Why Transgender Individuals Face Higher Risks of Homelessness and How Discrimination Contributes to the Growing Crisis
A growing number of gender nonconforming and transgender people are experiencing homelessness in the U.S., a trend that seems baffling because public polling indicates LGBTQ+ individuals are more socially accepted than ever before.
Over the last three years, federal data shows the number of gender nonconforming and transgender people experiencing homelessness has grown from roughly 4,500 to more than 7,800. These individuals are more than twice as likely to experience unsheltered homelessness compared to cisgender youths.
Transgender and gender nonconforming individuals experiencing homelessness also face greater health challenges than their sheltered counterparts. For instance, 38% of transgender and gender nonconforming respondents to the most recent VI-SPDAT survey said they have a chronic health issue compared to just 3% of sheltered respondents. This underscores the importance of providing support and understanding to these individuals, who are some of the most vulnerable experiencing homelessness.
These individuals are also more likely to be victimized than other people experiencing homelessness. Last year, the Human Rights Campaign found at least 32 transgender people were killed, 80% of whom were people of color.
“Living on the streets and being forced to engage in risky survival behaviors elevates the risk of violence and victimization among this extraordinarily vulnerable group,” the National Alliance to End Homelessness said in a policy brief.
While transgender and gender nonconforming individuals experiencing homelessness are often lumped together with cisgender individuals by service providers, this population faces unique challenges that need to be addressed. This article provides a basic framework for how gender identity and homelessness are connected.
Discrimination and Social Stigma
One of the leading causes of homelessness for transgender and gender nonconforming individuals is discrimination. This is true for both youths and adults.
According to the National Coalition for the Homeless, about 26% of LGBTQ+ youths report being forced out of their home because of their gender identity or sexual orientation. A number of these individuals also report facing discrimination from faith-based service organizations and shelters.
Amy Rowland, the chief program officer at Covenant House California, has seen the impact of discrimination on LGBTQ+ individuals firsthand over her decade-long tenure at the nonprofit. She said the Covenant House location in Anaheim has more than 180 LGBTQ+ youths waiting for a shelter bed. About 40% of the youths that Covenant House serves overall identify as LGBTQ+ as well, Rowland added.
“A lot of service providers are trying to do better, but young people don’t get space there,” Rowland told Invisible People in an interview.
There are several reasons why transgender and gender nonconforming individuals have a hard time finding shelter space. For youths, many shelters do not offer age-specific services. Adults often avoid shelters because they are known to be dangerous.
These challenges have been amplified given our current political climate, Rowland continued.
“We need more robust mental health and wellness support embedded throughout, and then we need the housing on the other side,” she said.
Lack of Services
Another reason why so many LGBTQ+ individuals find themselves experiencing homelessness is that there are a limited number of services and supports that can address their individual issues.
Data from Advocates for Trans Equity, a national nonprofit, shows that about 20% of transgender individuals face housing discrimination every year. Another 10% have been evicted from their home because of their gender identity.
Similarly, service providers and homeless shelters often fail to provide adequate support for these individuals. This includes housing transgender individuals in gendered spaces where they don’t identify. Some exclude LGBTQ+ people altogether because of their gender identity or sexual orientation.
A recent report from the University of Colorado Denver found that many transgender individuals in Denver who sought help from shelters or case managers faced discrimination.
“Sheltering and case management, which are supposed to be the biggest things that help people, were actually the biggest barriers,” the report concluded.
The report also called for “simple changes” to the way services are delivered to this population, which could meaningfully impact participants. Those changes include “access to gender-neutral facilities, safe and respectful living environments that affirm gender identities, private living spaces that are not assigned based on gender, and medical and psychological services that are both sensitive and understanding of all gender identities.”
The Impact of Criminalization on Marginalized Communities
The ongoing criminalization of homelessness disproportionately impacts marginalized communities, including transgender and gender nonconforming individuals. Too many programs designed to address homelessness are rooted in law enforcement rather than social services. And it’s getting worse.
Across the nation, anti-homeless laws are advancing through legislative committees, propelled by secret votes, corporate funding, out-of-state lobbyists, and conservative think tanks like the Cicero Institute.
Here’s how you can help:
- Advocate for Policy Change: Contact representatives and push for housing protections for transgender and gender nonconforming individuals. Support laws that provide safe, inclusive shelters and reject the criminalization of homelessness.
- Support Local Organizations: Help shelters and nonprofits creating gender-affirming spaces and essential services for LGBTQ+ individuals.
- Raise Awareness: Spread the word about how discriminatory policies harm transgender individuals. Advocate for compassionate solutions like safe, accessible housing.
At this pivotal moment, we must make the truth louder than ever. Tell your representatives you support revamping how your city addresses homelessness. Handcuffs won’t solve homelessness. Instead, we must focus on compassionate solutions, the first step to ending homelessness.