How To End Housing Discrimination Against Transgender People

In 2014, Cecilia Gentili and her partner were ready to move in together. It was a big step for their longterm relationship. When the couple started scouring Craigslist for the perfect home, Gentili—42 at the time—knew what she wanted: a two-bedroom in Ridgewood, Queens (where she lived at the time), close to the train, with a kitchen island and a patio out back. And they found one that fit all those criteria. She called a broker on the phone, and the prospect seemed like a slam dunk; she and her partner had steady jobs and great credit. They decided to go see the place.

Gentili identifies as a transgender woman; when she met the broker in person, the man fell silent, stared, and asked if she was Cecilia. When she answered affirmatively, he told her he’d forgotten the address of the place and excused himself, saying he’d get in touch. It never happened.