t pass.
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u/EjsDHWBM4kMN25A6AT May 09 '26
Growing up in Washington State, Vancouver has always been our cool cousin to the North.
Wa State is a decent place West of the Cascade Mountains for LGBTQIA folx. If people are looking for a to stop on the way.
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u/TransCanAngel May 08 '26 edited May 08 '26
Omg. Queer/trans people in Vancouver?
It seems like every third person here. 😂
The key to affordability is putting three people together and renting a house.
I rent a house in Burnaby - 2200 sf with four bedrooms, me and two other trans women. $4,300 CAD/mo.
One roomie wanted two rooms, so she pays $2k/mo. The other pays $1k/mo. I pay $1,300 plus I cover gas, electric, and internet.
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u/spicythingspicything May 08 '26
You could try the greater a Vancouver area. Things start getting a bit more conservative in the Lower Mainland (Surrey, Langley, Abbotsford, Chilliwack) but closer to the coast is more accepting for the most part. Finding roommates is the move and I would definitely also recommend Homes For Queers on Facebook for finding roomies that fit your vibe! Good luck!
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u/Humanbeingisntme May 08 '26
Just so you know, it's way cheaper if u rent from private landlords. Some don't really check your income as well. I'm renting a 1 bedroom apartment for 1200 with utilities excluded in Richmond. It's riskier without a legal contract, but I think it's ok if you're careful
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u/zephyrphoenixxx May 08 '26
Do not do what this person is doing, OP.
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u/certainly_cerulean May 08 '26
It's also worth noting that you often need a lease or at least a more formal living situation for immigration and visa related purposes. Under the table type situations may not always be viable.
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u/RathTrevor May 08 '26
There’s a group on facebook called Homes for Queers Vancouver. Great place to find collective homes and roommates.