Steps include first-ever national study of discrimination against members
of the LGBT community in the renting and sale of housing

The National Black Justice Coalition (NBJC) applauds today’s announcement of proposals designed to ensure that U.S. Housing And Urban Development (HUD) housing programs are open to all, regardless of sexual orientation or gender identity.

These initiatives are among the strongest steps yet taken by the Obama Administration to ensure full inclusion of lesbian, gay, bisexual or transgender (LGBT) individuals in all aspects of society. Included is a proposed rule to explicitly include LGBT individuals in eligibility requirements, as well as specifying that sexual orientation or gender identity not be considered as factors in qualifying for any FHA-insured mortgage.

“This is a very positive development, and we are confident that it is one step among many that the LGBT community can look forward to from this President,” said Sharon J. Lettman, NBJC Executive Director. “It is vital that we recognize all the compositions of African American families, from single mom-led households to grandparents raising their grandchildren; families of color also include LGBT households and family members.”

Noting that prior state and local studies have demonstrated the existence of bias against LGBT renters and homebuyers, HUD also announced its intent to commission the first-ever national study of discrimination against members of the LGBT community in rental and sale of housing and intends to being the regulatory process immediately.

“It has long been said that local government most clearly reflects the hearts and minds of the people,” noted Lettman, “and so we applaud the federal government following the lead of state and local governments in working to secure equal opportunity for its LGBT citizens.”

“We hope to see a focus on LGBT youth, specifically youth of color,” added Deputy Executive Director Jason W. Bartlett, who is also a Connecticut State Representative. “As an African American organization, we think that LGBT youth of color is a significant factor that needs to be addressed by these changes.”

More than 42 percent of the country's homeless youth identify as LGBT, and approximately 90 percent of that group are people of color, according to a 2006 study released by the National Gay and Lesbian Task Force Policy Institute and the National Coalition for the Homeless.

The National Black Justice Coalition (www.NBJC.org) is a civil rights organization dedicated to empowering Black lesbian, gay, bisexual, and transgender people. Our mission is to end racism and homophobia. NBJC envisions a world where all people are fully empowered to participate safely, openly and honestly in family, faith and community, regardless of race, gender-identity, or sexual orientation.

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