8 GROUNDCOVER NEWS LGBTQ+ SHELTER from page 6 they had to sleep apart. This separation added to their stress and made it harder for them to access the support they needed. Despite the center’s efforts, the lack of specialized services and understanding from some staff members made their stay challenging. Lynnie felt forced to misidentify to a gender that was not her own in order to stay with Sean. Safety was also an issue. Sean stated, “There were many times while staying at the Delonis Center where we felt unsafe. It felt that the staff were not listening to our concerns when we were often threatened by other guests.” Lynnie continued this thought by saying, “When we were staying there, we couldn’t sleep. We were unable to exist without harassment for who we were. I was physically assaulted many times before I felt forced to fight back. My assailants were not punished, but when we stood up for ourselves; we were banned from Delonis.” Lynnie and Sean took to the streets from there. They are very thankful for MISSION helping them with daily tasks, food, showers, etc. They are hoping that past projects like the “Lavender Project” return so that they can find temporary housing without social stigma and fear of violence. Now, let’s time-travel back to 2022 and meet Lynnie and Sean again at the Safety Dorms in Las Vegas. They found a welcoming and understanding environment where they could stay together. The flexible housing and specialized support services helped them feel safe and supported. With access to medical care, counseling, and legal assistance, they were able to start taking steps towards independence. Lynnie had some good experiences there. She felt comfortable expressing herself and was able to find community in the dorms. Sean stated, “I felt comfortable in the safety dorms. I felt the staff were looking out for us. I was able to get identification and get a job with their help.” Policy recommendations So, what can be done to improve shelter options for transgender individuals and couples? Here are a few ideas: Flexible Housing Arrangements: Shelters should adopt housing arrangements that respect the identities and relationships of transgender individuals. This means more private rooms and non-binary accommodations. Specialized Training for Staff: Staff should receive training to better understand and support transgender residents. This includes learning about gender identity and the unique challenges faced by the LGBTQ+ community. Comprehensive Support Services: Shelters need to offer services tailored to the needs of transgender individuals. This includes medical care, counseling, and legal assistance. Inclusive Policies and Practices: Implementing inclusive policies can help create a safer and more supportive environment. This means having anti-discrimination policies and measures to prevent harassment and violence. Community Partnerships: Shelters should partner with local LGBTQ+ organizations to enhance their support services. These partnerships can provide valuable resources and expertise. The Delonis Center in Ann Arbor and the Salvation Army Safety Dorms in Las Vegas both aim to help people experiencing homelessness, but their approaches to supporting transgender JUNE 14, 2024 individuals and couples are quite different. The Safety Dorms’ focus on inclusivity, flexible housing, and specialized support services provides a more effective model. By learning from these examples, other shelters can improve their services for transgender individuals and couples. Flexible housing arrangements, specialized training for staff, comprehensive support services, inclusive policies, and community partnerships are key to creating a more supportive environment. Let’s work towards a future where all individuals, regardless of their gender identity, can find a safe and welcoming place.
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