Quinn, (they/them, 29), has spent much of their life struggling financially. Kicked out at 16 after coming out as gay, they found relief through a young person’s shelter following weeks spent sleeping on the streets of Glasgow. Now renting a flat from the council, Quinn has a roof over their head but spends most of their time inside, watching the electricity metre, riddled with anxiety. In previous winters, they’ve kept the heating off for fear of racking up a costly bill. Now, as energy bills in the UK skyrocket, Quinn is unsure about the future. Amidst the cost of living crisis – with the prices of gas, electricity, food and fuel soaring – this is the reality for so many
