Washington, DC – U.S. Representative Charlie Crist (D-St. Petersburg) issued the following statement regarding reports that Housing and Urban Development (HUD) Secretary Ben Carson made comments hurtful to transgender Americans during an internal meeting this week while visiting HUD’s San Francisco office.
“The Secretary’s comments were derogatory and reflect a long and well documented history of discrimination against a community of people, many of whom are in need of housing assistance due to rejection by family and friends for simply being who they are. This year alone, we’ve witnessed the tragic murders of 19 transgender Americans, including 18 black trans women.
“Trans Americans deserve to be respected and protected. The Secretary’s comments and actions cause real harm, are beneath the dignity of the office he holds, and are not in keeping with the mission of the agency he leads.”
