Bridge shelter puts policy on trans homeless in writing

[Shana A]

Bridge shelter puts policy on trans homeless in writing

By John Wright News Editor
Apr 23, 2009 - 6:54:31 PM

http://www.dallasvoice.com/artman/publish/article_11155.php

Trans advocate Kelli Busey says some officials still resistant to nondiscrimination despite policy

The Bridge, Dallas' city-owned homeless shelter, recently put in writing a nondiscrimination policy stating that transgender clients will be housed according to their gender identity and not their biological sex.

But a transgender activist from Dallas who helped initiate the new written policy said she isn't satisfied with it.

The policy was spelled out in the wake of the December death of Jennifer Gale, a homeless transgender woman who lived in Austin. Gale, a former Dallas resident, reportedly lived on the streets in part because no homeless shelter in Austin houses transgender people according to their gender identity, which would've forced her to sleep and shower with men.

[Kaweah]

I think Kelli is right.  The policy is enlightened, but until its actually tested we won't know if it is used.

[V M]

Can any of you imagine how difficult it must be to be trans and homeless? Have you no heart? If you were suddenly thrown out on the streets because you are trans, How would you feel? How would you deal with the situation? Not only did those close to you just crap on you, but so does the rest of society. Maybe you are lucky enough to overcome various obstacles and get yourself a place and start rebuilding your life. Maybe you are not so lucky