In yet another unfathomable move by the Trump Administration attacking LGBTQ people, the Administration announced last month a new proposed rule that would remove critical equal access protections to regulations meant to ensure the safety of anyone in need of HUD-funded programs, including transgender people.
These regulations are meant to ensure the safety of anyone in need of the HUD-funded programs – but the current administration is seeking to do away with the protections. The protections are a part of the Equal Access Rule Act, which for years has protected transgender people from discrimination in homeless shelters by ensuring transgender people are able to access HUD-funded shelter consistent with their gender identity.
By gutting these protections, not only is this administration continuing to deny fair and equal treatment to LGBTQ Americans, but it also increases the risk of violence posed on transgender people. According to the 2015 US Transgender Survey, over half of transgender survey respondents who stayed in a shelter in the past year were verbally harassed, physical attacked, and/or sexually assaulted because of their gender identity.
Under the proposed rule, shelter providers would be able to decide who is eligible for access to single-sex or sex-segregated facilities, which opens the door to discrimination and could rubber-stamp religious objections over whether to appropriately house a transgender person, amounting to taxpayer-funded discrimination.
Nearly one-third of transgender and gender non-binary people have experienced homelessness at some point in their life – and those who identify as Black, Middle Eastern, Multiracial, or undocumented are disproportionately affected, making up one-half of the homeless population. This proposed rule change would undoubtedly make transgender people less safe and leave them more at risk, which is especially alarming during a global health crisis that has impacted LGBTQ people disproportionately.
Public comment will be accepted on the rule change from July 24 until September 22. We need your help in working to make sure the change does not go into effect. During this 60 day period, members of the public can share why this rule would be a huge mistake. The Campaign for Southern Equality is proud to be working with a wide range of LGBTQ and social justice organizations to send a strong message that #HousingSavesLives. Click here to add your comment.Â
