3/16/23 – Katie Ramos

Welcome, and thank you for joining us today. Our conversation explores the unique challenges faced by the LGBTQ+ community in accessing affordable housing, an issue of growing concern in many cities, including Aurora. Could you begin by sharing your personal journey or a story close to you that sheds light on these challenges?

Thank you for having me. My journey with affordable housing as a member of the LGBTQ+ community in Aurora started when I came out. I was living in a relatively conservative neighborhood and soon found my living situation untenable due to discrimination from my landlords and neighbors. This experience of losing my home because of my identity was both jarring and eye-opening. It propelled me into advocacy work, focusing on the intersection of LGBTQ+ rights and affordable housing. Many in our community face similar challenges, where discrimination doesn’t just come from societal prejudice but is also embedded in the systems that should provide shelter and security.

Your experience highlights a significant and often overlooked issue. How do you see these personal experiences reflecting broader systemic issues related to LGBTQ+ individuals and affordable housing?

These personal experiences are indicative of broader systemic issues that create barriers to affordable housing for LGBTQ+ individuals. Discrimination in housing, whether in the form of harassment by landlords or refusal to rent, is a significant issue. This discrimination is compounded for transgender individuals and LGBTQ+ people of color, who often face additional layers of bias.

Moreover, there’s a lack of legal protection at the federal level, with many states and cities, including Aurora, lacking comprehensive anti-discrimination laws covering housing. This legal gap leaves many in our community vulnerable. Additionally, economic disparities, fueled by workplace discrimination, mean that LGBTQ+ individuals often have fewer financial resources, making the search for affordable housing even more challenging.

Given these complexities, what initiatives or policies do you believe are essential for improving access to affordable housing for the LGBTQ+ community?

Addressing the affordable housing needs of the LGBTQ+ community requires targeted initiatives and inclusive policies:

• Anti-Discrimination Laws: Strengthen and enforce anti-discrimination laws that protect LGBTQ+ individuals in the housing market. This includes laws that explicitly prohibit discrimination based on sexual orientation and gender identity.
• Supportive Housing Programs: Develop housing programs specifically designed to support LGBTQ+ individuals, particularly youth and elders, who are at a higher risk of homelessness. These programs should offer not just housing but also access to supportive services, such as counseling and healthcare.
• Education and Training for Housing Providers: Implement mandatory education and training programs for landlords, property managers, and real estate agents on LGBTQ+ rights and the importance of inclusivity and respect in housing practices.
• Community-Based Solutions: Support and fund LGBTQ+ community centers and organizations that can provide resources, support, and advocacy for individuals facing housing discrimination or homelessness.
• Inclusive Urban Planning: Encourage inclusive urban planning that considers the needs of diverse populations, including LGBTQ+ individuals, in the development of affordable housing projects and community services.

As we consider these solutions, what message do you hope to convey to the community and policymakers about the importance of inclusive and equitable access to affordable housing for the LGBTQ+ community?

My message is one of urgency, inclusion, and humanity. Everyone deserves a safe and affordable place to call home, including LGBTQ+ individuals who often face unique challenges in securing housing. It’s imperative that our community and policymakers recognize housing as a fundamental human right and take concrete steps to ensure that this right is upheld for everyone, regardless of their sexual orientation or gender identity.

To policymakers, I urge you to consider the specific needs of the LGBTQ+ community in your housing policies and initiatives. To the Aurora community, I encourage support for LGBTQ+ individuals facing housing challenges, whether through advocacy, volunteering, or simply offering a supportive environment. Together, we can create a more inclusive, equitable, and just housing system that recognizes and celebrates diversity.

Thank you for sharing your powerful story and insights. Your advocacy work is crucial in highlighting the intersection of LGBTQ+ rights and affordable housing, and it’s clear that a collective effort is needed to address these challenges.

Thank you for the opportunity to share my experiences and thoughts on this important issue. I’m hopeful that by raising awareness and working together, we can overcome the barriers to affordable housing for LGBTQ+ individuals and build a more inclusive community for all. Let’s keep pushing forward with compassion and determination.