Central Florida resort being charged with discrimination against transgender woman

POLK COUNTY, Fla. — A Central Florida RV Resort Park is being charged with discrimination after sending a letter to a transgender resident.

The U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) is charging 21 Palms RV Resort, Inc. and its owner, Nathan Dykgraaf, in Davenport with discriminating against a former tenant because of her gender identity.

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The Fair Housing Act prohibits housing providers from discriminating because of a tenant’s gender identity, including prohibiting tenants from expressing their gender.

According to a news release, the charge alleges that Dykgraaf violated the Fair Housing Act when he gave the tenant a letter stating that he was aware she was transitioning and telling her to act as a man, talk as a man and dress as a man to avoid trouble.

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“No one should have to change how they express their gender identity to maintain their housing,” said Demetria L. McCain, HUD’s principal deputy assistant secretary for Fair Housing and Equal Opportunity. “Setting restrictions like these is not only unacceptable, it is illegal. This charge demonstrates HUD’s commitment to enforcing the Fair Housing Act and ensuring housing providers meet their fair housing obligations.”

Read the charge below:

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“The conduct alleged here provides a clear example of unlawful discrimination,” said Damon Smith, HUD’s general counsel. “This charge makes clear that the department will take action to stop housing providers from subjecting transgender tenants to such unlawful conduct.”

If you believe you have experienced discrimination you can file a complaint by contacting HUD’s Office of Fair Housing and Equal Opportunity at (800) 669-9777.

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