Room to Be Me
Supporting transgender and gender-nonconforming (TGNC) people with the information they need to find gender affirming housing in shelters and assert their rights once placed in a shelter.
Facing rampant housing discrimination, TGNC people are one of the most disproportionately unhoused communities in the United States. Shelters are usually the first place people go to when they are unhoused. Unfortunately, shelters have not been a safe space for TGNC people. They have experienced widespread discrimination and violence in the NYC shelter system, both from staff and other residents.
Even though policies exist to protect TGNC people in shelters, shelter staff have not implemented these policies, and TGNC people's rights to safe and gender affirming shelter continue to be violated. It's really important that TGNC people understand what their rights are in shelters and what to do if they are violated.
That’s why the Bronx Defenders LGBTQ Defense Project and Harvard Law School’s LGBTQ+ Advocacy Clinic collaborated with CUP and designer Marisa Hetzler to create Room to Be Me, a guide that provides TGNC people with clear information to understand how to find gender affirming housing in shelters, what shelter options exist, and what their rights are in shelters. The tool also explains the transfer process in case their shelter placement isn’t safe, and how to report a grievance if other staff or residents are disrespecting or harassing them.
The advocates are excited to share this booklet with their clients, other attorneys, and community-based organizations that support TGNC people across New York City.
Check Out the Project
Cover and select spread of Room to Be Me
Buy a Copy
Download a Free Copy
Project Collaborators
Designer
Special Thanks
Andres Diaz, Essence Edwards, Chinyere Ezie, Erin B. Harrist, Mikaila Hernández, Mariah Lopez, Jazmin Marcus, Leah Todd, Jade Thompson, Melonie Turner, Naomi Waters, and the NYC Department of Social Services Office of Legal Affairs and Office of LGBTQI Affairs.
Product Details
5.5″ x 8.5″ color pamphlet
Funding Support
Support for Making Policy Public is provided by the National Endowment for the Arts and public funds from the New York City Department of Cultural Affairs in partnership with the City Council. This project is supported in part by the National Endowment for the Arts, and by public funds from the New York City Department of Cultural Affairs in partner-ship with the City Council.
General support for CUP’s programs is provided by the Laurie M. Tisch Illumination Fund, Lily Auchincloss Foundation, Mertz Gilmore Foundation, and the New York State Council on the Arts with the support of the Office of the Governor and the New York State Legislature.
Thanks to all the individuals who supported our crowdfunding campaign for this project during 2023.
