An organisation that supports transgender people in exercising their human right to access appropriate housing says it is “unacceptable” that the transgender group who advertised for a new flatmate stating they did not want to live with heterosexuals, have been painted as villains by the Human Rights Commission. The ad faced criticism from the Human Rights Commission who said although their ad was legal it was not something they support. “If we started from an equal position, it would be discrimination to say no heterosexuals, but we start from an unequal position. Saying ‘no heterosexuals’ would only be unfair discrimination if heterosexuals were targeted by widespread housing discrimination. It’s not ‘PC gone mad’ or ‘special rights’, it’s about equity – which is what the Bill of Rights and the Human Rights Act are all about’’ says Gender Minorities Aotearoa spokesperson Adeline Greig. ’’It is unacceptable that the trans flatmates have been painted as Human Rights Villains for wanting a safe home’’, Ms Greig says, ’’and unfortunate that the HRC spokesperson has missed the mark so spectacularly.’’ Tabby Besley, National Coordinator of InsideOUT also supports the group and says, “Unfortunately trans people in New Zealand face housing discrimination on a regular basis, often leading to homelessness. It is imperative that all trans people have access to safe housing. “Wanting to live with people who share similar identities with you is a common way of ensuring that safety, and an important precaution many trans people are forced to take.” Greig says Gender Minorities Aotearoa is calling for transgender led organisations to be better resourced, so they can provide much needed support. ‘We want to see transgender led organisations and transgender housing initiatives thriving. Every person deserves a safe home’. Ahi Wi-Hongi ,National Coordinator of the group, seconds this call and adds, “It’s important that trans perspectives feature in the public conversation - trans people have very different experiences of discrimination and it's easy for that to get lost when trans people aren't the ones doing the talking”
Credit: GayNZ.com Daily News staff
First published: Thursday, 28th January 2016 - 2:41pm