Transgender Law Center works hard to ensure all transgender and gender nonconforming people have a safe place to live. We receive many calls to our legal help line from people who are experiencing discrimination in housing, and we do our best to find solutions for each caller.
In July 2010, the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development clarified that the Fair Housing Act (FHA)’s prohibition against “gender discrimination” included protection for transgender people. The FHA is the federal law that prohibits discrimination in federally funded housing properties, as well as with regard to federally funded housing loans. This is a significant victory for transgender people, who are often subjected to discrimination and harassment in their living situations. In addition to this federal housing protection, state and local laws also protect transgender people from discrimination and harassment in living situations. At Transgender Law Center, we regularly provide information about relevant housing laws and policies, conduct “know your rights” trainings, and partner with private attorneys and other public interest organizations to file complaints on behalf of transgender people.
- U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD)
All housing programs administered by HUD ban discrimination based on gender identity in their programs. You can read the final rule here. - U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) discrimination complaint form
This link connects you with HUD’s contact information and a complaint form if you have experienced discrimination. - California Fair Housing and Employment Act: What It Means to You
A fact sheet from the Transgender Law Center that explains California law that applies to employees and tenants. The fact sheet explains what gender identity discrimination is and how you can take steps to address the situation if you’ve been discriminated against. - Transgender Employees and Tenants in California: Rights and Responsibilities
A fact sheet from Transgender Law Center and the National Center for Lesbian Rights explaining rights and responsibilities under the law
One of every five transgender people has been homeless. Addressing this crisis requires tireless advocacy to combat the economic injustices faced by our communities. It also requires advocacy to ensure that all people have a right to safe and stable housing, regardless of gender identity or expression.
Back in 2002, Transgender Law Center worked to make sure that California laws regarding housing discrimination include transgender people. California laws regarding public accommodations and government programs, such as homeless shelters, also include protections for transgender people.
Currently, Transgender Law Center is working to improve access to homeless shelters in Los Angeles by advocating for policy changes with the Los Angeles Homeless Services Authority (LAHSA). You can learn more about that work, and the community group making it happen, the LA HEALTH Council, here.
Get involved in our housing advocacy by educating your local shelters about state and federal policies protecting transgender people. You can also share your story with us so we can use your experience to educate policy makers.
Coming soon …
Housing Related Blog Posts:
- New Federal Housing Discrimination Regulations March 14, 2012
- Homelessness & Health Care: A Community Forum March 14, 2012
- HUD: New Rule, No Discrimination! January 28, 2012
- The State of Transgender California May 29, 2008