IFBP Statement on Resource Center for Senior LGBT
October 26, 2009
By IFBP
Today the International Federation of Black Prides, Inc. (IFBP) issued a statement on recent announcements by the Obama Administration to create a national resource center to aid lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender (LGBT) seniors and to eliminate discrimination against LGBT families in Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) housing programs:
''We applaud President Obama and his administration for taking this step to demonstrate its commitment to the equal treatment of LGBT families,'' said International Federation of Black Prides President and CEO Earl Fowlkes. ''Access to fair and affordable housing continues to remain a primary challenge for many LGBT families, particularly for gay, lesbian, bisexual and transgender people of color. These efforts by the Obama Administration will help ensure that all families will have an equal chance to secure and enjoy a proper home at each stage of their lives.''
The Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) announced Wednesday that it will annually award, based on funding availability, a single resource grant of $250,000 to help LGBT and mainstream aging services providers improve their services and support of LGBT seniors.
The Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) also announced on Wednesday proposed regulatory changes to prohibit discrimination against LGBT families in HUD programs. According to HUD, the changes would clarify the term ''family'' to ensure that same sex couples and their families are considered eligible for HUD programs; require grantees and those who participate in the Department's programs to comply with local and state non discrimination laws that cover sexual orientation or gender identity; and specify that any Federal Housing Administration insured mortgage loan must be based solely on the borrower's credit worthiness.
In addition, HUD announced on Wednesday that it will commission a first ever nationwide study to determine the extent of discrimination based on sexual orientation in housing sales and rental programs.
The International Federation of Black Prides is a coalition of Black Pride organizers formed to promote a multinational network of LGBT/SGL (Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Transgender/Same Gender Loving) Prides and community based organizations.