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.

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Apr 10th, 12:00 PM Apr 10th, 1:00 PM

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.