Biden’s administration filed a federal discrimination charge against a Florida trailer park owner and its operator for allegedly requiring a transgender woman to present as a male in order to prevent her from being evicted.
The Department of Housing and Urban Development announced Tuesday that the charge against the woman alleges that the owner of 21 Palms RV Resort in Davenport (Florida) sent her a discriminatory and threatening letter after she revealed that she was transgender, in violation of Fair Housing Act.
Demetria L. McMahon, a HUD official, stated that “no one should have to modify how they identify their gender to maintain their housing.” This is unacceptable and illegal.
The charges state that the resident lived at 21 Palms for many years with her child and husband before she came out as transgender. She was allegedly seen “wearing feminine-presenting clothes in public” on January 4, 2021. Nathan Dykgraaf (the park’s manager and owner) allegedly sent the woman a handwritten note nine days later regarding her appearance.
Dykgraaf wrote that he was informed about your plans to change your sex to a female. To avoid any problems, you should: Act like a man 2. Talk like a man Dress like a man Don’t wear tight clothes that show your sexual organs. These steps will help you avoid trouble. Sincerely Nathan D.”
Dykgraaf didn’t immediately respond to NBC News’ request for comment.
Fearing being kicked out, she stopped presenting herself as a woman, avoided speaking to neighbors, and stopped using park amenities.
HUD filed a complaint against the park in February. It claimed that the Fair Housing Act prohibits discrimination on the grounds of race, sex and gender identity. Dykgraaf responded to her complaint one month later. She stated that the woman was “not free to interact with other tenants regarding her clothing and transition” but that her actions are disruptive to the community.
In August, the unnamed complainant moved with her family out of the motorhome park. Now, she is seeking damages for emotional distress and lost housing opportunity.
