Abstract Takatāpui/LGBTIQ + people’s experiences of homelessness remain poorly understood in Aotearoa New Zealand. Using data from semi-structured interviews with eight people who identified as Takatāpui/LGBTIQ + and had experienced homelessness, this paper explores their experiences while homeless. The analysis showed the necessity of strength of character, how Takatāpui/LGBTIQ + people presented a different self in order to be accepted, the different strategies used to survive, the importance of implementing boundaries for self-protection, and missed points of intervention and support. Our findings show how participants were failed by the housing support system, and had to rely on themselves and their communities during periods of homelessness.