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marcia fudge
LGBTQ Advocates Applaud HUD Reversal of Trump Anti-Trans Shelter Rule
"This is a decision that will save lives and help transgender people experiencing homelessness receive the assistance they need."
Apr 22, 2021
LGBTQ advocates on Thursday hailed a decision by the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development to withdraw a proposed Trump administration rule that would have allowed federally funded single-sex shelters to deny unhoused transgender people refuge in facilities matching their gender identity.
"Today, we are taking a critical step in affirming HUD's commitment that no person be denied access to housing or other critical services because of their gender identity. HUD is open for business for all."
--HUD Secretary Marcia Fudge
In a clear break with the previous administration's anti-transgender stance, HUD Secretary Marcia Fudge said in a statement that "access to safe, stable housing--and shelter--is a basic necessity."
"Unfortunately, transgender and gender-nonconforming people report more instances of housing instability and homelessness than cisgender people," she added. "Today, we are taking a critical step in affirming HUD's commitment that no person be denied access to housing or other critical services because of their gender identity. HUD is open for business for all."
\u201cHUD reaffirms commitment to equal access to housing and shelters regardless of gender identity. Read more: https://t.co/nVZUUoZGiC\u201d— Department of Housing and Urban Development (@Department of Housing and Urban Development) 1619122600
In what was then condemned as "yet another dangerous and disgraceful attack on transgender people," the May 2019 proposal would have rolled back the Obama administration's Equal Access Rules, which aimed to provide everyone with access to safe and secure housing, "regardless of their sexual orientation, gender identity, or marital status."
While promoting the Trump administration's discriminatory policies during a September 2019 visit to the agency's San Francisco office, former HUD Secretary Ben Carson sparked outrage when he speculated that residents at shelters for unhoused women would be traumatized if "big, hairy men" were allowed to stay there.
The National Center for Transgender Equality called Thursday's move "a clear indication that Secretary Fudge and President [Joe] Biden are strongly committed to protecting transgender people from housing discrimination."
\u201cGOOD NEWS! The HUD Equal Access Rule (protecting trans folks' right to be housed in shelters & public accommodations according to their gender identity) is here to stay! Thanks @SecFudge!\n\nTrans folks need 2 be treated w respect & that starts w keeping us safe! #HousingSavesLives\u201d— National Center for Transgender Equality (@National Center for Transgender Equality) 1619125862
Center deputy executive director Rodrigo Heng-Lehtinen said in a statement that "the Biden administration is living up to its commitment to protect transgender people from discrimination."
"Today's announcement by Secretary Fudge is an important step in ensuring access to safe, affirming housing for transgender people," he added. "This is a decision that will save lives and help transgender people experiencing homelessness receive the assistance they need."
Dylan Waguespack, public policy and external affairs director at the LGBTQ youth advocacy group True Colors United, said that "by ending this discriminatory proposal for good, the department is righting a serious wrong."
"Whether it's homeless shelters, sports, or healthcare, supporting the safety and dignity of all young people is a central tenet to our society, regardless of who they are or who they love," asserted Waguespack. "We're thrilled to see that tenet wholeheartedly embraced by Secretary Fudge and leadership across the Biden administration."
\u201cToday, @SecFudge announced HUD\u2019s recommitment to protecting transgender people experiencing homelessness from discrimination when they seek shelter or services.\n\nSign the THANK YOU CARD here: https://t.co/o6eyGwr9pn\u2026\u2026 \n\n#HousingSavesLives\u201d— Francis Dylan Waguespack (@Francis Dylan Waguespack) 1619125003
HUD's decision is the latest move by an administration that has worked swiftly to reverse Trump's anti-LGBTQ policies.
On his first day in office, Biden signed what the Human Rights Campaign hailed as "the most substantive, wide-ranging executive order concerning sexual orientation and gender identity" in U.S. history, while the Department of Defense announced last month that the Trump-era prohibition on transgender troops would be lifted.
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People For the American Way Responds to Marcia Fudge's HUD Confirmation: "We Are Excited About the Advances She Will Make for Millions of People."
Mar 09, 2021
Following the confirmation of Marcia Fudge as U.S. Secretary of Housing and Urban Development this afternoon, People For the American Way President Ben Jealous released the following statement:
"We congratulate Marcia Fudge today, on her confirmation as Housing and Urban Development Secretary making her the first Black woman to hold this position in more than 40 years. Secretary Fudge has spent her entire career working to ensure that all Americans are able 'to live a life free from poverty and its impacts,' including accessible, affordable, safe housing. We know Marcia Fudge will fight to end the discriminatory practice of redlining, address racial disparities in homeownership and expand access to quality, affordable housing. Ms. Fudge's confirmation is a victory for a more equitable America. We are excited about the advances that she will make for millions of people over the course of her tenure."
Saunders Cheers Fudge Confirmation; Says She Understands Role of Public Service Workers in Building Strong Communities
AFSCME President Lee Saunders released the following statement regarding the Senate's vote to confirm Marcia Fudge as U.S. Secretary of Housing and Urban Development:
Mar 09, 2021
AFSCME President Lee Saunders released the following statement regarding the Senate's vote to confirm Marcia Fudge as U.S. Secretary of Housing and Urban Development:
"As a former mayor and member of Congress, Marcia Fudge is a longtime champion for working people and a passionate advocate for affordable housing, a leader in the fight against poverty who is deeply committed to advancing inclusion and equity for all. The COVID-19 pandemic has had a devastating impact on the impoverished and marginalized populations that HUD serves; it has created a housing crisis, with tens of millions of people at risk of eviction. Secretary Fudge brings to the job an acute understanding of, and a commitment to solving, these challenges."AFSCME is especially interested in ensuring that America's public housing is safe, well-maintained and efficiently run. We have every confidence that Secretary Fudge will make that a centerpiece of her work at HUD. She has a sensitivity to local government needs and an understanding of the role public service workers play in building strong cities and communities. On behalf of AFSCME's 1.4 million members, I'm excited about her confirmation and eager to build a strong partnership with her."
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