Gender Identity, Expression, & Transgender
Transgender is an umbrella term for people whose gender identity, expression, or behavior is different from those typically associated with their assigned sex at birth.
Previous HUD charges and a U.S. Supreme Court ruling in employment (Bostock v. Clayton County) may provide guidance for protection for persons from housing discrimination due to their gender identity, gender expression, or for being transgender under the federal protection of gender (sex) – although additional court rulings may need to occur in this area for consistency across the country.
FHCCI Resources:
Government Guidance & Resources:
- Implementation of Executive Order 13988 on the Enforcement of the Fair Housing Act, HUD, February 11, 2021 (Rescinded September 17, 2025)
- Executive Order on Preventing and Combating Discrimination on the Basis of Gender Identity or Sexual Orientation, January 20, 2021 (Rescinded January 21, 2025)
- Equal Access in Accordance with an Individual’s Gender Identity in Community Planning and Development Programs, HUD, September 21, 2016
- Guidance on Home Lending and Appropriate Placement for Transgender Persons in Homeless Shelters, HUD, February 15, 2015
- Final Rule on Equal Access to HUD Programs Regardless of Sexual Orientation or Gender Identity, HUD, February 2, 2012
- Memo on Investigation of Complaints Regarding Sexual Orientation, Gender Identity and Gender Expression, HUD, June 15, 2010
Reports of Interest:
- The State of Disabled LGBTQI+ People in 2024, Center for American Progress, July 15, 2025
- Transcending Prejudice: Gender Identity and Expression-Based Discrimination in the Metro Boston Rental Housing Market, Langowski, Jamie and Berman, William and Holloway, Regina and McGinn, Cameron, Yale Journal of Law and Feminism, Vol. 29, p. 321, 2018, Suffolk University Law School Research Paper No. 17-9, 2017
- Better Homes and Gardens Real Estate and NAGLREP Release Findings from First-of-its-Kind National LGBT Study Dedicated to Homeownership, July 2015
- Injustice at Every Turn – A Report of the National Transgender Discrimination Study, National Center for Transgender Equality and National Gay and Lesbian Task Force, 2011
- On the Streets – The Federal Response to Gay and Transgender Homeless Youth, Center for American Progress, June 10, 2010
- Transitioning Our Shelters: A Guide to Making Homeless Shelters Safe for Transgender People, National Gay & Lesbian Task Force, 2006
Other Resources:
- Indianapolis/Marion County Ordinance (includes gender identity) (Chapter 581)
- In Indianapolis, complaints of discrimination due to gender identity, expression, or due to being transgender can be filed with the Indianapolis Office of Equal Opportunity
- Supporting the Transgender People in Your Life: A Guide to Being a Good Ally, Advocates for Trans Equality
- First-Time Homebuyer Guide, LGBTQ+ Real Estate Alliance, 2022.
