The Transgender Health and Wellness Center remains committed to supporting safe and affirming housing access for transgender, gender-nonconforming, and intersex (TGI) individuals. However, recent federal policy changes have created significant limitations on the use of certain federal housing funds for programs that explicitly support TGI communities.

On January 20, 2025, the federal administration issued Executive Order 14168, “Defending Women From Gender Ideology Extremism and Restoring Biological Truth to the Federal Government.” This order directs federal agencies to adopt specific definitions related to sex and gender in federal policy and programs.

The Executive Order states:

“It is the policy of the United States to recognize two sexes, male and female… ‘Sex’ shall refer to an individual’s immutable biological classification as either male or female. ‘Sex’ is not a synonym for and does not include the concept of ‘gender identity.’”

The order further directs federal agencies to review and remove policies or programs that the administration considers to promote what it defines as “gender ideology.”

Because the majority of housing subsidies administered by counties originate from federal funding sources—including HUD-related programs—many local governments and contractors must comply with federal directives in order to maintain those funds. As a result, organizations that explicitly support transgender, gender-nonconforming, or intersex individuals may face restrictions when seeking to administer or receive certain federally funded housing programs.

What This Means for Our Housing Programs

At this time:

• Certain federally funded housing programs may not be available to organizations providing gender-affirming services.
• This may limit the ability of the Transgender Health and Wellness Center to directly administer or utilize some federal housing subsidies for TGI clients.
• Our staff can still help individuals navigate housing systems, identify alternative programs, and advocate with housing providers or agencies to seek available subsidies or placements.

However, it is important for clients and community members to understand that access to these programs is not guaranteed, and TGI individuals may encounter barriers when seeking the same federally subsidized housing resources that are available to other populations.

Despite these limitations, the Transgender Health and Wellness Center remains committed to advocating for equitable housing access and will continue pursuing state, local, and private funding sources to expand safe and affirming housing opportunities for our community.