Sydney is taking a monumental step toward addressing housing insecurity among transgender women. In a groundbreaking initiative, the city will deliver first-of-its-kind affordable housing specifically tailored for transgender women. Common Equity NSW is leading this initiative in collaboration with the Sydney City Council and the transfeminine All Nations housing co-operative.
A Safe Haven for Trans Women
Common Equity NSW will purchase seven properties at a significant discount to create a housing co-op aimed at women who are considered “highly at risk,” which includes transgender women. This project targets those with very low to moderate incomes, aiming to build a strong, viable, and thriving housing co-op that delivers positive outcomes for trans women. Nick Sabel, Chief Executive of Common Equity NSW, emphasized the project’s potential impact in a statement to PinkNews, highlighting the importance of providing secure and supportive housing for this vulnerable group.
The inspiration for this initiative came from a group of trans women seeking safe and affordable housing. Their collective efforts led to the formation of the All Nations co-operative, which will play a crucial role in shaping the development of these housing units. This co-op will ensure that the unique needs and concerns of trans women are at the forefront of the project.
Addressing Housing Discrimination
Trans women face significant risks of homelessness, largely due to widespread anti-trans discrimination. According to the National Center for Transgender Equality, one in five trans people has experienced housing discrimination. Aurora Green, a social worker at the Gender Centre and a trans woman, highlighted the challenges faced by transgender women in securing housing due to mismatched documentation and pervasive biases. Green pointed out that even though discrimination based on gender is illegal, it remains prevalent, especially when electronic applications reveal conflicting personal details.
Green emphasized the importance of dedicated services that understand and accommodate the specific needs of trans women, particularly those at different stages of their medical transition or those who choose not to transition medically. Such services offer much-needed flexibility and understanding, fostering a supportive environment that can significantly enhance the wellbeing of trans women. “When there’s a place that’s going to understand why that information may conflict and be understanding and helpful with that, that’s just so important… It also brings the trans community together,” Green said.
The council’s excess land scheme, which identifies underutilized government-owned properties and sells them to businesses that can repurpose them for those in need, is what makes these properties affordable. This scheme has previously benefited other underserved groups, including the homeless and low-income individuals.
Community and Government Support
Sydney Lord Mayor Clover Moore expressed pride in the council’s role in providing affordable housing for trans women. She noted that trans women are among the most vulnerable people in society, often facing rejection and isolation from their families and the broader community. Moore underscored the necessity of safe and affordable housing for the wellbeing of trans women, emphasizing the council’s commitment to fostering a more inclusive society. “Despite the progress we’ve made as a society when it comes to celebrating the contributions and achievements of LGBTIQA+ people, too many trans people regularly experience discrimination and exclusion. Providing safe and affordable housing for trans women is essential for their wellbeing. We want all people to feel confident in themselves,” she told The Guardian.
The seven-property site in Darlinghurst, purchased for AUD$2.5 million by Common Equity NSW in partnership with All Nations Housing Co-operative, is the first of its kind in Australia. This initiative sets a precedent for future projects aimed at supporting transgender individuals and other marginalized groups. Funds raised through the sale of these properties will contribute to the city’s affordable and diverse housing fund, ensuring the sustainability of similar projects in the future.
Beyond providing housing, this initiative aims to create a sense of community and support among trans women. By collaborating with organizations like the Gender Centre and ACON, the housing co-op will link residents with essential services and resources, fostering a supportive and inclusive environment.
Chief Executive Nick Sabel shared his optimism about the project’s potential: “This type of housing and the way they operate will provide transgender women with a lot of safety, security, and support. We’re very pleased to be able to work with the City of Sydney on the properties. They were just in the right location and the right configuration for this group… they are a very marginalized and vulnerable cohort, and I think this will be a great outcome,” he told 9 News.
The Bottom Line
As Sydney pioneers this innovative approach to affordable housing for trans women, it sets a powerful example for other cities and countries to follow. The success of this project could inspire similar initiatives worldwide, contributing to a broader movement toward inclusivity and support for the transgender community.
In a world where trans women often face significant barriers and discrimination, projects like this offer a beacon of hope. They demonstrate the power of community and government collaboration in creating safe, supportive, and affordable housing solutions for those most in need. By addressing the unique challenges faced by trans women, Sydney is taking a vital step toward a more inclusive and equitable society.
