Homeless transgender people have a new place to call home in New York City. But if you are a heterosexual homeless person who knows his God-given pronouns, you may have to sleep on a park bench.
The city’s Department of Social Services announced the launch of a new homeless shelter exclusively for homeless transgender people. It’s the first such shelter in the nation.
“New York City has long been a leader in advancing LGBTQ+ rights and protections, and we’re
proud to continue that tradition with the opening of the nation’s first city-funded shelter dedicated
to supporting transgender individuals,” DHS administrator Joslyn Carter said.
Ace’s Place is the name of the transgender shelter – funded completely by your tax dollars – a lot of tax dollars – like $65 million.
It has a full-time psychiatrist on site, as well as clinical staff and social workers, officials said. Those staying there will also get perks, including culinary and GED classes, the New York Post reported.
City leaders say transgender people need a place exclusively for them because trans rights are under attack. Gender non-conforming people would also be allowed to use the space.
But straight, gay, lesbian and bisexual homeless people would be stuck living on the sidewalk – or in a refrigerator box.
“Every New Yorker should feel safe in our shelter system. But instead of fixing the system for everyone, the city is spending $63 million to build a separate facility based on gender identity,” Republican city council member Joann Ariola told The Post.
City leaders say Ace’s Place will provide comprehensive services in a “trauma-informed” setting. I’m not sure what that means. But what I do know is that New York City is “trans-ing” $65 million of our tax money.