#but that’s fucked up and orgs who discriminate against survivors need to face consequences

[isthisjackie]

Idk where this was obvi, but depending on the funding they receive they could literally not be allowed to do that! I used to work at a DV shelter, and I think it was under either VAWA or VOCA that in order to continue receiving funding, they would have to accept ALL survivors of DV. These were two of our largest sources of funding, and while I worked there we had clients who were men, trans women, and a variety of openly queer people. Obviously none of this negatively impacted the clients, if anything it really helped build a sense of community and acceptance among the adults and kiddos in shelter and the transitional housing program.

Granted I know it’s much easier to say “they HAVE to do this” than like actually getting them to do it, and then there’s the concern of how the shelter would treat someone they’re discriminating against. BUT I can almost guarantee that if this is a nonprofit shelter, they are receiving funding from either or both of these government programs. Like 100%. I would totally recommend filing complaints if possible! Depending on the state, you may also have like a state-centered DV org. Like in my state it’s called the Ohio Domestic Violence Network. They could help you walk you through any rights you have and reporting violations, and also potentially link you to other resources you didn’t even know about!

Once I was helping a friend help a young, disabled, homeless trans man and we were trying to get him placed in a domestic violence shelter. When my friend called she was told that of COURSE they couldn’t take him, he’s a MAN. She then found out that they wouldn’t take trans women either “for our other client’s comfort.”

If that isn’t a perfect example of how trans people will always be gendered by transphobes in the way that allows them to harm us the most, then I don’t know what is.