Press Contact: Naveen Farrani, [email protected], 512-621-5231
Austin/Houston/Dallas – Today in a public comment Texas Housers, Equality Texas, and the Resource Center denounced a proposed rule from the Department of Housing and Urban Development that would undermine protections for trans and queer Texans seeking housing under federal programs. The proposed rule rolls back protections based on sexual orientation and gender identity, including preventing trans women from accessing shelters.
For more information on the proposed rule and how to submit a public comment, read this blog post from Texas Housers.
Excerpt from the public comment:
“Individuals who benefit from those protections and will be harmed by the proposed rule are some of those most in need of housing assistance. About 30% of cases the Equality Texas help desk has received so far in 2026 have related to housing (rental assistance, evictions, homelessness and shelter needs, etc.), highlighting the importance of housing assistance to LGBTQ Texans. According to a 2022 nationwide survey, nearly one-third of transgender and nonbinary people have experienced homelessness, eight times the rate of the general population. These rates were even higher for Black and Native American respondents (50% and 39%, respectively). Despite comprising 5-10% of the overall population, LGBTQ individuals make up between 20% and 40% of homeless populations.”
Statement from Rox Sayde, Community Support Manager, Equality Texas:
“We consistently hear from LGBTQIA+ Texans across the state who are struggling to pay rent or find housing. These challenges disproportionately impact our community, and this proposed rule would have devastating consequences for an already-vulnerable population. Homelessness is a pervasive issue in the LGBTQIA+ community for many reasons, and family rejection is one contributing factor; many are kicked out of their homes or forced to flee an abusive or unsafe environment. In the face of these circumstances, HUD programs have been a crucial lifeline for our community. Yet as the cost of living continues to rise, and the need for safe, accessible housing grows more urgent, the Federal Government is pouring salt in the wound by rolling back access to critical services.”
Statement from Michael Depland, Communications Manager, Texas Housers:
“Housing affordability has become out of reach for an increasing number of Texans, resulting in higher rates of eviction and homelessness, with many seeking refuge in shelters, temporary housing, and other services. However, instead of fortifying these desperately needed resources, current federal leadership has decided to focus on a number of groups already vulnerable to displacement, including LGBTQ Texans, and potentially prevent them from getting needed help to place them in direct danger. History has shown that when all of our neighbors are stably housed, the health of our communities thrive. These potential rule changes would be devastating in the short and long term to build the safe and equal communities we wish to live in.”
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Texas Housers is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization founded in 1988 that advocates alongside low-income Texans for housing that is affordable, stable, dignified, and fair. Our mission is to support low-income Texans’ efforts to achieve the dream of a decent, affordable home in a quality neighborhood of their choosing. We work toward these goals through research, policy, and collaboration with community organizations.
Resource Center is one of the largest LGBTQIA+ community centers in the United States, serving over 60,000 people in North Texas every year. Established in 1983, our mission is to pursue societal equity by proudly offering LGBTQIA+ affirming resources that improve health and wellness, strengthen families and communities, and provide transformative education and advocacy.
Equality Texas is the largest statewide organization working to secure full equality for lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender and queer Texans. Since 1978 Equality Texas has advocated for the rights and dignity of the LGBTQIA+ community in Texas through political action, education, community organizing, and collaboration.
