TALLAHASSEE, Fla. – Quandarius “Chanel” Johnson spun a shimmering gold crown under the sunlight that poured through a nearby window, using it as a symbol of her inner strength. Identifying as a Leo, Johnson cherishes the crown, displayed prominently on her bedpost. Residing in a secure dwelling near the Florida Capitol, she finds solace despite the legislative constraints imposed on transgender individuals by the state’s Republican lawmakers. For instance, a recent law signed by Governor Ron DeSantis prohibits minors from accessing puberty blockers and hormone therapy, along with restricting restroom usage based on gender identity.
Located in a tranquil neighborhood on the outskirts of Florida’s capital, this four-bedroom, 1,600-square-foot house serves as a haven for Johnson, a Black transgender woman, shielded from the turbulent transgender debates engulfing the Florida legislature.
Capital Tea, a local nonprofit dedicated to transgender outreach, established this safe house in December 2022, offering five resident beds and an additional space for emergency accommodations. The funding for this initiative stems from concerned groups focused on LGBTQ+ safety, as explained by director Janel Diaz.
Statistics indicate that transgender and gender-nonconforming adults face a higher risk of homelessness, often estranged by unsupportive family members. Approximately one in five transgender individuals have experienced homelessness, with a significant portion being Black individuals.
Diaz, who experienced homelessness after coming out to her family at 18, emphasizes the critical need for safe housing solutions like Capital Tea’s initiative. She envisions expanding the program beyond Florida to serve as a model for other states, aiming to establish a network of support for transgender individuals nationwide.
In Memphis, Tennessee, a shelter caters to transgender women amidst legislative restrictions on gender-affirming care for youth. Similar initiatives exist in states with differing political landscapes, such as a ministry-run shelter in Michigan and a housing program facilitated by the TransLatin Coalition.
The significance of stable housing reverberates throughout transgender communities, as highlighted by recent reports from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention addressing homelessness among transgender women. Researcher Elle Lett underscores the intersecting challenges faced by transgender individuals, exacerbated by discrimination and systemic barriers.
Creating spaces of compassion and well-being is paramount for the mental health of transgender individuals, notes Christopher AhnAllen, emphasizing the contrast between supportive environments like the Capital Tea home and the hostility encountered elsewhere.
In Tallahassee, the Capital Tea safe house exudes a welcoming ambiance with modern furnishings and a sense of community. Residents like Johnson and Cancel find respite from their tumultuous pasts, embracing the solidarity and acceptance fostered within the house.
Despite facing rejection and hardship, individuals like Johnson and Cancel have found a sense of belonging and support through initiatives like Capital Tea, offering a lifeline of hope amidst adversity.