The Nonprofit Helping Homeless Black Trans Women

The Homeless Black Trans Women Fund aims to provide safety and security for trans women. Started in 2020, this Miami-based has a wide range of services, from campaigning to #endtranshate to giving financial assistance for trans and gender-nonconforming people who may need it. Their mission statement is to give the Black trans community their independence and freedom.

The Fund is still in its infancy, but its current goal is to own or lease five apartments in order to provide housing to 20 Black trans women. While based in Miami, it is not limited to Miami residents. The organization hopes to expand to other cities in the future. Along the way, donations also go toward programs like food assistance and getting Black trans women away from dangerous situations. These programs are available to any who need help.

Black trans women make up the vast majority of victims of Anti-LGBTQ+ violence. Between 2022 and 2023, at least 33 trans people have died, according to the Human Rights Campaign. This summer alone has seen at least four trans women who were found dead, and two of those women were Black. Furthermore, trans and gender-nonconforming people are far more likely to experience houselessness, which in turn raises the likelihood of experiencing violence.

This type of work is especially needed in the Fund’s home state of Florida. It is the heart of Anti-LGBTQ+ laws and discrimination. Healthcare providers can legally discriminate against trans and queer patients based on their religious values within the state. Already, Black trans women struggle to get the healthcare they need, whether it be gender-affirming or just everyday health issues. This makes it even more difficult to get access to healthcare.

The Homeless Black Trans Women Fund breaks down the barriers faced by so many Black and trans individuals. It gives trans women the autonomy they deserve but so often lack and ensures trans women are safe from harm.

Photo courtesy of  Meg via Unsplash