Event Title
Inclusive Transgender Housing in Grand Rapids, MI
Presentation Type
Poster/Portfolio
Presenter Major(s)
Women and Gender Studies, History
Mentor Information
Kathleen Underwood
Department
Women and Gender Studies
Location
Kirkhof Center KC26
Start Date
10-4-2013 12:00 PM
End Date
10-4-2013 1:00 PM
Keywords
Culture, Gender, U.S. Diversity
Abstract
Recently, there has been an increased awareness centered on social justice for gender and sexuality minorities, but much less attention has been focused specifically on the need for safe and inclusive transitional housing/shelters for transgender individuals. The study outlined here examines shelter/transitional housing in Grand Rapids, Michigan. Using content analysis of websites, my study will explore the inclusion statements and the clientele statements of ten randomly selected shelters/transitional housing to determine whether or not each deliberately utilizes gender-specific inclusive or exclusive language. It is argued that if the statements reflect an inclusive gender-non specific language that the shelter/transitional housing will be more open to transgender clientele, and by extension offer a safer environment. This research provides a critical lens to examine the current state of resources available for transgender homeless and the need for a list of safe resources.
Inclusive Transgender Housing in Grand Rapids, MI
Kirkhof Center KC26
Recently, there has been an increased awareness centered on social justice for gender and sexuality minorities, but much less attention has been focused specifically on the need for safe and inclusive transitional housing/shelters for transgender individuals. The study outlined here examines shelter/transitional housing in Grand Rapids, Michigan. Using content analysis of websites, my study will explore the inclusion statements and the clientele statements of ten randomly selected shelters/transitional housing to determine whether or not each deliberately utilizes gender-specific inclusive or exclusive language. It is argued that if the statements reflect an inclusive gender-non specific language that the shelter/transitional housing will be more open to transgender clientele, and by extension offer a safer environment. This research provides a critical lens to examine the current state of resources available for transgender homeless and the need for a list of safe resources.