Best Practices for Tenant Groups: LGBT2S
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| 1. | To ensure that tenant relations practices are fair and anti-discriminatory, develop a ‘Policy of Respect’ that is inclusive of all populations. The Policy of Respect must state that people are accepted for who they say they are; for example, a trans woman is a woman, a trans man is a man. Also develop procedures that will be applied consistently to enforce the Policy of Respect. Related Links >> |
| 2. | To ensure that policies are applied evenly across your tenant population, be sure that policies and house rules address behaviours, not individuals. In other words, write policies, procedures, and rules proactively, not as a reaction to a perceived infraction, and make sure the same rules apply to everyone. When framing policy statements, use gender-neutral language to encourage a feeling of inclusion by all tenants. Related Links >> |
| 3. | To ensure that employees are prepared to work appropriately with LGBT2S applicants and tenants, develop a training plan that educates your staff members in cultural sensitivity to LGBT2S communities. Include education that focuses on cultural and ethnic diversity and the promotion of equality. Related Links >> |
| 4. | To ensure that informational materials and forms are inclusive, use gender-neutral wording, e.g. rather than stating ‘services for men and women’, state ‘services for people’; use language such as ‘partner’ or ‘spouse’ instead of ‘husband’ or ‘wife’; ‘parent’ rather than ‘mother’ or ‘father’. Related Links >> |
| 5. | To ensure that your physical space is welcoming, post signage that acknowledges and welcomes LGBT2S people. Display the Policy of Respect, LGBT posters, brochures, and/or other materials. Provide gender-neutral washrooms: don’t assume which washroom a person will need to use. Related Links >> |
| 6. | To provide appropriate supports and referrals to LGBT2S tenants, be connected with LGBT2S-friendly service providers. Have personal contacts in these organizations to contact to assist LGBT tenants. Also have information available regarding how LGBT tenants can access these services. Related Links >> |
| 7. | To ensure that tenant-tenant relations are conducted in safety and security, develop tenant relations policies and practices that support inclusion, peacefulness, and appropriate conflict resolution strategies. These policies and practices may include creating specific groups for LGBT2S tenants, and addressing discriminatory comments in general groups. Related Links >> |
