Shelter Organizing

SUPPORT, TRAININGS AND ADVOCACY FOR THE LGBT HOMELESS

QEJ are the only organization to focus our work on the issues facing homeless lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender adults.

• Outreach and Support: We run outreach and support groups at homeless shelters across the city. We are the only LGBT organization (and one of the very few groups of any kind) who go into homeless shelters. We provide support, and provide referrals to LGBT-sensitive services.
• Trainings: We also bring shelter residents out of the shelter and into our monthly “Know Your Rights” Trainings, where we offer concrete information and tools for LGBT homeless people to better advocate for themselves.
• Media: Q-Talk is our monthly television series which highlights political issues of concern to low-income queers. It can be viewed on MNN cable channel 34, and online.
• Advocacy: We advocate for fairer policies in the shelter system.
  • In 2007, we successfully organized a coalition to demand that the City treat homeless LGBT domestic partners as if they are a married couple when they apply for shelter.
  • In 2006, we succeeded in getting the City to create a policy that would allow transgender residents to self-determine which shelter system (male or female) they would like to live in.

For more information about the Shelter Project or to get involved, contact Jay Toole at jay-at-q4ej.org.