Fair Housing Act and discrimination

[ReneeT]

One of the recent favorable developments impacting transgender people is the direction from the federal government that discrimination against TG people living in section 8 housing will prosecuted under the Fair Housing Act. I live in a 6 unit complex that, while not section 8, is managed by a management company that also administers section 8 units. Since moving in I have endured several negative interactions with one particular tenant, and only one, which have me thinkng that there is some transphobia at work. I am considering sending a letter to the management company outlining my concerns about what is becoming a hostile environment, possibly due to discrimination. I will site the FHA. While this situation may not be covered under the act as it involves private parties, it may get their attention enough to step in. I hate to think that I am over-reacting and playing the "T" card, but I also don't want to let slide something that impacts my quality of life that might be due to ingnorance and/ or hatred. I know i did not provide any details of the occurences, but, based on what i have said, i would appreciate your thoughts on this

Thanks

[sandra-leigh]

Have you started documenting the instances? Have you clearly told the other party to stop? Authorities are often reluctant to act until you have done those things, and you (as the offended party) telling the other party to stop is, in some situations, required before authorities have any jurisdiction.

[Phoebe]

One of the recent favorable developments impacting transgender people is the direction from the federal government that discrimination against TG people living in section 8 housing will prosecuted under the Fair Housing Act. I live in a 6 unit complex that, while not section 8, is managed by a management company that also administers section 8 units. Since moving in I have endured several negative interactions with one particular tenant, and only one, which have me thinkng that there is some transphobia at work. I am considering sending a letter to the management company outlining my concerns about what is becoming a hostile environment, possibly due to discrimination. I will site the FHA. While this situation may not be covered under the act as it involves private parties, it may get their attention enough to step in. I hate to think that I am over-reacting and playing the "T" card, but I also don't want to let slide something that impacts my quality of life that might be due to ingnorance and/ or hatred. I know i did not provide any details of the occurences, but, based on what i have said, i would appreciate your thoughts on this

Thanks
Have lived in a section 8 facility for nine years. The management knows of my dressing and presenting female in the building and in the community in general. Have never encountered negative remarks, maybe some 'looks' from those that may be transphobic living in the building. The housing manager advised if I encountered any negativity or harassment to advise the housing manager in writing and if need be file a complaint.

Also the State of Minnesota has a statue which includes transgender housing discrimination as being against the law in Minnesota.

[Stephanie-L]

As Sandra said, document everything. At the least, keep a journal with date, time and a brief description of the incident. You did not say if there were threats involved, if that is the case, go directly to the police. If it is just verbal harrasment like "D*** F****ts" mumbled when you are near, there may not be much you can do, he does have a right to his narrow minded opinion after all. If there is something more tangible, property destruction, grafiti, etc, then take photos to go along with your journal. Unfortunately, even though that person cannot interfere with your life because of their dislike of it, you cannot interfere with their life either unless they cause you some sort of harm, so it may just be a put up with it until they do something worse type of thing. I think it is a good idea to put the managment company on notice regarding this issue, so that if anything does happen that is actionable, there is a documented history. I would of course keep a copy of any letters you send, and if you think it has a strong potential to get ugly, send it certified mail, return reciept, so you have proof that the company was notified. Obviously what that is doing is preparing for a lawsuit against both the obnoxious tenant and the management company should the need arise. The management company will recognize that and take action accordingly. Just make sure that you are a model tenant so that they don't have anything to use against you. I am not a lawyer, but these are all things I have had to do over the years for various reasons. I know there are a few lawyers on this forum, perhaps they could chime in. I am sorry you are facing this kind of thing, transition is hard enough without those people making it harder. Best of luck to you and please keep us informed.......Stephanie

[Stephenie S]

By all means say something. I am a landlady. I would NEVER allow any tenant of mine to be harassed, verbally or physically. But how would I know if no one spoke up?

S