News and Events => Political and Legal News => Topic started by: DriftingCrow on April 15, 2013, 06:32:17 PM Return to Full Version

Title: GLAD files complaint on behalf of transgender woman denied access at homeless sh
Post by: DriftingCrow on April 15, 2013, 06:32:17 PM
http://baywindows.com/GLAD-files-complaint-on-behalf-of-transgender-woman-denied-access-at-homeless-shelter (http://baywindows.com/GLAD-files-complaint-on-behalf-of-transgender-woman-denied-access-at-homeless-shelter)
Author: GLAD Source: Bay Windows

GLAD (Gay and Lesbian Advocates and Defenders) filed a complaint with the Massachusetts Commission Against Discrimination on behalf of a homeless woman (Ms. Doe) who was denied a bed in the women's dormitory of a homeless shelter once they learned of her transgender status. Ms. Doe was then sent to sleep in a storage closet without a bed or air conditioning from June to September 2012. Ms. Doe was also denied additional services such as long-term housing and substance abuse programs.

"Because current case law is split as to whether homeless shelters are housing accommodations or public accommodations, GLAD Attorney Allison Wright assisted Ms. Doe in filing a complaint against the shelter for both housing discrimination on the basis of gender identity and sex, and public accommodations discrimination on the basis of sex." Gender identity is not protected in Massachusetts for public accomodations, but Ms. Doe's situation shows that there is a need for protection.


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During Blizzard Nemo up here, I got an e-mail alert for a transguy group I am a member of looking for someone in Boston to take in a homeless MTF in during the storm because she was denied access to a woman's shelter due to her trans status. Luckily, someone took her in or else she certainly would've froze to death.
Title: Re: GLAD files complaint on behalf of transgender woman denied access at homeless sh
Post by: Felix on April 18, 2013, 07:14:29 AM
When I was a teenager I would get kicked out of shelters when people found out about my genital status. :/